Quebec — The season started with lots of promise for Le Massif. The introduction of the ski resort to Ikon passholders, along with continued growth thanks to the Club Med there, led more people to check it out. However, this season will be remembered by a strike that ended Massif’s winter much earlier than usual.
The contract between the two sides culminated at the end of 2025. On January 2nd, workers at Le Massif voted to go on strike. The Massif Workers’ Union is part of the larger CSN union, which is prevalent in Quebec. The workers are seeking better pay, more vacation and sick time, and better safety measures. In response, the ski resort shut down beginning on January 3rd. The ski resort reopened on January 6th, but only with limited terrain.
In a press release shared to media outlets this past weekend, Le Massif stated that if no deal is reached by January 20th, they will shut down operations for the 2025-26 season. A final offer was presented to the union for a vote yesterday.
Workers reportedly voted against the proposal from Le Massif, leading the ski resort to announce that its season is over.
“After pulling Le Massif out of a precarious financial situation more than 23 years ago, we now sadly note that Le Massif de Charlevoix, a regional flagship and year-round international tourist destination, wholly owned by Quebec interests and generating more than 525 direct jobs, is once again facing threats to its long-term viability,” said Claude Choquette, President of Le Massif.
According to The Canadian Press, the ski resort claims it needs to complete snowmaking operations before January 31st to maintain a traditional operating schedule. Without workers beginning on January 20th, this wasn’t possible. Meanwhile, the union alleges the ski resort attempted to intimidate workers with this deadline.
“When an employer acts like a king and tries to impose its worldview through pressure and intimidation, you have to stand up collectively. The workers at Le Massif are showing dignity and courage, and the whole region has an interest in ensuring they are respected,” stated Barbara Poirier, President of the CSN Central Council of Québec–Chaudière-Appalaches.
The union is stating they’re still open to negotiating. A reopening still seems slightly possible, but a deal needs to come quickly.
Update 3:30 p.m.: It may have been premature to say au revoir to Le Massif’s season.
The CBC reports that a mediator has called for a meeting between the two sides to reach an agreement. This raises the possibility that the season could be salvaged.
“The urgency of reaching a resolution by the end of the week remains unchanged,” stated the Quebec ski resort.
Image/Video Credits: Le Massif de Charlevoix, TVA Nouvelles
