When Andrew Maas planned a family trip to Le Massif in Quebec’s Charlevoix region, he did not anticipate his three children sliding down a ski slope on an improvised sled made from a large plastic bag.
Towards the end of his visit last week, the entire mountain closed due to a strike by mountain workers demanding better pay, increased vacation and sick leave, and safer equipment.
During the strike’s first day on Friday, Maas observed nearby visitors with limited activities. Children creatively used bags and other materials to slide down one of the hills, which Maas found both entertaining and not aligned with what they had paid for.
Maas mentioned that the mountain’s policy indicates they will receive a refund for the lost ski day they had prepaid for.
Following days of strike action by the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs du Massif, Groupe Le Massif announced a partial reopening of certain ski runs this week.
In a press release, it specified that the Camp-Boule sector will be open from Wednesday to Saturday, catering to season pass holders, Club Med Charlevoix guests, Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective members, and guests staying in accommodations promoted by Le Massif de Charlevoix.
After a weekend filled with uncertainty for businesses reliant on tourism in the region, Groupe Le Massif stated that this gradual reopening strategy allows them to resume operations responsibly, with managers overseeing the slopes.
Only beginner and intermediate runs will be accessible, with 10 out of the 53 trails in the ski area opening. The available trails are designated for novice and intermediate skiers, while the advanced runs will remain closed.
Ori Reiss from Northwest London, U.K., had to adjust his mid-January trip plans due to the strike. He learned about the potential strike from his son, who was in Quebec for ski instructor training.
Reiss, a ski service provider, had meticulously planned his January trip with friends, opting to stay at Club Med Charlevoix and spending more to travel to Canada instead of skiing in Europe as usual. Despite the strike causing stress and multiple calls to insurance and the hotel, he is hopeful for a resolution soon.
Philippe Hamel, CEO of the chalet rental agency MonsieurChalets, views the partial mountain reopening as a positive initial step. Approximately 20% of the cottages managed by his agency are near Le Massif, with inquiries coming in about the situation and future plans.
While some skiers in the area might benefit from the partial reopening, Hamel believes it will pose challenges for avid skiers due to the limited ski season in Quebec lasting only three months.
Le Massif, a renowned attraction during this season, holds international recognition, according to Mitchell Dion, general manager of Tourism Charlevoix. The closure’s impact on the region’s reputation and potential financial losses are raising concerns among local businesses.
Acknowledging the employer’s contingency plan, Le Massif’s union expressed a willingness to negotiate and reach an agreement for the benefit of all parties involved.