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Mont-Sainte-Anne, the Eastern cornerstone of the Resorts of the Resorts Canadian Rockies (RCR) portfolio, is set to undergo a much-anticipated transformation following the announcement of a $100 million modernization partnership between RCR and the Quebec government.
Under the agreement, each party will contribute $50 million over the next five years to revitalize the iconic ski resort, located just outside Quebec City. This joint investment aims to address long-standing concerns about infrastructure, safety, and guest experience, securing Mont-Sainte-Anne’s status as one of eastern Canada’s premier ski destinations.
Funding Structure
The Quebec government’s share of the funding will consist of two parts:
• $25 million as a forgivable loan, contingent on RCR meeting certain modernization benchmarks.
• $25 million as a repayable loan, with repayment tied to future resort revenue.
RCR, in turn, has committed to matching the government’s contribution with $50 million in private capital. These funds will be allocated toward upgrading lifts, expanding terrain, enhancing snowmaking capabilities, and modernizing guest facilities.
Addressing the Dispute
The partnership comes after a turbulent period for Mont-Sainte-Anne, which garnered negative attention throughout the early 2020s. The resort faced backlash from both the local community and skiers due to a series of high-profile issues, including:
• Frequent lift breakdowns that disrupted operations and raised safety concerns.
• A widely criticized response to these technical failures, leaving many guests frustrated.
• Perceptions of underinvestment in infrastructure and guest amenities, tarnishing the resort’s reputation.
The tension reached a boiling point in 2022 when Quebec’s Minister of Tourism publicly called on RCR to invest in Mont-Sainte-Anne or risk government intervention. Local advocacy groups and passionate skiers rallied behind the cause, pushing for change at the iconic resort.
The Future of Mont-Sainte-Anne
The $100 million investment signals a turning point for Mont-Sainte-Anne and a renewed commitment to its role as a flagship destination in eastern Canada. Key elements of the modernization plan include:
• Upgraded lift systems to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Expanded skiable terrain, catering to both beginner and advanced skiers.
• Enhanced snowmaking capabilities, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the season.
• New and renovated guest facilities, including dining, lodging, and family-friendly amenities.
The improvements aim to restore Mont-Sainte-Anne’s reputation as a world-class ski resort while fostering stronger ties with the local community.
A Win for Skiers and the Community
This partnership between RCR and the Quebec government represents a significant milestone in Canadian skiing. By addressing past concerns and committing to a bold vision for the future, the agreement ensures Mont-Sainte-Anne will continue to be a destination of choice for skiers and snowboarders from around the globe.
Local stakeholders, including business owners and ski enthusiasts, have praised the deal, expressing optimism that the resort’s modernization will bring economic growth and enhanced experiences to the region.
As construction begins in the coming months, skiers can look forward to a brighter, more reliable future at Mont-Sainte-Anne—one worthy of its title as the crown jewel of eastern Canadian skiing.
