Industry News
Mont-Sainte-Anne, one of eastern Canada’s most well-known ski areas, is preparing to get its season back on track after provincial regulators cleared the resort to restart its aerial lifts following a temporary shutdown over electrical safety concerns.
The Quebec ski area, located about 25 miles northeast of Quebec City, had all four of its aerial lifts shut down last week after the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, the provincial regulatory authority responsible for overseeing building safety, construction standards, and contractor licensing in Quebec, raised concerns tied to recent electrical work at the resort. The order forced Mont-Sainte-Anne to delay its opening for the second time this season, a frustrating start for a mountain that draws plenty of U.S. skiers from New England and beyond.
In a statement released Wednesday, Mont-Sainte-Anne confirmed that operator Resorts of the Canadian Rockies has now met all regulatory requirements. Provincial inspectors lifted the shutdown after a full inspection and audit earlier this week focused on how the lifts perform during power outages and voltage fluctuations, with special attention given to braking systems and operating procedures.
According to the resort, multiple brake tests and simulated emergency scenarios confirmed the lifts meet safety standards. The Quebec building authority said its intervention was necessary to ensure the lifts would remain safe in the event of electrical failures, and officials noted they will continue working with the resort moving forward.
Mont-Sainte-Anne plans to officially reopen Friday at 9 a.m., though incoming rain could push the start to Saturday. A more detailed opening plan will be released soon.
For skiers on both sides of the border who’ve been waiting to get turns at Mont-Sainte-Anne, the green light from regulators is a welcome step toward a long-delayed start to winter, just in time for the holidays.
