Mountain safety and awareness

Trail difficulty levels

On a first visit, all skiers and snowboarders—regardless of experience—are encouraged to start with the easiest trails to properly assess the resort’s unique trail ratings before progressing to more challenging terrain.

It’s important to note that trail classifications—🟢 green circle (easy), 🟦 blue square (intermediate), ◆ black diamond (advanced), and ◆◆ double black diamond (expert)—are not standardized across resorts. A blue run at Le Massif may be easier or more difficult than a blue run at another mountain. Trail ratings are relative to the specific terrain, layout, and conditions of each resort.

Signage and barriers

All poles, flags, barriers, protective padding, signs, and other markings on the mountain are there to alert you to obstacles or potentially hazardous areas. However, these measures do not guarantee your safety or prevent injury. According to the Alpine Responsibility Code, it is your responsibility to remain vigilant and avoid all hazards, even those that are marked.

Drone use

Recreational drone use is strictly prohibited at Le Massif de Charlevoix due to safety concerns, privacy risks, and its impact on the guest experience. Any violation of this rule may result in a warning or expulsion from the area. Commercial drone operations are permitted only with prior written authorization from Le Massif de Charlevoix.

Dogs prohibited in winter

Dogs are not permitted on the mountain during the ski season—this includes all slopes and indoor areas. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of all skiers and riders. Please note: This restriction also applies to alpine touring.

Helmet use

At Le Massif, wearing a helmet is mandatory in snow parks and on the sledding trail. Helmet use is also strongly recommended throughout the ski area—whether you're skiing, snowboarding, or enjoying any other sliding activity. We encourage all guests to learn about the benefits and limitations of helmet use. Safety starts with controlled and responsible practice, in accordance with the Alpine Responsibility Code.

Baby carriers

For safety reasons, skiing or snowboarding while carrying a baby or child in a carrier or backpack is strictly prohibited. Alpine touring with a child is permitted, but descent must be made via gondola.

Authorized equipment

• Alpine skis (classic, parabolic, telemark, twin-tips) with safety-release bindings.
• Snowboards with retention system strongly recommended.
• Miniskis / Snowblades with proper ski bindings.
• Snow-Go only.
• Dual-ski and Uniski (for adaptive skiing only).
   

Prohibited equipment

• Cross-country skis (classic, skating, off-piste with edges, etc.)
• Sleds, toboggans, tubes, sliding mats, crazy carpets, or any kind of similar sliding device.
• Snowblades – bindings with wire (no release system).
• Skibikes.
• Snowscoots (snow scooters).
• Off-piste cross-country skis.
• Powsurf or surfboards.
• Onefoo miniskis.
• Miniskis with soft boots.
• Hok skis (ski raquettes).
• Snowfeet (snow skates).
• Snowskates / snowdecks.
• Sled dogs.
• Stoltski.
• Fatbikes.

Get ready for the mountain

• Wear sunscreen, goggles, and a helmet—even on cloudy days.
• Dress warmly to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.
• Drink regularly to stay hydrated.

Speed and precautions to avoid collisions

Along with following the Mountain Code of Conduct, adopting these three habits will help ensure your safety and that of others on the slopes:

1. Anticipate
   Always be ready to slow down or change direction. Maintain good control over your speed and trajectory at all times—regardless of conditions— whether you’re on groomed slopes or in the trees, to avoid obstacles and other people.
2. Stay alert
   Keep your eyes open and actively monitor your surroundings. Being aware of other skiers and snowboarders, as well as changing snow and visibility conditions, will help you enjoy your day safely.
3. Adapt your descent
   Slow down in areas with limited visibility, such as intersections or sharp turns. Maintain a safe distance when approaching others or merging onto trails. If it’s your first time on a trail, take it slow to spot bumps, dips, or other areas that require caution.

By keeping these three principles in mind during every descent, you contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Access prohibited outside opening hours

Even when the lifts are stopped, our teams continue working on the mountain, day and night. Being on the trails outside of opening hours puts your safety at risk and endangers our staff.

Unpredictable conditions
When the mountain is closed, visibility is often reduced, and some areas may be obstructed by terrain features, snow piles, or poor lighting. You might not see a snowmobile or grooming machine approaching—and our teams may not see you in time either.

No emergency services available
In case of a fall or injury, no patrol is on duty to assist. This means you could be exposed to cold for an extended period without help, significantly increasing the risk of hypothermia or complications.

Risks from operating equipment
During closing hours, heavy machinery such as groomers and snowmobiles are active on the trails. Their presence on unexpected routes, combined with low visibility, creates a high risk of collision. Operators do not expect to encounter people on closed trails—a collision could have serious consequences.

Danger from winch-equipped groomers
Some groomers are equipped with winches and steel cables that can extend over a kilometer. Buried under the snow and often invisible, these cables can tighten or release suddenly during maneuvers, posing extreme danger to anyone nearby. A cable snap or sudden movement can cause severe or even fatal injuries.

Off-piste areas • safety notice

• Only travel in designated areas.
• Respect signage, wildlife, the environment, and the Mountain Code of Conduct.
• Never descend on uphill trails.
• Use only open trails or designated off-piste zones.
• Leave the trails before resort closing time.
• Be in good physical condition, properly equipped, and carry a fully charged phone.
• Never tour alone; minors must be accompanied.
• Check current conditions before heading out or hire a guide if needed.
• A minimum fee of $250 may apply for any intervention outside authorized zones or hours.

Check the activity

General rules

• If it’s your first time using a lift, take a moment to observe how it works or ask a staff member for guidance.
• Be courteous to other users.
• Slow down as you approach the loading area.
• Keep your RFID card with you—ideally in the left jacket pocket—for quick scanning.
• Board and exit only at designated areas.
• Follow all posted signage and staff instructions.
• For smoother boarding, gather as a group before reaching the platform.
• Remove headphones before entering the loading or unloading zone.
• After exiting the chair, clear the unloading area promptly.

Children and supervision

• If you're with a young child, assist them getting on and off the lift. Never leave them unattended—you are responsible for their safety.
• Ensure the child is seated properly and securely at the back of the seat.

	Boarding with children To keep young skiers safe, make sure children are seated between adults when boarding. This allows for constant supervision and ensures the safety bar can be handled securely.
	Minimum height requirement: 135 cm tall to ride the chairlift alone Children under 135 cm may have difficulty operating the safety bar by themselves. To ensure their safety, they must be accompanied by an adult when boarding. This helps provide proper supervision and safe use of the lift.

Safety and behavior

• Before boarding a chairlift, remove your backpack or any bag worn on your shoulders.
• During loading and unloading, lift your poles and remove the straps.
• If you fall while unloading, keep your head down and move quickly out of the way.
• Do not swing, jump, or behave recklessly on the lift. If riding alone, sit in the center of the seat.
• Always lower the safety bar as soon as you're seated.
• Before unloading, check that your clothing or accessories are not caught.
• In the event of a temporary stop or rollback, never attempt to jump off.

What to do in case of a mountain accident

If you are involved in a collision or incident on the slopes, both the law and the Mountain Code of Conduct require you to stop, provide assistance, and give your name and contact information. It is also essential to report the accident to the ski patrol.

How to Report an Accident

In an emergency situation on the mountain, contact the ski patrol by calling the emergency number listed on the trail map: 418-632-5876, extension 4911. We recommend saving this number in your phone before you head out.

If you are unable to call yourself, ask another skier or snowboarder to go to the nearest lift station and alert an attendant, who can then contact the ski patrol.

When communicating with the ski patrol, try to provide:

• The exact location of the incident (e.g., trail name, lift tower number, GPS coordinates if available).
• A description of the accident and any present hazards.
• The number of injured persons and, if possible, the nature of the injuries (e.g., loss of consciousness, head or spinal injuries).

On-Site Priorities

Once the alert has been given, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the safety of everyone – yourself, the scene, then the injured person.
2. Stabilize the head and neck if necessary.
3. Check for breathing.
4. Control any bleeding.