Quebec Government, RCR Announce C$100 Million Investment To Revitalize Mont-Sainte-Anne

After years of turbulence and technical setbacks that tested the patience of the local ski community, Mont-Sainte-Anne (MSA) is officially entering a new era. In a landmark announcement made on January 20, 2026, the Quebec government and Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) confirmed they are moving forward with a massive C$100 million revitalization plan to modernize the iconic Saint-Lawrence-facing peak.

The investment is a 50-50 partnership: the Quebec government, via Investissement Québec, has authorized two loans totaling C$50 million, while RCR has committed to matching that amount with C$50 million of its own private capital.

The core of the "New MSA" plan focuses on replacing aging infrastructure that has plagued the resort’s reputation in recent seasons. The five-year roadmap includes:

• Next-Gen Lifts: The current four-lift configuration—including the 1989 gondola, L’Express du Nord, L’Express du Sud, and La Tortue—will be replaced by three high-capacity, state-of-the-art lifts with optimized alignments to improve skier flow and wind resistance.

• High-Efficiency Snowmaking: A total overhaul of the snowmaking system is expected to increase production capacity by 30% while simultaneously slashing energy consumption by 30%, a critical move for climate resilience.

• Four-Season Appeal: To transition the mountain into a year-round destination, the plan includes the installation of a mountain coaster (alpine luge) and significant redevelopments of the base and summit lodges.

"We were able to cross the finish line by establishing a true partnership with Investissement Québec and SÉPAQ," said Maxime Cretin, Vice President and General Manager of RCR’s Eastern Region. "This enables a rapid injection of capital to ensure the long-term sustainability and modernization of this jewel."

The deal wasn't just about cash for lifts; it involved a strategic "handover" to appease environmental and local interests. As part of the agreement, the Eastern sector of the mountain—renowned for its world-class cross-country skiing and mountain biking—has been fully transferred back to SÉPAQ (the provincial parks agency). SÉPAQ will now manage that land as a regional park dedicated to conservation and outdoor recreation, allowing RCR to focus its $100 million investment strictly on the western alpine ski area.

The agreement represents a major commitment to the future of Mont-Sainte-Anne, located approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Quebec City, which has faced criticism in recent years over aging infrastructure and reliability issues. The resort, which opened in 1966, serves as a cornerstone of the region's tourism economy and employs hundreds of seasonal workers.

"This partnership secures the long-term viability of Mont-Sainte-Anne as a world-class mountain resort," said a joint statement from RCR and provincial officials. "The investment addresses critical infrastructure needs while positioning the resort for sustainable year-round operations that will benefit the regional economy."

The lift replacement program will consolidate the existing network while increasing capacity and reliability. Modern detachable chairlifts with weather protection bubbles are expected to replace older fixed-grip installations, improving the guest experience while reducing maintenance costs and downtime. Specific lift routes and configurations have not yet been finalized pending engineering assessments.

Snowmaking infrastructure improvements will expand coverage across the resort's 71 trails and increase system efficiency, addressing one of the most significant operational challenges facing Eastern ski resorts as climate variability impacts natural snowfall patterns. The upgraded system will utilize more energy-efficient technology and potentially incorporate advanced automation for optimized snow production.

The warm-season component of the investment acknowledges the industry-wide shift toward year-round mountain resort operations. While specific attractions have not been detailed, similar investments at comparable resorts have included mountain biking infrastructure, aerial adventure courses, alpine slides, zip lines, and hiking trail networks designed to drive summer and fall visitation.

The funding structure involves contributions from both RCR and the Quebec government, though the precise breakdown was not disclosed. Government participation reflects recognition of Mont-Sainte-Anne's importance to regional tourism and economic development in the Charlevoix and Quebec City areas.

RCR, a privately held company based in Calgary, operates a portfolio of ski resorts across Western Canada including Nakiska, Fernie Alpine Resort, and Kimberley Alpine Resort. The company acquired Mont-Sainte-Anne in 2020 from previous owners who had also struggled with infrastructure investment challenges.

The investment announcement comes as the ski industry faces a critical juncture, with mounting capital requirements for snowmaking and lift infrastructure coinciding with questions about long-term snow reliability and shifting consumer preferences. Major resort operators across North America have committed billions to infrastructure modernization in recent years, often with government support recognizing the economic importance of mountain tourism.

Mont-Sainte-Anne's proximity to Quebec City, combined with its vertical drop of 625 meters and diverse terrain, positions it as a key asset in Eastern Canada's ski market. The resort competes with major destinations including Tremblant in the Laurentians and faces increasing competition from emerging players across the region.

Local stakeholders and ski industry observers have welcomed the investment commitment, viewing it as essential to maintaining the resort's competitive position. Previous infrastructure concerns had led to customer complaints and questions about the property's future under RCR ownership.

The five-year timeline suggests a phased implementation approach, allowing the resort to maintain operations while construction proceeds. Lift replacements typically require summer installation windows to minimize disruption to winter operations.

Quebec's participation in the funding package aligns with provincial strategies to support tourism infrastructure in regions outside Montreal. The Charlevoix area, designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, depends significantly on four-season tourism to sustain local communities.

Implementation details, including specific project timelines, contractor selections, and seasonal operational impacts, are expected to be announced as engineering and planning work progresses. RCR has indicated it will maintain regular communication with season pass holders, local communities, and stakeholders throughout the development process.

The investment represents one of the largest capital commitments to a single Eastern Canadian ski resort in recent years, signaling confidence in the long-term viability of the regional ski industry despite climate and demographic challenges facing the sector.