Le Massif ski hill in Charlevoix, Quebec, partially reopens after a strike by workers demanding better wages and conditions, with managers operating limited beginner and intermediate trails.
Strike Affects Ski Operations at Le Massif in Quebec
Andrew Maas booked his family’s first trip to Le Massif in Quebec’s Charlevoix region. He did not expect his three kids to sled down a ski slope on a makeshift sled made of a large plastic bag.
Last week, the mountain completely shut down when workers went on strike. They are calling for better salary, more vacation and sick days, and safer equipment.
On the first day of the strike, Maas noted that people nearby had “nothing else to do.”
“Kids got out like bags and whatever they could find and were sledding down one of the hills,” said Maas, who traveled from Ballston Spa, N.Y. “Which was amusing, but also not really what we paid for.”
Maas mentioned that the mountain’s policy suggests he will receive a refund for the ski day his family lost after they prepaid for their tickets.
Partial Reopening Announced
Days into the strike by the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs du Massif, Groupe Le Massif announced a partial reopening of some runs this week.
In a news release, it stated that the Camp-Boule sector will be accessible Wednesday to Saturday from 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for season pass holders, Club Med Charlevoix guests, members of Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective, and those staying in accommodations marketed by Le Massif de Charlevoix.
After a weekend of uncertainty for tourism-dependent businesses, Groupe Le Massif said this gradual approach allows them to resume activities responsibly. Managers will operate the slopes.
Details of the Reopening
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Open Trails | 10 out of 53 |
| Trail Types | Green and Blue (beginner and intermediate) |
| Closed Trails | Black diamond and double black diamond |
| Operating Days | Wednesday to Saturday |
| Operating Hours | 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. |
Ori Reiss from Northwest London, U.K., had different expectations for his upcoming mid-January trip. He first learned about the strike from his son, who is in Quebec for ski instructor courses.
“The strike turned to be an indefinite strike, which then obviously put my holiday into jeopardy,” he said.
Reiss, who services skis, planned his January trip last spring with friends. He planned to stay at Club Med Charlevoix and spent more money to travel to Canada instead of skiing in Europe.
Since the strike announcement, he has been stressed, calling his insurance company and hotel. He is keeping his travel plans, hoping the strike resolves soon.
“I’ve never skied in Canada. I was really looking forward to enjoying that. Having just 10 slopes open, I’m not quite sure,” he said.
Impact on Local Businesses
Philippe Hamel, CEO of the chalet rental agency MonsieurChalets, said the partial reopening is a good first step. About 20 percent of the cottages with his agency are near Le Massif. Some people are calling with questions about the situation.
Reopening 10 slopes means some people in the cottages can ski, but it will still cause problems for avid skiers.
“Because the ski season here in Quebec, in a lot of areas, it’s only three months,” he said.
Le Massif is a major attraction this time of year and has international recognition, according to Mitchell Dion, general manager of Tourism Charlevoix.
“For us it’s really important to have this mountain up and running because they have the power of attraction,” he said.
While it is unclear how much money might be lost from the closures, he has heard from businesses about significant cancellations. This closure could affect the area’s reputation.
“If it continues like this for a long time, I think the impact could be quite significant,” he said.
In a statement to CBC News, Le Massif’s union noted the employer’s contingency plan and reiterated its desire to negotiate and reach an agreement.
