2026 ski season cancelled at Le Massif de Charlevoix ski resort amid labour dispute

The new shuttle bus transports passengers from the train station to the foot of Le Massif de Charlevoix ski resort as part of a new service launched on Thursday, January 26, 2012, in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Quebec. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)

Le Massif de Charlevoix announced Monday that it is forced to end its operations early after its unionized employees, on an indefinite general strike since Jan. 2, rejected the settlement proposal put forward by the mediator as well as arbitration.

The union, Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs du Massif Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, affiliated with the CSN, reaffirmed its willingness to continue negotiations.

“After pulling Le Massif out of a precarious financial situation more than 23 years ago, we now sadly note that Le Massif de Charlevoix, a regional flagship and year-round international tourist destination, wholly owned by Quebec interests and generating more than 525 direct jobs, is once again facing threats to its long-term viability,” said Groupe Le Massif president Claude Choquette in a statement.

The statement said the employees’ refusal to return to work prevents the ski resort from maintaining artificial snow across the mountain to ensure safe conditions for users, making “continuing the season unviable.”

“This operation is strictly regulated, and the reservoir must be filled by Jan. 31 at the latest,” the statement said. “To meet this legal deadline, a prompt resumption of operations was essential before Jan. 20.”

The union, meanwhile, stressed in a statement the determination of its members to “not be intimidated by employer pressures and ultimatums.”

“The workers have spoken with one voice. They reject intimidation and threats. They want to negotiate in good faith and reach an agreement that fully recognizes the value of their work. The intimidation has gone on long enough. We will not return on our knees,” said union president Annick Simard.

The employees’ collective agreement expired Dec. 31. Wages remain one of the main sticking points between the two sides.

“When an employer acts like a king and tries to impose its worldview through pressure and intimidation, you have to stand up collectively,” said Barbara Poirier, president of the CSN Central Council of Québec–Chaudière-Appalaches. “The workers at Le Massif are showing dignity and courage, and the whole region has an interest in ensuring they are respected.”

In addition to wages, the union, which represents about 300 mountain employees, has demands related to subcontracting, sick leave, safety and vacation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Jan. 19, 2026.