$75 million investment
Station Touristique Massif du Sud launches major development plan
Saint-Philémon, December 10, 2024 – In the leadup to the 2024–2025 ski season, Station Touristique Massif du Sud (STMS) today announced $75 million in new investments in four-season infrastructure as part of a major development plan that will bring economic spinoffs for the entire region. The announcements include a village of 20 micro-chalets, an indoor recreational pavilion, a new main chalet and condo hotel development, and trails and facilities for mountain bikers. The plan sets out a vision for new investments and ongoing and completed projects, including the major ski lift overhaul of summer/fall 2024.
The development plan is made possible in part by a $5 million contribution from Québec’s Ministère du Tourisme, through the Tourism Industry Recovery Assistance Program (PARIT), along with a nearly $4 million contribution from Investissement Québec.
New accommodations and mountaintop reception centre
To welcome guests to our little slice of paradise, much of the PARIT contribution will go toward building new accommodations: 20 charming micro-chalets near the base, a dozen rustic chalets right on the mountain, and on the summit, a new multi-use reception centre with an observation tower. The reception centre will have a capacity of 80 people and be open year-round for skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, hikers, bikers, and other outdoors lovers. Construction of the reception centre and observation tower will be complete by summer 2025.
Indoor recreation pavilion
Groundwork is underway on a new $3 million recreation pavilion featuring an indoor climbing gym, a swimming pool, and an outdoor splash pad, all next to the main building. Winter or summer and rain or shine, the pavilion makes a great addition to STMS’s year-round activities and amenities! The pavilion is designed to appeal to a “Van Life” clientele, with always-open washroom facilities. Pavilion construction will begin in summer 2025.
New main chalet and ski-in/ski-out condo hotel
Another major change is on the horizon, with an estimated $60 million investment to replace the main chalet with a new building featuring a condo hotel, to be built over the next few years. STMS has begun work on this building, which will replace the current main chalet with new services including hotel-style short-term rentals. A special announcement on the details of this part of the plan is forthcoming.
$3 million boost for ski lift and chalet facilities: Starting this winter
In preparation for the new chalet, STMS has been hard at work this fall and is pleased to announce we have revamped the cafeteria and bar areas in time for the upcoming winter season. The year has also been marked by major infrastructure investments to ensure overall reliability of the ski lift: a new telecommunication line, engine, loading mat, and operators’ huts at base and summit.
A new mountain bike destination beginning in summer 2025:
STMS is positioning itself as a top mountain bike destination. Work is being undertaken by a firm specializing in MTB trails, Sentiers de l’Est, with the first kilometers slated to open by summer 2025. Eventually, the project will include a pump track, a progression park, downhill trails and a rental shop serving the equipment needs of the whole family. Additional activities will be added in summer, including a disc golf course and a cultural discovery trail.
For these projects, STMS will collaborate with partners from around greater Québec City—ultralocal architectes, Bourgeois Lechasseur Architectes, Genio experts-conseil, L2C Experts, Groupe Genius, SOKÏO Industrie, and OÏKOS Construction—as well as local CRMs and municipalities.
Quotes
“Tourism is a crucial driver of economic development in every region, and Chaudière-Appalaches is no exception. The government is investing in projects that enrich our tourism offering and generate economic activity in support of the Québec government’s core missions while benefiting local and regional communities. Initiatives like the Station Touristique Massif du Sud strengthen our collective prosperity.”
Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for the Lanaudière region
“Our support for the Station Touristique Massif du Sud is a strong example of our government’s unwavering commitment to boosting tourism in Bellechasse and the entire Chaudière-Appalaches. This $5 million investment to develop nature and adventure tourism is helping to diversify the tourism offering and boost the local economy, while showcasing our beautiful natural environment year-round. I salute the vision and hard work of the STMS team."
Stéphanie Lachance, Member of the National Assembly for Bellechasse
“This announcement marks a milestone in the development plan that has been in the works since we acquired the resort two years ago. Our teams are proud to be a driving force in major developments, all undertaken with the utmost respect for local ecosystems, as we work to make the resort a diversified, sustainable, four-season tourist destination with staying power.”
Pierre-Yves Charest, Owner, Station Touristique Massif du Sud
For information or to schedule an interview, contact Lisa Marie Lacasse, consultant for STMS:
info@lisamariecommunications.com | 418-573-6198