Le Massif Transformation Underway (08-Jun-10)

Canada, June 8, 2010 - Work to improve and expand

Work to improve and expand Le Massif ski area by the St Lawrence River in Quebec Canada is underway ahead of winter 2010-11.

The ski area is due to be transformed over the next few years following a $230m spend with expansion on the mountain, new lifts, a new base resort and a new railway line connection.

Work on the integration of a gondola, beginner area, and two other lifts serving this same new sector as well as four new trails and the expansion of the off-piste sector will all commence within a few weeks.

Land surveys have been conducted on future trail and gondola sites, and Doppelmayr has guaranteed timely turn-key lift delivery. Work will progress at a continuous rate over the months to come, to offer this full line-up of new installations by December 2010.

At the base of the mountain architects MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects are creating a master plan for The Mountain Pole which will incorporate lodging units (inn, chalets, loft-apartments, and signature homes), a public square, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés, along with public infrastructures comprised of a train station, terraces and promenades, a gondola and spa concept. Project plans are expected to be submitted by the end of July, with a public announcement delivered in the fall to determine subsequent work phases, as well as commencement and delivery dates.

Work is also underway on the restoration of a railway train with eight carriages which railcars will convey approximately 550 passengers along the newly restored rail line between Québec City and Clermont. Le Massif is one of some 21 municipalities that will be connected by the restored line which is due to be put into service by summer 2011.