A group of skiers and snowboarders staged a protest at the Mont-Sainte-Anne ski resort, located north of Quebec City, on December 20, 2025. The demonstrators are calling for a significant change: they want the ownership of the popular winter sports destination to change hands. Their primary grievance is a prolonged and noticeable lack of investment in the mountain's infrastructure and services.
Core Grievances of the Protesting Winter Sports Community
The protest, which took place on a Saturday, was a direct response to what regular visitors describe as years of neglect. Participants held signs and voiced their frustrations on the slopes, arguing that the current ownership has failed to maintain and modernize the resort adequately. Key issues cited include aging chairlifts, inconsistent snowmaking coverage, and deteriorating base lodge facilities. The protesters, many of whom are season pass holders, feel that their loyalty has been met with stagnation while other resorts in the region continue to upgrade and expand.
The central demand is clear: the current ownership group must sell the hill to new investors who are willing to commit the capital necessary to restore Mont-Sainte-Anne to its former stature as a premier Quebec ski destination. The protest was peaceful but underscored a deep-seated tension between the mountain's management and its core clientele.
Context and Potential Impact on the Region
Mont-Sainte-Anne is a vital part of the regional economy in the Quebec City area, attracting tourists and supporting local businesses throughout the winter season. A decline in its quality and reputation could have ripple effects, impacting everything from hotel bookings to equipment rental shops. The protesting community argues that reinvestment is not just a matter of customer satisfaction but of economic necessity for the surrounding communities.
The action on December 20th has brought renewed media and public attention to the state of the resort. It places significant pressure on the owners to either unveil a concrete, substantial investment plan or to consider selling the asset. For now, the skiers and snowboarders have made their position unmistakable: the status quo is no longer acceptable, and they are willing to publicly demonstrate to force change.
What Comes Next for the Ski Hill?
The protest marks a potential turning point for Mont-Sainte-Anne. Industry observers note that consumer activism in the ski world, especially from dedicated patrons, can be a powerful catalyst for change. The resort's ownership has yet to issue a formal, detailed public response to the specific demands raised by the protest. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this leads to a new era of investment or escalates into a broader consumer boycott.
The event highlights a growing trend where users of recreational facilities are organizing to hold corporate owners accountable for maintenance and development promises. The outcome at Mont-Sainte-Anne could set a precedent for other ski hills across Canada facing similar community pressure over infrastructure and ownership issues.
