Quebec — After days of uncertainty, ski season will officially begin this weekend at Mont-Sainte-Anne.
Yesterday, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) approved the operation of four lifts that had been ordered to remain closed due to an electrical issue.
Mont-Sainte-Anne originally stated that the lifts could reopen on Friday at 9 a.m. However, this opening has been moved to Saturday due to rain that’s expected on Friday. The four lifts affected by this closure were the L’Express du Nord, L’Express du Sud, L’Étoile filante, and La Panorama Express. Prior to this announcement, the ski resort had a limited number of terrain and lifts open.
In a press release, Mont-Sainte-Anne stated the work done on the electrical line met “the requirements of all applicable standards, without the slightest nuance.” The ski resort also cited a 2023 inspection that demonstrated the lift network’s safety.
The positive development follows pushback from Quebec government officials and the local community regarding the management of the ski resort by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR). The ski resort previously had two incidents on its gondola in 2020 and 2022.
It was also announced yesterday that Quebec will take over operations on the East side of the mountain, which is home to the ski resort’s cross-country network. A previously announced $100 million CAD partnership with the ski resort remains in question, as the CBC reports that the government’s faith in RCR is now “greatly shaken.” RCR will need to submit a detailed upgrade plan for that to move forward.
While it’s unclear whether Quebec’s planned $100 million CAD partnership with the ski resort will continue, it’s at least good news for the local area that it will operate this ski season.
Image/Video Credits: Mont-Sainte-Anne, The Mountain Report
