Quebec- Mont-Sainte-Anne has a lot going for it: a diverse terrain network, a convenient location for those who live around Quebec City, and incredible scenery. It also has an aging lift network that hasn’t received the necessary investments for years, leading to various public incidents. The latest one has delayed its opening, and locals are pissed.
Yesterday, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) announced that four lifts are shut down until further notice. These lifts include L’Express du Nord, L’Express du Sud, L’Étoile filante, and La Panorama Express.
“As a reminder, ski resort operators are primarily responsible for the safety of their customers,” said Stéphane Petit, Vice-President of Inspection at the RBQ. “The RBQ ensures that they comply with their regulatory obligations. Our priority remains public safety. The resumption of activities will depend on the pace at which Mont-Sainte-Anne complies with the requirements of the order.”
This is due to a break in an underground section of the ski resort’s electrical network. The news follows an extended power outage that affected the ski resort earlier this month. In response, the ski resort will only have a partial opening this weekend, and an update will be provided on Monday.
RCR’s Problems
Mont-Sainte-Anne is owned by the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR). Mont-Sainte-Anne was supposed to be on the up following an agreement with Quebec to refurbish the ski resort. Tensions with the province aren’t new, as it’s faced scrutiny due to an abrupt gondola stoppage in 2020 (resulting in injuries) and a gondola detachment in 2022 (no injuries).
The other notable incident for RCR occurred at Kicking Horse, where a gondola detachment occurred in March. The lift was closed for months to undergo repairs and reopened in September after it was deemed safe to ride.
RCR owns several major ski resorts in Canada, including Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberly, Mont-Sainte-Anne, and Stoneham. With another public incident, you have to wonder how long they can keep going until a shake-up happens.
Image Credits: Mont-Sainte-Anne
