Price Melt-Down: Unlimited Access to 21 Top On-Mountain Days for $129 with Spring Pass
With so many different and original occasions to celebrate, Le Massif’s Spring Pass – the Charlevoix ski area’s new spring deal – is the perfect solution for enjoying life out on the trails. For only $129, adults 18-54 years have unlimited access to 21 days of riding in a sunny, lively atmosphere – a deal that pays off after only 3 visits, from March 22 to April 11!

March 20: Le Massif Open Rossignol – Make Way for the Mountain’s Super Heroes!
Release Your Inner Super Hero – imagine Superman, The Hulk, Zorro, Catwoman, Invisible Woman, Wonder Woman and their peers all sweeping across Le Massif’s festive universe and spring’s hot events calendar. At the friendly obstacle race, tall and small alike are invited to create a team of 4 – with at least one member of the fairer sex – and try their luck at winning one of the two pairs of Rossignol skis to be raffled off among participants. Also on the day’s programme: Free ski try-outs, the 2010-11 Rossi gear & fashion show and a Super Hero Contest for super slide fans in disguise...

From après ski until the wee hours, Mademoiselle Mew puts on an extremely original performance that brings to life the true spirit of rock, complete with an original videoclip show synched to live riffs by Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Blondie and Loverboy. Next The Crakers & Charlie Price take to the stage, putting sparks to the gunpowder at the Summit Chalet as they cover countless legendary tunes and play like kids with funky, groovy, rock and fly tunes by the Beatles, Franz Ferdinand, Jack Johnson, Amy Winehouse, Johnny Cash, Sublime, Manu Chao and many more.

March 27: Reggae Bash & Splash – Shivers Guaranteed, From Summit to Base…
Percussions resonating everywhere on-mountain, over 12 hours of continuous live reggae – this is the mood at this unsurpassable musical happening. Reggae literally invades Le Massif’s environment from base to summit – even on the lifts – with Claude Marley delivering the best of reggae and warming the crowd’s soul with a live performance at the base. Next, at the Summit Pub Canadian band Kaliroots invites everyone to dance to tunes that travel beyond racial and geographic boundaries. Accompanied by an imposing brass section and vocalists who gently undulate to the rhythm of the music, Kaliroots offers a message of tolerance and respect – a real treat for the eyes and ears!

And making a big splash over spring, what could be nicer than a 60-foot water pond? Skim across the water as elegantly as possible, without crashing! That’s the afternoon challenge for sports fans at the day’s big Splash, when spectators gather around the pond to watch daredevils ride the tide…

April 3 & 4: 10-Course Gastronomic Picnic & Easter Brunch
Accomplice to the region’s growers and producers, Chef Guy Bessone concocts a 10-course gastronomic on-mountain picnic for skiers and riders gathered at the summit on Saturday, April 3 from 11am to 2pm, on the occasion of the Great Horned Owl Event, hosted by Desjardins. At this immense feast of flavours featuring terroir products, enjoy copious, mouth-watering bouchées transformed by Le Massif’s brigade. On the menu: Basse-Côte-Nord shellfish, terroir honey, organic chicken and pork, duck and Guinea fowl, fine cheeses, chocolates and fragrant nectars. Sunday April 4, a delicious Easter Brunch takes place at scenic Mer et Monts Restaurant. Sittings at 10am, 11:30a! m and 1pm – with reservations.

At après ski Saturday April 3, band Mètatuk invites skiers and riders into a festive and carnavalesque universe, an unusual world where outlandish characters and the celebration of life’s finer things take their rightful place. Prominent members of Québec’s musical landscape, Mètatuk brings signature high energy, and unpretentious music backed by catchy refrains.

April 10: Red Bull Playoffs – Great On-Snow Season Finale…
The spirit of the Habs-Nordiques rivalry perpetuates itself on-snow as pro-rider teams from Montreal and Quebec City challenge one another in three ‘periods’, rivalling in skill on special features designed for the event. The day ends on a lively note with a guest DJ wrapping up the season’s free Show--z-après-skis Series at the Summit Pub.

Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment between now and 2013. Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this original project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Among other features, the on-territory offer includes a touring train and rail shuttle, close to 400 lodging units of which a 150-room bioclimatic hotel, as well as a 500-seat multifunctional venue. The site is destined to become a genuine experiential laboratory focused on tourism.

Kids’ Camps: Because Fun Starts On-Mountain!
On-snow classes supervised by an experienced team of SnowSchool pros show kids 3 to 15 how to have loads of fun while improving their skills. Starting March 1, three different types of Kids’ Camps over 3 or 4 consecutive days remind youngsters and teens that fun does happen at school – SnowSchool! Simply choose between Freestyle (terrain park), Adventure (glades & all-terrain), or Ski & Daycare (tiny tots). And for parents who can’t drive to the mountain, a free daily shuttle supervised by an instructor busses kids from both Québec City and Baie-Saint-Paul.

February 27: Pros & Amateurs Rendezvous at the Snowpark Jam
Skiers, riders and fervent admirers of high-flying manoeuvres are expected at this 3rd edition of the Snowpark Jam. For the event, the terrain park comes alive under the expert touch of a guest DJ, and with manufacturers and exhibitors such as Rossignol, Burton and Red Bull. A photographer will be capturing tricks performed by those taking part in the Open Jam, which is for men and women, both amateur & pro. Close to $900 in prizing will be awarded to winners of the competition, including day passes to ride Le Massif, a Rossignol snowboard and Rossignol twintips.

March 2: The Torchlight Parade – Back by Popular Demand!
Ski under the stars sporting a headlamp, and admire the twinkling dance of the moon over the river. This free event is for the whole family, and it starts with a film presentation at the daycare, followed by a spaghetti dinner. Rendezvous at the top of the trails at 6:15pm for departure to the base, where chansonnier Claude Marley is expected to warm the hearts of all participants. Reservations are strongly advised.

March 6: Dr Clown Day Brings Smiles to Both Tall & Small
Provide prescriptions for laughter and affection to countless sick children and seniors by taking part in this fundraiser for the Dr Clown Organization, whose mandate it is to improve the quality of life of in-patients and their families. Both chalets will be abuzz with therapeutic buskers, there to steal a smile from both tall and small. Jean-Clown will also be on hand alongside his peers to accept sums collected at another Dr Clown fundraising event, Le Massif’s Santa Claus Day.

Free Show-z-après-skis with Les Tubes & Pépé!
Partytime! This is the band for reliving the outlandish 60s and 70s! Saturday February 27 Les Tubes finds inspiration from their repertoire of no fewer than 250 francophonie tunes, boîtes à chanson mega hits, top 50s from Paris – surprising the crowd with their powerful, liberating, precise rock & roll aplomb. With eight years under their belt – four of which on the small screen with MusiMax – this band has acquired a definite reputation for its oh-so-charged performances. 

With his charismatic personal touch and zany energy, Pépé goes français takes on the world’s biggest hits Saturday March 6 at the Summit Pub: Joe Dassin, Niagara, Julien Clerc, Dutronc and Renaud are but a few of the holier than holy ones that Pépé takes by the tail. Accompanied by his musicians on trumpet, sax, bass and drums, Pépé sates the soul with a string of biggest hits, performing a Tour de France worthy of a world champion!

Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment between now and 2013.  Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this original project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Among other features, the on-territory offer includes a touring train and rail shuttle, close to 400 lodging units of which a 150-room bioclimatic hotel, as well as a 500-seat multifunctional venue. The site is destined to become a genuine experiential laboratory focused on tourism.

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Sources & Information:
Isabelle Vallée, Press Relations – Groupe Le Massif
418-932-4023 / ivallee@lemassif.com

At 9:30am, the acclaimed group will be setting up their easels, giving themselves over to the magic of winter and skier spiritedness, as they paint under the admiring eye of both contemplative guests and fans of the visual arts.

See artists’ bios

Art Made Accessible…And Artists Too!
Now in its 11th year, this mountaintop art symposium orchestrated by Galerie d’art Iris has become the most important event of its kind in the Charlevoix. “It’s a get-together for artists that I wouldn’t miss for anything in the world,” says Stephan Horik who, like his peers, will be answering questions posed by the more curious to help demystify his art and share what he can about his technique, his passion and his sources of inspiration. The artist will also be painting live from Place Ste-Foy Saturday, January 30 from 10am to 3pm, offering the public a wonderful preview of the upcoming event.

Consultants from Galerie d’art Iris will be at the summit as well February 6, providing visitors with information about the works in progress, which may also be acquired by the public. An original painting valued at $950 is to be raffled off among guests who fill out an entry ticket at the official Galerie d’art Iris table. The draw will take place in the Summit Pub, at the strike of 4pm.

More than Just A Ski Area. Did You Say…An Art Gallery?
Thanks to the collaboration of Galerie d’art Iris, skiers and riders are invited to appreciate the thirty or so compositions of every tendency and format that grace the walls of Le Massif’s summit and base chalets year-round – from the scenic restaurant to the pub, and all its public areas. From year to year, the ski area has enhanced its private collection as well.

Express Your Creative Genius with Niko, DJ Slipmat!
Slide fans at the Summit Pub will be treated to a unique après ski experience as they share in a Group Art Extravaganza presided over by none other than artist Niko himself. To hip-hop and electro beats by DJ Slipmat, the lively gathering of slide enthusiasts will be invited to express its creative powers by fashioning a giant canvas under the artistic direction of Niko, who will apply the opening strokes and afterwards guide the participants.

About Baie-Saint-Paul’s Galerie d’art Iris
Galerie d’art Iris is a highly sought-after crossroads where the more significant and broad-reaching trends of the contemporary art world meet on a national platform. Diversified in its offer, year-round the gallery presents creations that speak to countless followers displaying an array of tastes. The Galerie Iris network not only represents over fifty Québec artists of different styles at its three Charlevoix addresses – at 30 and 53 rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Baie-Saint-Paul, and at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie – it also exhibits at numerous Charlevoix establishments, of which Le Massif de Charlevoix.

Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment between now and 2013. Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this original project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Among other features, the on-territory offer includes a touring train and rail shuttle, close to 400 lodging units of which a 150-room bioclimatic hotel, as well as a 500-seat multifunctional venue. The site is destined to become a genuine experiential laboratory focused on tourism.

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On the program:
•    Beginner and Perfect Turn clinics;
•    Free equipment try-outs;
•    Recreational race fraught with bumps and obstacles;
•    Technique assessments courtesy of Télémark Québec;
•    Off-piste safety training sessions courtesy of Le Centre d’avalanche de la Haute-Gaspésie;
•    CANSI Level I telemark prep sessions;
•    A flurry of other activities.

Who is Best Suited for Telemark Skiing?
“Skiers and riders keen on trying a new slide sport, off-piste fans who want to develop greater freedom of ascent, sports fans looking for a new physical challenge or to establish new contacts… because telly skiing is more than a sport – it’s a culture, a lifestyle,” explains René-Luc Morin, President of Télémark Québec. “The sport is characterized by an alternating flexing of the knee. It owes its specificity to the fact that a skier’s heels are free from the ski, and it’s in the spirit of this freedom that we practise the sport and hope to spread its merits,” he concludes.

A $79 Introductory Package – Ticket, Lesson & Equipment Included!
Le Massif’s SnowSchool has taken care of every little detail, making the learning curve easier for neophytes. The weekend’s feature package includes a day lift ticket, equipment (skis, boots, poles) and a 2-hour group lesson with a certified instructor for as little as $79 – only $18 over the basic day lift ticket rate! Reservations are highly advised: ecole@lemassif.com or 1-877-536-2774, x. 4057.

Big Name Retailers Offer Free Try-Outs on New Gear
Telly equipment is similar to alpine gear except it is lighter and offers greater freedom of movement in the boot and binding system, which does not affix the heel to the ski. Well known retailers like MEC and La Vie sportive will be in attendance at the summit all weekend long, inviting beginners, intermediates and experts to try their latest products and discover the discipline’s newest technical advancements.

Martin Deschamps Onstage at Saturday’s Free Après Ski Show!
Everybody knows Deschamps for his contagious energy and passion for rock! Blazing through the Summit Pub for this year’s performance, Martin Deschamps plays Classic Rock from the 70s and 80s featuring hits by big name bands like AC/DC and ZZ Top – not to forget the Stones, Kiss and Offenbach, to name but a few. Thrills guaranteed – and that’s a promise!

Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment between now and 2013. Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this original project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Among other features, the on-territory offer includes a touring train and rail shuttle, close to 400 lodging units of which a 150-room bioclimatic hotel, as well as a 500-seat multifunctional venue. The site is destined to become a genuine experiential laboratory focused on tourism.

Click here to access our photos gallery

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Sources & Information:
Isabelle Vallée, Press Relations – Groupe Le Massif
418-932-4023 / ivallee@lemassif.com

On this special day, both tall and small are invited to find event ambassador Jean-Luc Brassard among the countless Santas in attendance, and receive a sweet treat. At 1:30pm, Santas are invited to take part in the grand parade gathering the day’s participants on a summit-to-base fun run down an easy slope. Last year, nearly 1,150 “real” Santas took part in the day, riding the trails for next to nothing, rekindling both with the spirit of the Holiday Season, and with winter’s finer pleasures. 

$15 Buys a Gift Prescription for Laughter – So Much, for so Very Little!
All funds collected on this benefit day are to be donated to the non-profit Dr Clown organization, that helps improve the quality of life of hospitalized patients by giving health care a human face and integrating therapeutic clown services. The organization’s social mission is to offer free services to beneficiaries and their relatives, with priority given to children and seniors.

At a time of year when happiness and sharing are everywhere, skiers and riders are also invited to show their generosity by dropping off donations of non-perishable food items at the Guest Services desk, in the Summit Chalet. These will be sent to Baie-Saint-Paul’s Pro-Santé and Aide Partage community service organizations, which aid those less fortunate.

Year-End Festivities: The Torchlight Parade.
This December 30, the mountain will be resplendent with light as this year’s flamboyant Torchlight Parade – open to those aged 7 to 77 – takes off as the evening’s big feature, absolutely free of charge! To wrap up the year on skis under the starry skies, simply head for the summit at 4:30pm equipped with a head light, and you’re on! Afterwards, one and all are invited to partake in a traditional holiday feast at the base chalet, for as little as $15.95.

Swing Your Partner…The Season’s First Free Show-z-après-ski!
At 7pm, December 30, folk band Les cuillères à carreaux is at the heart of this real French –Canadian soirée. Remixing in their own manner songs by La Bottine Souriante, Rêve du Diable and Bacchus and performing well-loved tunes like Sur la Grand Côte, La poule à Colin and Dans nos vieilles maisons, they promise to have everyone singling, dancing and swinging! Slide fans are invited to come armed with spoons and add to the evening’s highly festive mood.

Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment between now and 2013. Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this original project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Among other features, the on-territory offer includes a touring train and rail shuttle, close to 400 lodging units of which a 150-room bioclimatic hotel, as well as a 500-seat multifunctional venue. The site is destined to become a genuine experiential laboratory focused on tourism

– 30 –

Sources & Information:
Isabelle Vallée, Press Relations – Groupe Le Massif
418-932-4023 / ivallee@lemassif.com

Slide enthusiasts are invited to unleash their passion in the skiable terrain’s more elevated sector served by Camp-Boule Express Lift, which includes the Simard, Lavoie, Bouchard, Tremblay, Desjardins, Grande-Pointe, Jean-Noël and Gagné trails. Snowmaking teams continue their relentless work to optimize the number of slopes available. Since early November, 160 hours have been invested in artificial snowmaking, providing access this weekend to over 52 acres of skiable terrain.

Click here for our latest photos of the day

New This Season: All Aboard! The Québec City – Le Massif Shuttle
In an effort to reduce its ecological footprint and draw the mountain closer to Québec City, Le Massif is launching a new transportation service serving the Capitale-Nationale from December 26 to March 28. A return trip is offered from $10 and departs from Place Sainte-Foy, or the Fairmont Château Frontenac. Also available is a shuttle pass featuring unlimited access for as little as $59 (adults 18-54 yrs), $49 (students 13-25 yrs; 55 yrs+) and $39 (juniors 7-12 yrs). Children 6 years and under travel free, and reservations are required.

Ski More & Pay Less!
By investing in either the 4-Day, 4-Day+ or the new 7-Day Card, skiers and riders enjoy discounts every time they sail the trails – be they powder days, lively, quiet, packed with festivities or simply drenched in sunshine. These cards remain at the pre-season rate until December 24, at Place Sainte-Foy. Countless and assorted promotions are also featured all season long.

Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment between now and 2013. Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this original project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Among other features, the on-territory offer includes a touring train and rail shuttle, close to 400 lodging units of which a 150-room bioclimatic hotel, as well as a 500-seat multifunctional venue. The site is destined to become a genuine experiential laboratory focused on tourism.

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Sources & Information:
Isabelle Vallée, Press Relations – Groupe Le Massif
418-932-4023 / ivallee@lemassif.com

Le Massif de Charlevoix once again rises to its reputation with a cultural event calendar studded with theme events and festivities.

Dates for Your Agenda

December 20      Santa Claus Day

December 30      Torchlight Parade & French-Canadian Feast.  Après ski: Les cuillères à carreaux (Traditional Music)

January 2            Après ski: Young Soul (Cover, Alternative Rock)
January 16          Après ski: One Way Band (Cover, Classic Rock)
January 23/24     Rendezvous Telemark.  Après ski: Martin Deschamps performs Rock Classics (on saturday)
January 30          Après ski: Watson-Deslauriers (Blues)

February 6          Panoramas & Paintbrushes Event.  Après ski: Live Art Performance & Guest DJ
February 13        Après ski: Misstress Barbara & Girls on A Ducati (Techno-Electro)
February 27         Snowpark Jam

March 6              Dr. Clown Day.  Après ski: Pépé goes français (French/World Music)
March 13            Après ski: Champion and his G-Strings (Electro-Rock)
March 20            Massif Open Rossignol.  Après ski: Mademoiselle Mew (Cover), Crackers & Charlie Price (Cover)
March 27             Reggae Bash.  Après ski: Kaliroots (Reggae)

April 3                 Great Horned Owl Event.  Après ski: Mètatuk (Québécois)
April 10               King of the Hill (Splash).  Après ski: DJ – Music from the 80s

Le Massif’s ambassador of five years, Jean-Luc Brassard, comments on the unveiling of the 2009-10 cultural event program: “I am extremely proud to be associated with the mountain. It has always known just how to set itself apart – from the support it provides to Québec cultural happenings, to the respect it shows for its environment. Take for instance its gastronomy, that privileges terroir products and its cultural event program that spotlights several of the region’s artists, letting them shine on an exceptional platform.” Last October, Groupe Le Massif’s president and general manager Daniel Gauthier unveiled the new Massif de Charlevoix brand identity, which aims to preserve and highlight the Charlevoix’s cultural and artistic treasures.

Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment between now and 2013. Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this original project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Among other features, the on-territory offer includes a touring train and rail shuttle, close to 400 lodging units of which a 150-room bioclimatic hotel, as well as a 500-seat multifunctional venue. The site is destined to become a genuine experiential laboratory focused on tourism.

– 30 –

Sources & Information:
Isabelle Vallée, Press Relations – Groupe Le Massif
418-932-4023 / ivallee@lemassif.com

“Today, the governments of Quebec and Canada are working together to give momentum to the Charlevoix railway and thus stimulate the local economy and create jobs,” said Minister Verner. “Our government is proud to contribute to the development of this important project. This investment will allow for the operation of a tourist train linking Quebec City and La Malbaie, in addition to generating important economic spinoff for the region.”

“Already known for its exceptional scenery, the most enchanting recreation and tourism site, and a competition track without equal, le Massif de Charlevoix today realizes an important part of its development with the addition of its tourist train. Because the Capitale-Nationale Region offers quality winter infrastructure near the city, it has become a favourite spot to hold national and international sport competitions and even world championships. Today, by giving Massif de Charlevoix the boost necessary to attain its full potential, we go a step further in the Olympic march that we have committed to with Team Quebec,” said Minister Sam Hamad.

François C Hébert, Vice-President, Network Strategies for Canadian National (CN) recalled the importance of ensuring the sustainability of this stretch of the track. “CN is proud to participate in this project and to contribute to the rehabilitation of the rail infrastructure. Everyone will benefit from this investment, from companies in the tourism industry to those in other sectors that are served by CN’s freight train service,” he stressed.

“Recent research by the Quebec Department of Tourism demonstrates great enthusiasm for getting the tourist train up and running,“ said Daniel Gauthier. “It will maximize access to the region and facilitate the influx of visitors from major centres, while the rail shuttle will encourage travel between Baie Saint Paul and Petite Rivière, in addition to offering a new type of mass transit to the residents of Charlevoix. For us, this represents a concrete gesture of sustainable development in environmental, economic and human terms,” he explained.

The project mainly includes work on existing bridges and culverts, as well as an existing tunnel. These investments in structure are necessary for operation of the Charlevoix tourist train to attain the levels of performance and safety required to operate a passenger train.

Thus, 22 kilometres of rail will be replaced, 22 000 wood ties will be changed, 25 bridges will be worked on, and 86 culverts will be repaired or replaced. At completion, the route of the tourist train will be 136 kilometres long, of which 85 kilometres will be along the St. Lawrence.

The Government of Canada investment announced today for the rehabilitation of the Charlevoix railway will be provided under two funds. Close to $1.3 million from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund will be used for this work. Also, following a real property transaction relating to two railways covered by the Canada – Quebec Agreement for the rehabilitation of short line railways, Canada will increase its contribution by $600,000.

Worth $4 billion nation-wide, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan announced in the January 2009 Budget. The Government of Canada has committed to invest $936 million from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to projects in Quebec.

The Government of Quebec contribution of more than $3 million stems from the Quebec infrastructure plan, le Plan Québécois des infrastructures, which was expanded in January 2009 and now includes an investment of almost $42 billion to renew numerous Quebec infrastructure over the next five years.

View summay of investments

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Sources :

Rébecca Salesse
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister for La Francophonie and Minister responsible for the Quebec City Region
Tel. : (418) 648-3425

Alexandre Boucher
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment and Solidarity, Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region
Tel. : (418) 643-4810

Isabelle Vallée, Press Relations – Groupe Le Massif
418-932-4023 / ivallee@lemassif.com

The results stem from a survey conducted with 5,068 persons who had frequented 12 of Québec’s larger major ski areas between 22 December 2008 and 27 April 2009. With a rating 10% higher than the average among participating Québec ski areas, which was 79% for the season targeted by this study, the Charlevoix ski area’s satisfaction score has remained stable over the years, and surpassed the 88% mark since 2007.

“Le Massif is chosen foremost and above all because of the mountain, but also because of the quality of its infrastructures, its food and the experience at its various service points,” noted Pierre Raymond, general manager of the ski area. “These studies permit us not only to measure our performance, but also to improve our practices and growth,” he stated. “We are pleased to see that our commitment towards continued improvement is recognized but more importantly appreciated by our clientele.”

A Highly Recommended Ski Area
The study also reveals that Le Massif de Charlevoix clearly surpasses industry standards and its Net Promoter Score – a measure of the loyalty, commitment and growth recognized by leading businesses which establishes the ratio of clients promoting a product versus its detractors. With a score of 69, Le Massif de Charlevoix ranks among the most appreciated and recommended ski areas, surpassing the Québec average by 20 points.

Numerous Noteworthy Tributes
Year after year, Le Massif de Charlevoix receives countless tributes, prizes and distinctions from its illustrious magazines and partners. Here are a few of the most recent:
 
•    Best New Eastern Powder Possibility – Best of Skiing in Canada, 2009
•    Top 3: Best Powder – Best of Skiing in Canada, 2009
•    2009 Up! Magazine Value Award – WestJet Magazine, 2009
•    Award for Excellence – Operations & Guest Satisfaction – Canadian Ski Council, 2008
•    Best Eastern Freeriding after a Snowstorm – Best of Skiing in Canada, 2008
•    Top 3: Best Ski Town to Live In, Le Massif’s Baie-Saint-Paul – Best of Skiing in Canada, 2008
•    Top 3: Scene Setters – Best of Skiing in Canada, 2008
•    Best Free 44-Minutes – Best of skiing in Canada, 2008

Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment between now and 2013. Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this original project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Notwithstanding the touring train and rail shuttle, the on-territory offer includes close to 400 lodging units, of which a 150-room bioclimatic hotel as well as a 500-seat multifunctional venue. The site is destined to become a genuine experiential laboratory focused on tourism.

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The entire team is enthusiastically preparing for the upcoming season, which is set to begin next December 5.

– 30 –

“We have preferred a simple, evocative name that leads back to the very essence of the project,” mentioned Daniel Gauthier, as he expressed wanting “to do something different - reinventing new ways of doing things and ways of thinking - for the project to become a model of sustainable development, on both the human and the environmental scale.”

Inspired by the Soul and Spirit of the Locale
Until recently known as Territoire Le Massif, the project’s new name regroups three environments, namely La Montagne, La Ferme and Le Train, and finds its inspiration from the destination’s personality.

“Le Massif de Charlevoix is a name that is banking on the reputation of Le Massif as it is know today, but also on Charlevoix, a region that enjoys considerable fame on the national and international scenes,” Gauthier pointed out, whose wish is to not only ensure the sustainability of the ski area, but to also contribute to Charlevoix’s success on social, economic and tourism related spheres.

Reinventing Ways of Communicating
Developed by Taxi advertising agency, the new visual identity is intriguing and universal, in the image of the territory of creativity and freedom at the heart of which visitors will be called upon to live experiences that will awaken their senses. “It is the fruit of several years of reflection and a creation process inspired by this unusual project, where it was necessary for us to reinvent our ways of doing things as well,” mentioned with a hint of a smile Frédéric Gonzalo, vice-president, marketing and communications at Groupe Le Massif.

Gonzalo presented Sens, Le Massif de Charlevoix Magazine, designed by YQB Media and highlighting the Charlevoix art of living, prior to offering a preview of the new experiential website created by interactive branding agency CloudRaker, which is due online in November. With on its home page a 360⁰ image of unprecedented realism uncannily recreating the vast territory upon which the project’s three environments integrate as one, the Massif de Charlevoix experience is brought to life thanks to countless video clips.

Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment between now and 2013. Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this original project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Notwithstanding the touring train and rail shuttle, the on-territory offer includes close to 400 lodging units, of which a 150-room bioclimatic hotel as well as a 500-seat multifunctional venue. The site is destined to become a genuine experimental laboratory for tourists.

To view the entire press conference, click here.

“A careful selection process undertaken earlier in the year has allowed us to rest our decision on the SEMA team, a Sainte-Flavie firm whose directors have worked in the railway industry for over 25 years,” declared Nancy Belley, director of Chemin de fer Charlevoix. “After a summer filled with assorted inspections, checks and tests along the territory, this week marks the start of actual repair work on the Charlevoix portion of track, in preparation for rail replacement operations scheduled to commence during the week of 15 October.”

Services ferroviaires SEMA Inc. has the mandate to carry out several projects on the 144 km section of track between Québec City and Clermont, including rebuilding bridges and culverts and replacing over 19 km of rails. For its part, the Chemin de fer de Charlevoix team will continue to ensure track safety and maintenance, and ensuring regular CN freight operations.

Recall that in April 2009, Groupe Le Massif through its subsidiary Train touristique de Charlevoix acquired the section of track comprised between Québec City and La Malbaie from La Société des chemins de fer du Québec. Aside from generating dozens of full-time jobs between now and 2011, ensuring the sustainability of this segment of track, guaranteeing the passage of CN freight trains over the coming years and making middle – and long-term regional rail transport endeavours possible, this work will bring about the implementation of two key elements in the Massif de Charlevoix project, namely the integration of a rail shuttle between Baie-Saint-Paul and Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, and putting in service a new touring train linking Québec City to La Malbaie.

Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment between now and 2013. Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this original project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Notwithstanding the touring train and rail shuttle, the on-territory offer includes close to 400 lodging units, of which a 150-room bioclimatic hotel as well as a 500-seat multifunctional venue. The site is destined to become a genuine experimental laboratory focused on tourism.

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Sources & Information:
Isabelle Vallée, Press Relations – Groupe Le Massif
418-932-4023 / ivallee@lemassif.com

What’s New? The 7x7 Card: Enjoy the 7 Most Beautiful Days of the Season – Restriction Free!
A 7x7 Card means the flexibility to choose your outings among the 7 most beautiful days or reasons to sail the highest vertical – be they powder days, lively, tranquil, tantalizing, culturally charged, packed with festivities or simply drenched in sunshine. Until November 30, the 7x7 Adult Card is offered at the low discount rate of $299, the 7x7 Senior Card (65 yrs+) is $259, the 7x7 Student Card (13-25 yrs) is $219, while the 7x7 Children’s Card (7-12 yrs) is just $169.

Love Winter… From $37.25 per Visit, with a 4-Day Card!
It’s the perfect solution for taking in top slide conditions on low-density skiable terrain. Valid Sunday to Friday for 4 separate or consecutive visits, the 4-Day Card takes adults skiing or riding for as little as $37.25 per visit – a 40% savings on the daily ticket office rate. For an additional $20, why not try the 4-Day+ Card, and enjoy a Saturday outing in the best of company.

An Unlimited Season Pass, Paid for in just 8 Visits!
Numerous pass options are offered to sports enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, including a $699 7/7 adult season pass, $499 5/7 pass and a 7/7 couple’s pass for only $599.50 per partner. Also among the season’s deals, those 55 yrs+ ski weekdays all season long for only $379, and students 13-25 yrs do the same for $339 – maximizing on their investment in just 8 visits! Not to mention the long list of exclusive member privileges.

Play Hooky & Receive 10% Off the Regular Rate
The SnowSchool is offering packages over 8 consecutive Sundays. A program tailored for children 3-15 yrs includes a day lift ticket, equipment and a 2-hour lesson from $55 per visit. For $67, young skiers and riders from the provincial capital enjoy two-way transportation between Le Massif and Québec City accompanied by an instructor, as well as a 5-hour lesson. Adults and seniors for their part are invited to 4 gate-training sessions – each Wednesday in January, 10am till noon – for $199.

Le Massif de Charlevoix – An environnement in Development
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment between now and 2013. Beyond the ski area, the project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Among other offers, the territory includes a destination train and rail shuttle, a 500-seat multifunctional venue and close to 400 lodging units. The site is destined to become a genuine experimental laboratory focused on tourism, the environment and technology.

Sources & Information:
Isabelle Vallée, Press Relations – Groupe Le Massif
418-932-4023 / ivallee@lemassif.com

Source:
Isabelle Vallée, Press Relations – Groupe Le Massif
418-932-4023 / ivallee@lemassif.com

Today the promoter of Le Massif de Charlevoix was happy to announce that his friend and founder of Cirque du Soleil, Mr Guy Laliberté, is making a 10 million dollar private investment into the tourism project Daniel Gauthier has been working on for nearly six years. The project’s first worksite started up last month in Baie-Saint-Paul.

As a reminder, Daniel Gauthier was active within Cirque du Soleil as far back as 1984, before assuming its presidency from 1990 to 2001. In September 2002, he acquired Le Massif Ski Area with the clear and avowed intention of propelling it towards becoming a world-class four-season tourist destination.

An Excellent Business Opportunity
With the acquisition of 10% of capital shares, Guy Laliberté considers the transaction as an excellent business decision. “Beyond the sound financial investment, I see an opportunity to contribute to an avant-garde project that is sure to leave its stamp on an international level,” states Guy Laliberté, adding that the Massif de Charlevoix project’s foremost distinction lies in its creative approach. “I am investing privately into dynamic Quebec and Canadian businesses. The strengths of this innovative project has no equal in the tourism industry - here in Québec, or elsewhere. I am also very pleased to rekindle professionally with my friend and accomplice Daniel Gauthier,” concludes the founder of the Cirque du Soleil, visibly proud to invest in one of Québec’s brightest jewels. “Le Massif is a gem we must continue polishing,” he quips.

Renewed Complicity
A long-standing friendship links the two men. From the early 80s in Baie-Saint-Paul, to the days of La Fête foraine and Les Échassiers de la Baie, they soon realized the potential of their complicity and complementary natures. “Together we have done great achievements. When I left the Cirque du Soleil in 2001, I was certain our paths would cross again. It is now a reality,” adds Daniel Gauthier, not without some emotion. “In a sense, the Charlevoix has watched us come into being. That is perhaps not foreign to our desire to invest here,” continues the president of Groupe Le Massif.

Shared Values
Guy and Cirque du Soleil have always been very active in ensuring social and environmental contributions with sound business practices. More recently, the creation of the One-Drop Foundation has shed light on the problem of water on the planet. “Guy has values which compare to those of Le Massif de Charlevoix – that’s another project with a clear vision of sustainable development. It’s no coincidence that life has brought us together again along themes which to us have become increasingly more important,” concludes Daniel Gauthier, emphasizing his intention of developing a powerful ecologically-driven project,  with all due respect to the landscapes, natural resources,  the environment and the local community.

Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a destination project that represents a $230M investment between now and 2013. In June 2008, the Société générale de financement du Québec (SGF) took on 25% of its capital shares. Today Guy Laliberté has acquired an additional 10% of overall shares.

Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this ground-breaking project spans between Baie-Saint-Paul and Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Across this territory, it features among other things a tourist train and rail shuttle, a 500-seat multifunctional venue and an 850-room lodging offer. The site is destined to become a genuine laboratory for touristic, environmental and technological experiments.

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Sources & information :
Frédéric Gonzalo, vice-président marketing et communications-
Groupe Le Massif inc.
Bureau : 418 948-1725, poste 20
Cellulaire : 418 951-5488
Courriel : fgonzalo@groupelemassif.com

Established Facts at the Heart of the Numbers
"At a time of economic instability, we are heartened to know that Le Massif's clientele is loyal," states Raymond with pleasure. "The mountain's natural strengths along with the sustained efforts of its employees once again confirm Le Massif as a choice destination among those who are passionate about slide sports and original happenings," said the ski area's general manager. "Major events like the Great Horned Owl, the Massif Open Rossignol and Quebec March Break largely contributed to maintaining last year's strong numbers, as we saw Saturday February 21 when a new record was set at over 5,000 skier visits.

" Exceptional Coverage, Right to the End…
Despite certain caprices on Mother Nature's part at the start of the season, this ski area renowned for its abundant snowfalls has retained its average annual record with a total of 639 cm on its seasonal precipitations chart - 85% of which fell between December and February. Beyond the 40 cm of fresh snow preceding its last weekend of operations, a mid-February blizzard which buried Le Massif's trails under 95 cm in only 48 hours will be long remembered.

Tomorrow's Le Massif
Between now and 2013, a $230M investment is poised to elevate the Charlevoix's Le Massif to the rank of a four-season tourism and recreation destination. Spanning over more than 120 square kilometres of territory and articulated between two towns - Baie-Saint-Paul and Petite-Rivière-Saint-François - Territoire Le Massif includes a tourist train, about 850 rooms, spas, restaurants, technological showcases as well as over one hundred activities and edutainment pursuits embracing culture, science, sports, adventure and wellness.

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