Ski Jasper Alberta News

Record Breaking Season at Le Massif

This past April 10th, Le Massif wrapped up its season with exceptional snow coverage, setting a new record for skier and boarder visits to the Mountain by the Sea, and establishing a 12 percent increase over the previous year.

At the beginning of the season, generous snowfalls blanketed this popular Charlevoix ski destination’s trails with 215 centimeters (85 inches) of fresh powder, explaining the considerable increase in visitors over the Christmas holidays. From mid-February to the end of March, Le Massif was literally buried under an additional 234 centimeters (92 inches) of snow, further boosting the numbers during March break – and even setting an all-new skier-visit record on March 26th. Overall, 531 centimeters (209 inches) were registered on this season’s Natural Snowfall Chart.

Improvements to the snowmaking system certainly contributed to Le Massif’s growth, since it was able to offer better slide conditions at the base of the mountain from the very beginning of the season. The six new trails and glades combined with the new high-speed quad, which replaced the old double chair, not only enhanced the visitor experience for slide sports fans of all calibers, but also made for a better distribution of skiers and boarders over the entire skiable terrain.

Other factors, such as fine tuning existing events as well as creating new ones, brought about a significant increase in clientele and extended Le Massif’s notoriety in all areas, from sports and music, to cultural and culinary events. Adding fresh flavor to the mountain experience and new to the events calendar’s list of not-to-be-missed happenings were the Sleeman Unibroue International Beer Festival, the Sunday Samplers and the Slide & Savor Event. Focusing on a dozen or so up-and-coming artists and renowned Québécois bands, select music events also generated an upswing in attendance throughout the season.

And so the 2004-2005 season ends on a positive note, ensuring continued success for Groupe Le Massif’s charismatic approach in all future endeavors. As Executive Vice-President Jean-Michel Perron points out, “the director plan has been finalized for several months now, and we’re proceeding with consultations and evaluations within the community. The project is being studied by various government bodies concurrently, and our portfolio is advancing well in regards to potential partnerships on both the financial and the operational levels.”

Groupe Le Massif upholds its intention to develop a four-season tourist and recreation project providing a beneficial ripple effect over the Quebec City and Charlevoix regions. The Groupe wishes to make its director plan known once its public partners have been confirmed. The date of this public announcement therefore remains to be announced.