Le Massif

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Le Massif is a ski mountain just northeast of Quebec City, Canada, overlooking the St. Lawrence river.

[edit] Statistics

Vertical: 770 meters - 2527 feet
Summit elevation: 806 meters - 2645 feet
Base elevation: 36 meters - 118 feet
Lifts: 3 high-speed quads, 1 rope-tow
Average Annual Snowfall: 650 cm - 230 inches

[edit] Description and History

Le Massif ski area is located in Petite-Rivière-Saint François, Charlevoix,Québec, Canada, a 75 minutes drive from Quebec City. It has the highest vertical in Eastern Canada, but not in Eastern North America. That honor belongs to Whiteface Mountain, New York.

Apart from a big vertical run and lots of snow, Le Massif's main claim to fame is that the area is accessible both from the top and from the base. There are three peaks, two of which are currently developed.

Le Massif gets a lot of snow, and keeps it, as it also gets little rain for an eastern ski area. The natural snowpack (in the trails) can exceed eight feet at the summit on a typical winter. However, the base is at sea level and can lose its snow quickly once April rolls in.

Skiing at Le Massif started at the end of the 1970's, with snowmobiles towing groups of skiers from the main road at the top and a van serving as the lift. In the early 1980's, commercial operations started with school buses being used to drive skiers from the base to the top after each run. In 1992-1993, the first lift was installed.

Still a true skiing mecca, but facing increasing crowds, le Massif is about to undertake a major development. This will open up the third peak, but mostly transform the mountain in a distinctive four-season resort.

Le Massif is currently owned by Daniel Gauthier, cofounder of le Cirque du Soleil. Daniel Gauthier is no longer a co-owner of le Cirque du Soleil and has used part of the proceeds of the sale of his participation in that venture to purchase Le Massif.