L’ANSE-SAINT-JEAN, Quebec – A small Quebec community has officially handed control of its municipal ski resort to a private operator under a long-term lease that could extend for 99 years.
The municipality of L’Anse-Saint-Jean announced November 3 that it had finalized an agreement with La Compagnie des Montagnes de Ski du Québec (CMSQ) to operate and develop Mont-Édouard, a ski area in Quebec’s Saguenay region.
The agreement concludes a process that began in November 2024, when the municipality began seeking a new operator for the mountain. CMSQ, led by Swiss businessman Christian Mars, was selected in July 2025, but the formal transfer took more than a year to complete.
Under the arrangement, CMSQ receives long-term operating and development rights through a lease that begins with a 33-year term and can be renewed twice, potentially extending the agreement to 99 years. The deal also includes the purchase of certain assets belonging to the municipality’s development corporation and a separate services agreement.
The municipality will retain ownership of the underlying property. The arrangement is not an outright sale of the mountain.
Millions in Improvements Planned for Mont-Édouard
The agreement could bring significant investment to a ski area that has experienced several difficult years.
CMSQ has outlined approximately CAD $44 million in planned improvements, including a new base lodge, chairlift infrastructure and a hotel near the slopes. The company also plans to improve snowmaking and develop Mont-Édouard as a four-season destination, expanding activities such as mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
A major priority is replacing the resort’s main lodge, which was destroyed by fire in May 2024. The loss came during an already challenging period for the community-owned mountain, which had previously struggled financially.
Temporary facilities have allowed the ski area to continue operating, but the absence of a permanent base lodge has complicated its recovery. Removal of the former building’s concrete foundation is planned for spring 2027. Additional accommodations are also being considered as part of the transition.
A Growing Quebec Ski Resort Company
CMSQ has become an increasingly influential operator in Quebec’s ski industry, with interests in several mountains, including Mont Grand-Fonds, Mont Lac-Vert, Massif du Sud and Belle Neige. The company has pursued a strategy of investing in smaller and regional ski areas, upgrading infrastructure and developing year-round tourism opportunities.
Its growing portfolio also supports a multi-mountain ski pass intended to give Quebec skiers access to several destinations under a single product.
As previously reported when CMSQ was selected to operate Mont-Édouard, the decision generated some local debate. A competing proposal from a community organization had also been under consideration, with some residents favoring a more locally controlled approach.
The municipality ultimately selected CMSQ, citing its development proposal and financial commitments.
What the Agreement Means for Local Skiers
Located near the Saguenay Fjord, Mont-Édouard is known for its steep terrain, extensive glades and access to backcountry skiing.
The mountain attracts between 33,000 and 40,000 skier visits annually. CMSQ hopes to increase visitation while improving infrastructure and expanding activities beyond winter.
The company has also indicated that development at Mont-Édouard will complement its operations at nearby Mont Lac-Vert rather than compete directly with them.
For L’Anse-Saint-Jean, the agreement represents a significant change in how one of the community’s major recreational assets will be managed. The municipality will retain ownership of the property, while a private operator takes responsibility for the mountain’s development and operations for what could be several generations.
The next major test will be how quickly the promised investments translate into new facilities, improved lifts and a rebuilt base lodge for Mont-Édouard’s skiers and snowboarders.
