First IM - IM Mont Tremblant or IM Florida?

Actually I just registered for IMMT as my second IM.

IMFL is flat (pretty much) and IMMT is a hilly race. Depends on what you think you can handle.

I know it will be a challenge based on a few folks that have done the race. Check out the race reports for IMMT here on BT to get an idea.

Sounds like a really nice, and fun race for sure, but difficult.

I did the Tremblant 70.3 and am signed up for the full in 2013, so I'm a bit biased, but it's an awesome venue! Florida is, well Florida. I actually prefer a course that isn't flat, especially on the bike. In theory, you'd think a flat bike would be nice, but when there are downhills you can recover a little - stop peddling when it's flat and you just slow down.

I'd also suggest reading race reviews to get an idea of which you'd prefer.

I haven't done IMMT but have done Florida a couple of times. As has been said, a lot this depends on where you live and how you train. If you like hills some of my Austin friends really enjoyed IMMT. They loved the venue and the post event sightseeing seemed nice. 

That said, Florida is a great first timer venue. It may be a fairly bland bike route, but no matter your condition when you get off the bike you will appreciate the pancake flat course. When I last raced a couple of years ago I remember them announcing at the awards banquet that IMFL consistently has the highest finish % for 1st timers. 

Another thing IMFL has going for it is lodging. The race is in the off season of a spring break destination. We rent houses and condos for a fraction of what it costs at other race venues (I'm looking at you IMCdA). I think we're getting two 3 bedroom condos just off the race course for 4 nights for $500 total this year. 

Anyway, I think either location will have pros and cons, and either way you go it will be a special adventure. Good luck and happy training. 

-Joey
www.RocketScienceSports.com 

I haven't done IM Florida so I can't compare but IMMT is a fantastic venue!  

They are two completely different courses from what I can tell though.  Ocean swim(?) vs lake swim, flat bike course vs NOT flat (at all).  

IMMT is quite spectator friendly IMO, my wife got to see me many times during the day (swim exit, bike start, bike kms 70,90,160, run out,19,21,40 and finish).  Accommodations are right on site, so she could just go back to the hotel room while waiting.  We have no kids but others that do said it was perfect for families. 

Hope that helps.

6 people from my Club did IMMT 2 weeks ago, they all loved the venue and said if you have any intention to do it next year you had better register as soon as possible because they predict that it is going to fill very very fast for next year. As mentioned very little comparison between IMMT and IMFL. IMFL is basicially flat and IMMT being on the Canadian shield is anything but, IMMT offers beautiful scenery and from what I understand the Local community is really getting behind it and local hospitality was excellent.

So if I had to pick a destination race I think IMMT would be the Pick, based on what I was told.

Do you like hills and can you train on them? If you can, then IMMT. If you don't like them and/or can't train on them, then IMFL.