Published: April 23, 2026
Preparing a mountain for summer is no small feat—especially when it’s home to the highest vertical drop east of the Canadian Rockies. Each spring, snowmelt marks the starting point of operations and sets the rhythm for our teams on the ground.
A seasonal shift guided by nature
As the snow recedes and temperatures rise, our crews begin preparing the hiking and mountain biking trails for opening. In spring, working in the mountains means adapting to ever-changing conditions and following nature’s lead.
Water management: a key challenge in the mountains
After months buried under snow, trail conditions often come with surprises. The first step is a full inspection of the terrain to assess damage and identify necessary work.
Key actions include:
- Clearing and cleaning culverts
- Removing accumulated sediment
- Reshaping drainage ditches
- Blowing away leaves and debris
- Building channels, berms, and water diversions
The goal is simple: dry out the ground as quickly as possible to preserve trail quality and ensure a safe start to the season..
Trail building and maintenance
Once water is under control, trail work begins. Our trail building team steps in to restore and optimize the network. Still, spring conditions remain unpredictable—each rainfall can call for further adjustments.
In spring, even when the surface appears dry, the ground often remains saturated below. With limited absorption capacity, the soil remains fragile. This is why respecting temporary closures is essential—they help protect trail integrity and ensure long-term durability.
This period is also used to clear vegetation and maintain ski runs, including off-piste sectors and La Charlevoix, in preparation for the next winter season.
Preventive maintenance of lifts and equipment
Summer preparation also includes preventive maintenance of surface and aerial lifts, which provide access to hiking and mountain biking trails. Each spring, teams carry out detailed inspections of chairs, cables, grips, safety systems, and mechanical components.
Special work is also planned on certain structural elements this summer, including:
- The gondola’s return bullwheel and selected pulley assemblies. This is why lift operations will alternate between the gondola and the Grande-Pointe lift during the summer season;
- Maintenance of the pumps at the pumping station that supplies the snowmaking system;
- A complete inspection of all grooming equipment..
Together, these efforts ensure safe, reliable operations and a seamless mountain experience year-round.
A playground shaped by nature
Working across the vast territory of Le Massif de Charlevoix means operating in an exceptional environment, where every action must respect the surrounding ecosystems.
Our approach is simple: work with nature, not against it. By respecting its rhythm, we’re able to deliver high-quality outdoor experiences year after year—whether hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding or sledding.
