Strike Shuts Down Le Massif de Charlevoix

Operations at Le Massif de Charlevoix, one of Quebec’s premier ski destinations, came to a grinding halt this week as approximately 300 unionized workers launched an unlimited general strike. The labor dispute has left thousands of peak-season tourists in limbo and the resort’s slopes largely deserted during what is typically one of the busiest weeks of the winter.

The strike, initiated by the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs du Massif (CSN), began on Friday, January 2, 2026, following the expiration of the collective agreement on December 31. While the union initially held a 10-day strike mandate, members voted 95% in favor of an unlimited strike late Friday evening, citing a breakdown in communication with management.

The dispute centers on several critical issues that the union says have been ignored by the resort's administration:

• Wages: The primary sticking point, with the union seeking increases they claim are necessary to meet the cost of living.

• Working Conditions: Demands include more sick leave, increased vacation time, and improved safety protocols for equipment.

• Subcontracting: Workers are pushing for protections against the outsourcing of resort roles.

"The employer made it clear that our 10-day mandate did not concern them," said Annick Simard, president of the union. "It was therefore obvious to us that a stronger mandate would be necessary to get them back to the negotiating table."

Le Massif management expressed surprise at the speed of the escalation. Charles-Antoine Choquette, executive vice-president of Groupe Le Massif, characterized the decision to launch an indefinite strike so early in the process as "particularly hasty."

Management claims they submitted two comprehensive offers that met market rates, which they believe were never presented to the union's rank-and-file members.

In an effort to mitigate the impact, the resort announced a partial reopening starting Wednesday, January 7, through Saturday, January 10. However, this comes with significant caveats:

• Limited Access: Only the Camp-Boule sector will be open.

• Restricted Entry: Access is limited to season pass holders, Club Med guests, and Ikon/Mountain Collective pass holders.

• No Services: Cafeterias, bars, retail shops, and equipment workshops remain closed.

Impact on Tourism

The timing of the strike has sparked frustration among travelers, many of whom traveled from across North America for the holiday break.

"My partner and I had planned this trip since October," said Annie Lévesque, a frustrated skier who arrived Saturday to find the mountain closed. "We feel like our trip has been ruined, and now we’re forced to pay for tickets at other hills."

Local businesses are also feeling the pinch. Property owners in the Charlevoix region reported a "ghost town" atmosphere over the weekend, noting that the closure of such a major attraction hurts the entire regional economy.

Local tourism operators and guests described a weekend of disruption. Families who had planned ski days found slopes empty and some improvised alternatives, while nearby hotels and restaurants faced cancellations and lost business. Resort management initially closed the mountain entirely but later announced a partial reopening of some trails after managers stepped in to operate limited services, even as the unlimited strike continued.

Union leaders framed the action as a necessary step to secure long-term improvements for staff who work seasonally and often face demanding conditions on the mountain. They emphasized that the strike was not aimed at punishing visitors but at pressing for contract terms they say are essential for worker safety and retention.

Management acknowledged the disruption and said it remained committed to negotiating, while also taking emergency measures to keep a reduced set of services available for guests. Resort statements stressed the complexity of running lifts and maintaining safety standards without the full complement of trained staff, and warned that any partial operations would be limited and subject to change.

Economic fallout is already being felt in the region, where winter tourism is a major driver of income. Business owners said the strike could have ripple effects beyond the resort if it persists, affecting bookings and seasonal employment across Charlevoix. Both sides signalled a willingness to continue talks, but no immediate resolution had been reported at the time of the latest updates.

As negotiations continue, visitors are advised to check directly with the resort and local businesses for the latest information on trail access, refunds and safety notices. The dispute highlights broader tensions in the tourism sector over wages, benefits and workplace safety during a busy season.