A major labour dispute has abruptly closed one of Quebec's premier ski destinations, Le Massif de Charlevoix, stranding tourists and causing significant disruption during one of the busiest weeks of the winter season. The indefinite strike began on Friday, January 1, 2026, after unionized workers overwhelmingly voted in favour of an unlimited general walkout.
Tourist Plans Derailed at Peak Season
The resort's sudden closure has left visitors who booked trips well in advance facing cancelled vacations and financial losses. The ski area, located northeast of Quebec City, suspended all operations, including ski lifts, slopes, tobogganing areas, food services, its gift shop, and its workshop.
"I've never seen Le Massif as crowded as this, so this hurts the whole region," said Sabrina Paquet, a local property owner. She also expressed personal frustration, noting, "We just bought our season tickets, which cost $5,000 for two people. It stings a little."
Annie Lévesque, who had planned a trip since October, described her disappointment: "We feel like our trip has been ruined." Unable to cancel six nights of accommodation, she and her partner now face additional costs for ski tickets elsewhere.
A Strong Strike Mandate and Stalled Talks
The Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs du Massif, affiliated with the CSN, reported that 111 workers voted 95% in favour of the unlimited strike. Union president Annick Simard stated the move was necessary after the resort's administration withdrew from negotiations "on the eve of our strike."
Simard explained that the employer was not concerned by an initial 10-day strike mandate, making a stronger action essential to restart talks. Key issues in the negotiations include wages, subcontracting, sick leave, safety, and vacation time. The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2025.
Resort's Response and Regional Impact
In a statement released on Saturday, Le Massif de Charlevoix management expressed confusion over the indefinite strike's timing. Executive vice-president Charles-Antoine Choquette said the company had submitted two offers to the union and suggested they were not presented to members.
"We are in a normal negotiation period, and the decision to use an indefinite strike at the beginning of the process seems particularly hasty," Choquette stated.
While the ski resort is closed, the Club Med Quebec-Charlevoix, an all-inclusive hotel at the base of the hills, remains open. The strike's impact, however, extends beyond the resort gates. Visitors from across the province and beyond have been affected, with some driving long distances only to find the mountain closed.
Antoine Bélair Rivard, who drove two hours from the Beauce region, considered himself fortunate. "I've heard horror stories of people on the mountain who drove for 10 to 12 hours, then arrived here and found the mountain closed," he said.
The resort's social media channels have been flooded with reactions and questions from disappointed skiers, highlighting the widespread inconvenience caused by the labour action at the height of the winter tourism season.
