News

Reaching new heights at Les Sommets : All the ski resorts join the fun


All ski resort of the group les Sommets joined the fun and launched their 2017-2018 ski season on Saturday, December 9. Sommet Morin Heights, Sommet Olympia, Sommet Gabriel, join Sommet Edelweiss, which opened on December 1st, and Sommet Saint-Sauveur, which was the first ski resort in Quebec to open their trails this winter. Reaching new heightsIn addition to offering more than 29 snowy trails last weekend to all ski and snowboard enthusiasts (the number of trails will grow quickly), the Laurentians ski resorts enriched their offer in order to reach new heights this winter. Each ski resort will have something new to improve the skier's experience on their trails and lodges.More than $2,5M have been invested in the 5 ski resorts during the last few months. With a snowy terrain wider than ever this time of year, Sommet Saint-Sauveur will improve the customer experience with new chic and modern restrooms, a « one-stop shop » allowing the new skier to evolve between the ticket counter, le...

Holiday Cheer for Everyone, at Tremblant


Already bustling with skiers, Tremblant's wonderful playground proposes an exciting holiday programme for the whole family from December 23 to January 5, with a pedestrian village brimming with that magical holiday feeling marking end-of-year celebrations. On foot or on skis, kids and grandparents can all discover loads of options to fulfill their every wish. Whether indoors and away from Mother Nature's possible grumblings or in the great outdoors, the to-do list is full of fun activities and entertainment: La Famille Grelot – December 23 to 31: A feisty family of elves merrily roams about the pedestrian village, filling it with song, dance, music and acrobatics.Meet Toufou the Mascot – December 23 to January 5: Both tall and small are invited to gather round Tremblant's famous mascot for a hug, or an autograph.Santa is Coming – December 24: The Holiday Parade begins at 3:30 pm on Place des Voyageurs and winds its way over to Place St-Bernard, where the beloved Santa will be handing o...

Vail Resorts Announces Plans for Historic Investment and New Gondola at Whistler Blackcomb to Further Enhance the Guest Experience for the 2018-19 Season


Vail Resorts, Inc. today announced that the Company plans to make an historic investment of CAD$66 million (USD$52 million) at Whistler Blackcomb this season focusing on three new lifts at the heart of the resort. This transformative investment features the addition of a new gondola on the Blackcomb side of the mountain, as well as several other lift infrastructure upgrades, providing quicker, easier access to all levels of terrain. The plan also represents the largest single-year capital investment program in the resort's history, and the Company's decision to accelerate the mountain improvements included in the Renaissance plan, while deferring consideration of the new water park. A new 10-passenger gondola will replace the Wizard and Solar chairlifts and ascend from the base to the top of Blackcomb Mountain, terminating adjacent to the existing PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which transports guests to and from Blackcomb and Whistler. Upon completion, the new gondola will offer guests a more c...

Mont SUTTON will open on December 9th


The snow guns have started, the new and the old ones! Winter seems to be on the mountain for good! The 50 new cm of snow received on the mountain in the last weeks and the encouraging temperatures of the next days allow for an opening on December 9. The cold temperatures of the last days allowed the snowmaking team to start the snow guns. Starting at 8:30 a.m. next Saturday, December 9, ski and snowboard enthusiasts will be able to make their first turns at Mont SUTTON. The excitement is already palpable among the employees on the mountain! The weekend will start on Friday, December 8, at Bar Le Tucker for the first Live Music Friday with Mannix. Starting at 4 p.m., everyone is invited to celebrate the beginning of the season in music before hitting the trails on the next morning. The Boutique Expérience SUTTON, the Snow School, and the customer service will be open for everyone's needs: season passes, SUTTON gift cards for Christmas gifts, equipment, lessons, tune-ups, etc. Source : M...

Ski Season Kicks Off This Saturday, December 2nd at Fernie Alpine Resort


Fernie excited to kick off the season with first chair tradition this Saturday, December 2nd! We are so proud of the passion for skiing and riding our community has! A great example of this incredible stoke is Greg Barrow- having snagged first chair for 17 years – now this is some feat. It has involved sleeping in his tent, with a cold weather certified sleeping bag at the base of the Elk Chair to hold this honour year after year. He is not alone as the masses have lined up to vie for this coveted seat. A big shout out to Greg and all of you who share his passion for skiing and riding. We look forward to sharing the smiles and the tradition of skiing and riding with all of you! Services available opening weekend; Guest Services & Tickets – 8am to 5pm Winter Sports School – Beginner Group Lessons & Early Season Private Lessons will be available Childcare – Open from 9am to 4pm Sports Alpine Retail Shop – 8:30am to 4:30pm Rental & Repair Shop – 8:30am to 4:30pm Daylodge – 8:3...

Massive October & November Snow Kicks Kicking Horse into Opening Early – Over 13 feet YTD!


Kicking Horse Mountain Resort soars high being located in the Northernmost region of the Powder Highway, with record snowfall already this season is starting off like no other. Tucked among soaring peaks and recognized as the Champagne Powder Capital of Canada, Kicking Horse will kick off ski season with a Preview Weekend on Saturday & Sunday December 2nd & 3rd (official opening day on Friday, December 8th). For all weekend information visit our Events Calendar and for any further updated information please see our Snow Report or RCR App. Win a spot on the First Gondola! The seats for the very first Gondola of the season are up for grabs! Buy raffle tickets in the Plaza from 7:45am to 8:45am on Saturday December 2nd – 1 for $2 or 3 for $5. All proceeds will be donated to the Golden Food Bank. Bring a can of non-perishable food and you will get your name on a bonus ticket. The winner gets to pick 4 buddies to share the first gondola, skip the lift lines for the rest of the day, ...

Blue Mountain Ski Resort Adds a New Trail


Blue Mountain Resort, Ontario's largest mountain resort, will be increasing its trail count to 43 this season with the opening of a brand new ski trial. The Resort's newest black diamond run will be accessible via the Century Express high-speed six-pack chairlift and will take the overall skiable acreage at Blue Mountain to 365 acres. Blue Mountain's President and Chief Operating Officer, Dan Skelton said, "We have always found a way to make Blue Mountain bigger and better season after season. Along with the introduction of Mountaintop skating and enhancements to our terrain park, the additional run gives skiers and riders even more space to get outside and enjoy our winter playground." Since retiring the Badlands Double chairlift and moving the terrain park to the southern end of the Resort, teams at Blue were able to cut the new run along the same part of the Mountain where the Great Slide Ride once provided guests with a thrill ride down Blue Mountain. Known best for the cement burn...

Tremblant slide season off to a stellar start


Tremblant's slide season officially begins at 8:30 am, and skiers and riders can expect fun and fanfare at the lifts, as well as exceptional conditions on 12 trails that form a throughway linking the summit to the North and South Side bases. As well, a number of features and one mid-sized jump await freestylers on the Progression Park trail (Alpine). Tremblant's 107 acres of skiable terrain are served by the Télécabine Express, Duncan Express, TGV, Lowell Thomas and Onésime lifts. Please view the snow report for our latest updates. Olympic Season To celebrate PyeongChang 2018 held this February, Tremblant is very pleased to welcome the PyeongChang Olympic booth at the Grand Manitou this Saturday and Sunday, November 25 & 26. The public is invited to discover details about the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and have a peek at South Korean culture. 24h Tremblant Optimal snow conditions are expected for this year's edition of the 24h Tremblant, taking place December 8-10. Uniting t...

Tremblant fires up its snowguns - It will soon be time to hit the trails and (re)discover the mountain

With snowmaking well underway since last night, the official countdown to opening date is finally on! November 23, skiers and riders of all calibres can find fun and inspiration on a few trails and discover – or rediscover ‒ Tremblant. Nansen : The mountain's longest trail, riders admire splendid scenery on an easy 6.1 km descent to the South Side. Perfect for capturing your youngest tribe member's first turns, the Nansen ends next to the Fairmont Tremblant where $6M was recently invested to refresh its public areas and restaurants.Erik Guay & Jasey-Jay Anderson ‒ Named after two Tremblant ambassador athletes, the trails are located on the South and North Sides respectively. A challenge to be approached with enthusiasm during an Olympic year when everything seems possible.Tam-Tam ‒ With glades, play modules and animal sculptures, this learning zone is designed to heighten Mountain Safety Code awareness while providing park users with sound slide tips. Reached via the Nansen, it app...

The 2017-2018 ski season begins and Sommet Saint-Sauveur celebrates Founding Member Louis Dufour’s 45th anniversary on the hill


It's with great emotion and pride that Sommet Saint-Sauveur launched the 2017-2018 season today and celebrated the arrival of a pivotal moment in its History. The Quebec Company is proud to highlight the 45th anniversary of one of its Founding member Louis Dufour as part of the family-owned company. Employees and skiers reunited to celebrate the beginning of ski season 2017-2018 A man and his passionFormer member of the Canadian Ski Team, honoree of many awards, including the Canadian Skiers of Distinction, given by SKI CANADA, the Réal Boulanger Award and the 2003 Personality of the Year presented by the Quebec Ski Area Association, this ski pioneer was inducted into the Laurentian Ski Hall of Fame in 1994, stressing not only his dedication but his passion for the sport. 'The company is lucky to have 45 years of passion and love of skiing among its management team, thanks to Louis Dufour. Synonym of passion and love for skiing, he is at the heart of a great part of the company's succe...

Camp Fortune opens Friday, November 24th


Ski season is here! We open Friday, November 24! Grab your skis and boards and join us for our opening day. We are committed to offering you the longest season possible and will be the first ski hill in the Outaouais to open. Hours of operation: November 24 from 9 am to 4 pmNovember 25 from 9 am to 4 pmNovember 26 from 9 am to 4 pm. Lift passes: $20 (+tx) for adults/students/seniors$15 (+tx) for youth 7-12 6$ (+tx) for 6 and under and 80 + Season passes:regular season pass rules apply. Almost Anytime and unlimited passes are valid. Conditions: Pineault will be open and we continue making snow and open more runs as soon as we can. We are working 24 / 7 when the weather allows. --------------------- Avant-ski December 9th We kick off the season with the third annual Avant-Ski party and ski/snowboard competition (comp by invite only but open to all spectators). The event starts at 6pm with the competition featuring some of the best riders in the east. Skate ramp, DJs, 18+ after party, pou...

2 million dollar investment at les Sommets


Proud of a memorable 2016-2017 winter season and a few weeks before the next ski season, group les Sommets announces a 2 million dollar investment throughout its hills, located in the Laurentians and in Ottawa. You'll find below a list of all the new projects expected this winter on our hills. Details and pictures found here. Sommet Saint-Sauveur: skiing earlier in the season 65 new super performing snow guns will be addedSnow making system will be upgradedThe restrooms will completely be renovated. Larger and more modern Sommet Saint-Sauveur, versant Avila: a new magical world att he snow tubing park Yurts will welcome visitorsSnowshoeing trails addedSnow fortsNew trails for crazy cartets Sommet Morin Heights The resto-bar gets a new look. New name Kicking Horse.Playroom designed in association with GriffonThe trail 364 is renamed as a tribute to the late Ross Cole Sommet Gabriel New branding! The «Top ski mini price» becomes «Love to ski, love the price» !A new lounge for parents at ...

Mont Saint-Sauveur International becomes Les Sommets

(Photo : Alain Denis) - The executive of Les Sommets, accompanied by Louis Dufour, Chairman of the Board and Vice President Customer Experience and Development, and Louis Philippe Hébert President and CEO.

New identity for a pillar of the ski industry With an international reputation and all its four seasons activities, the group MSSI decided to re-position its brand, consulting with marketing communications agency Cossette and digital media agency, Sigmund, culminating in the birth of a new identity. From the installation of the first North American ski lifts to the development of one of the largest ski areas in North America, the history of Mont Saint-Sauveur is filled with family, ambition, innovation and passion. Since its infancy in the 70s, Mont Saint-Sauveur has continued to grow and innovate, becoming one of the most important economic engines in the region. Combining several ski resorts, camping, a tree top adventure, a water park, an amusement park and now mini golf, Mont Saint-Sauveur has become over the years a 'leader' in the recreational tourism industry. MSSI becomes Les Sommets Proud of its history and supporting the vision of its founder, the late Jacques G. Hébert, the ...

Bromont set for a new season after investments of $1.5 million to improve the ski experience


Bromont, montagne d'expériences today announced investments of $1.5 million, which will be used to help improve the service infrastructures, mechanical lifts and snowmaking capacity. Efforts will be made to find new ways to improve and sustain crowd management across the site. "Last year, we surveyed our clients at the end of the season to find out which areas needed improvement, so we could target our investments accordingly," explains Charles Désourdy, President and CEO of Bromont, montagne d'expériences. "Traffic misperception is also an important issue our team is working on in an effort to continue to enhance our client experience," he adds. This year's investment of $1.5 million is in addition to the $50 million invested over the past 10 years. Improved infrastructures The capacity of the Chalet du Lac was increased by approximately 20 percent this year. It will also feature more storage space for visitors to this slope side. In addition, the cable of the detachable chairlift at ...

Snowmaking begins at Killington Resort

Photo : Killington Resort, Facebook page

Vermont's Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard destination in Eastern North America, has begun snowmaking in advance of the 2016 Audi FIS Ski World Cup comes to Vermont's largest ski area on November 26-27, 2016. Killington Resort was the first North American ski mountain to open its season to the general public in 2015, in part because of the resort's advanced snowmaking and grooming prowess. Killington typically begins the longest season in the East with exclusive access for season pass holders, rewarding commitment to the resort with the first turns of the winter. Season Passes, Express Cards and K-Tickets are all currently on sale, but with price deadlines approaching later this week. Snowmaking lit up on Killington and Skye Peaks just before dawn Monday, building stockpiles for both public consumption on North Ridge trails and the approaching Audi FIS Ski World Cup races on the legendary trail Superstar. In addition to summer snowmaking improvements to the water lines,...

Increased snowmaking and an exciting future at Mont Sutton


Mont SUTTON, one of Quebec's major ski resorts located in the Eastern Townships, is already gearing up for the 2016-2017 ski season. This season is the resort's first under the ownership of Jean-Michel Ryan, Pierre Chesnay and Sylvain Gervais and visitors can expect many exciting changes in a near future. This year will be one of transition, allowing for an in-depth analysis of potential diversification opportunities, of a real-estate development plan and of the resort's future endeavours. For this winter, the new owners are investing half a million dollars in the improvement of the existing snowmaking infrastructure.A year of transition that bodes well for the future This new season about to begin will mainly be one for reflection. A quarter of a million dollars will be invested in the creation of a master plan intended to turn the resort into a major four-season tourist destination, while staying true to the resort's authentic DNA. « We want to mobilize the active forces in Sutton in...

Sunday River Resort to Install New Three-Person Chairlift on Spruce Peak


Sunday River Resort will install a new three-person chairlift on Spruce Peak and a new top terminal on Locke Mountain. Both the new chairlift and top terminal are manufactured by Doppelmayr USA, Inc; construction for the new top terminal is currently underway. Like the original Spruce Peak Triple, the new $2.1 million dollar Doppelmayr fixed-grip three-passenger chairlift will be built in the same location and use a conveyor system to help load passengers onto the chairlift. Passenger ride time is expected to improve from 12 minutes to 10 minutes. The decision to replace the resort's 1986-built Spruce Peak Triple comes after the original chairlift's top terminal detached from its foundation in an unwitnessed event on July 10, 2016. The Spruce Peak Triple does not operate in the summer and there were no injuries. Engineers recently identified concrete grout failure as the cause of the detachment and determined that damage from the event warranted replacing the entire lift. From these fi...

What's new for winter 2016-17 at Smugglers' Notch

Photo : Priscilla Emerling

Coming this winter - FunZone 2.0, a one-of-a-kind $4.1 million indoor play space for families. The FunZone will offer two levels of high-energy fun with entertaining and challenging activities such as a ninja warrior obstacle course, dual climbing wall, inflatables and bouncy houses, laser tag, slot car racing, an arcade and redemption center, and more. This premiere facility will encompass 26,000 square feet with a broad range of activities for all ages to enjoy. Smugglers' original FunZone set the bar for resort family fun. When it opened in 1999 it was an innovative facility that was unparalleled at mountain resorts, and it quickly became one of the most popular features at Smugglers'. The new FunZone with its expanded space, more varied mix of features, and improved services is an example of Smugglers' continuing commitment to serving the interests of its family visitors through innovative programming and activities. The expected opening for the new FunZone is mid winter 2016/2017....

Waterville Valley Resort Kicks Off Construction of the Green Peak Expansion


Waterville Valley Resort announces today the start of the Green Peak Expansion project, scheduled to open for the 2016/17 Winter Season. This first phase of the project will include the cutting of 10 new trails to provide 45 new acres of skiing and riding and will be serviced by a fixed grip chairlift. This will be Waterville Valley Resort's biggest expansion project in more than 30 years. Jack Sanders, a longtime skier at Waterville Valley and attorney for the Resort said "I congratulate Chris Sununu, his leadership team and the management of Waterville Valley Holdings on launching the first expansion of the ski area. Chris Sununu is President of the ownership group which is the fourth company to own Waterville Valley, but the first to expand the ski area." Sanders continued, "I have been skiing in Waterville Valley since Tom Corcoran developed it as a first class ski area and now with new leadership, the updated master plan is on the road to being fulfilled. What is amazing is to see...

Energy Efficiency Initiative at Cannon Mountain Expected to Cut Consumption 30 Percent


Projects are expected to be implemented for this coming winter A series of energy efficiency initiatives now underway at Cannon Mountain is expected to reduce energy consumption at the ski area by about 30 percent, while significantly increasing snowmaking capabilities. The State of New Hampshire signed a $5.1 million contract with the energy service firm Ameresco for the project. "This is part of the state's effort to reduce its energy consumption 50 percent by 2030," said Commissioner Jeffrey Rose of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, which oversees operation of Cannon Mountain. "Even as this important project is anticipated to cut energy consumption, it will provide critical upgrades to important infrastructure at the ski area." The conservation measures include replacement of Cannon's main-trunk powerline and upgrading the transformer; construction of a mid-mountain snowmaking booster pump house; installation of 388 high efficiency tower snowmaking guns, and ligh...

Vail Resorts elevates the guest experience with $100 million in Resort Improvements for 2016-17


Vail Resorts, Inc. continues to raise the bar for skiers and riders as the Company invests approximately $100 million in the guest experience for the upcoming winter across its resorts, bringing its five-year, industry-leading resort investment total to more than $500 million across the Company. The most significant improvements include a new restaurant on Peak 7 at Breckenridge, an upgraded high-speed chairlift accessing Vail's Back Bowls, significant renovations to the guest rooms of The Pines Lodge, A RockResort at Beaver Creek, and $13 million to completely re-imagine the guest experience at Wilmot Mountain, located near Chicago, Ill. "Guests expect a premium experience when they visit one of our resorts, including the highest levels of guest service as well as the cutting edge in lifts, restaurants, lodging and other elements of their vacation," said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. "This year's resort improvement plan reflects our goal to continue to delive...

Cold Air: All Systems Go at Sunday River

Photo : Nick Lambert

As temperatures fell at Sunday River Resort overnight, the snowmaking team fired up the snowguns at 4AM for their initial systems test on Saturday, September 24, signaling the beginning of winter 2016-17 just three days after the first day of fall. Sunday River typically opens for skiing and snowboarding on or around Halloween, and this annual snowmaking test confirms: all systems go. During this morning's test, snowmakers ran 10 snowguns on the Lower Downdraft ski trail, just below the top terminal of the resort's signature Chondola chairlift. This season's opening plan will include top-to-bottom skiing and snowboarding on Aurora Peak, accessed by the Chondola out of the South Ridge base area. Though the resort has not yet set an official opening date, this test does give Sunday River's snowmakers the go-ahead to crank the system at full capacity—8,100 gallons of water and 60,000 cubic feet of air per minute, producing four acre feet per hour—at the first sustained cold spell with tem...

What’s New – The Stowe Adventure Center


Brand new this winter in Stowe is the opening of an 80 million dollar Adventure Center. This state-of-the art facility literally sets a new standard in the industry for kids and family amenities. Located at Spruce Peak and adjacent to Stowe's new outdoor Ice Skating Rink, Stowe's Adventure Center is home to all Stowe's children's programs. From beautiful daycare facilities to ski and ride programs for kids 3 and up, the new Adventure Center has significantly advanced and expanded family amenities and services at the resort. The building also includes new shops, an Indoor Climbing Center (called Stowe Rocks) and family-friendly dining. www.stowe.com Spruce Peak Village CenterIncludes a new crepe restaurant, a gourmet food and beverage market, a coffee shop and retail shopping. The shops at Spruce Peak include the latest mountain lifestyle brands, winter gear, Stowe logo products, regional crafts and more – all conveniently gathered among a distinctive variety of new shops and eateries w...

Vail Resorts and Whistler Blackcomb agree to strategic combination

Photo : David McColm

Vail Resorts, Inc. and Whistler Blackcomb Holdings, Inc. today announced that they have entered into a strategic business combination joining Whistler Blackcomb with Vail Resorts. Under the transaction, Vail Resorts would acquire 100 percent of the stock of Whistler Blackcomb, whose shareholders would receive C$17.50 per share in cash and 0.0975 shares of Vail Resorts common stock, for consideration having a total value of C$36.00 per share. The share exchange ratio is based upon closing stock prices and currency exchange rates as of August 5, 2016 and is subject to a currency exchange rate adjustment, as described below."Combining Whistler Blackcomb with Vail Resorts' portfolio of outstanding resorts provides Whistler Blackcomb with increased financial strength, marketing exposure, guest relationships and broadens the geographic diversity of our company with resorts across the United States, as well as in Australia and Canada. This relationship will bring greater resources to support ...

Tremblant fires up the snowguns


​It's time to kick-off a new ski season! Although only the early steps in a complex operations plan designed to achieve optimal coverage, snowmaking efforts began last night owing to a first band of cold weather. Tremblant's 1,133-strong snowgun squad has the capability of burying the equivalent of 76 football fields under one foot of snow in only 24 hours. Better get ready ‒ skiing starts in just 30 days! Time to Book & Save on Vacations By booking a Winter Vacation before November 29 2016, visitors save up to 25% on reservations between November 1 2016 and April 30 2017. Plus, guests who stay with participating lodging partners are also entitled to free privileges like First Tracks, free skates and evening tubing! And the ​Latitude Card gets you out on the ski trails for as little as $57 a day. ​Source : Annick Marseille, Public Relations Advisor, Tremblant