April 16, 2026 Team Contributor
The Mont-Sainte-Anne transformation has officially moved from planning to execution, marking one of the most significant upgrades in the resort’s history. And it’s a welcome move.
Quebec residents and Canadians are familiar with the contentious history of MSA under Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR), which has operated it since the 1990s under a long-term lease expiring in 2093.
It has long been criticized by the Quebec government, local “Friends of MSA” groups, and the broader public for chronic underinvestment and aging infrastructure.
With the pressure building up, the 2026 Transformation Plan is now moving ahead.
For travellers and skiers near Quebec City, this is more than just a facelift. It signals a full reset of one of Canada’s most iconic mountain destinations.
A $100 million overhaul
At the heart of the project is a $100 million investment focused entirely on mountain infrastructure. The funding comes through a partnership between Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and the Quebec government, supported by a $50 million loan from Investissement Québec.
This isn’t an incremental improvement. It’s a structural rebuild aimed at restoring confidence after recent operational challenges.
New lifts and gondola to reshape the experience
The most visible change for visitors will come from a complete overhaul of the lift network.
On March 26, 2026, the resort officially placed a massive order with Doppelmayr Canada for three state-of-the-art lifts to be commissioned between February 2027 and December 2028. Here’s a quick look at the upcoming changes.
The gondola stands out. With floor-to-ceiling windows and bike-friendly design, it’s built as much for summer as for ski season.
Snowmaking upgrade targets reliability and sustainability
Mont-Sainte-Anne is also addressing a critical issue for Canadian resorts: snow reliability.
The new system aims to:
- Increase snow production by 30%
- Reduce energy consumption by 30%
That balance matters. It improves conditions while aligning with long-term sustainability goals.
A bigger shift beyond skiing
The Mont Sainte Anne redevelopment goes beyond lifts and snow.
A major structural change has already taken place. The East sector is now managed by Sépaq, focusing on conservation and outdoor activities, while ski operations concentrate on the West.
At the base, a new village concept is under review. If approved, it could unlock up to $450 million in private investment, bringing new hotels, residences, and a modern pedestrian hub.
Why this matters for travellers
For Canadian and US visitors, the timing is key.
In the hierarchy of Quebec tourism, Mont-Sainte-Anne typically sits in the Top 3, but its appeal is distinct.
While domestic footfall took a hit during the 2023-2024 safety crises, the resort is seeing a resurgence in US visitors, driven by two factors
- The Epic Pass Partnership: MSA is a partner on the Vail Resorts Epic Pass (offering 7 days of access). This has made it a primary destination for East Coast Americans (from New York, Vermont, and Maine) looking to maximize their pass value in a “foreign” setting.
- The Quebec City Factor: Unlike Tremblant, which is a self-contained bubble, MSA benefits from being only 30 minutes from Quebec City. US tourists increasingly use MSA as a “ski-by-day, UNESCO-city-by-night” destination
A comeback story
After a dip in visitor numbers following infrastructure issues, signs of recovery are emerging.
Destination travellers, those staying multiple nights, are returning as confidence rebuilds. The scale of this transformation is a major reason why.
What to expect next
Construction begins in summer 2026, with phased rollouts through 2028.
If you are looking for a trip this month, you will still be using the older infrastructure. The “new” Mont-Sainte-Anne experience truly begins with the opening of the South Express bubble-six next February.
Mont-Sainte-Anne isn’t just upgrading. It’s repositioning itself as a serious four-season destination in Canada.
And this time, it’s doing it with long-term intent.
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