Quebec Government Budget 2026-2027 - Investing in tourism means investing in the regions.

As the Quebec government's next budget approaches, the Quebec Ski Areas Association (ASSQ) is calling for structural measures to ensure the economic vitality of the regions and the sustainability of winter tourism infrastructure.

The ASSQ supports the representations of the Quebec Tourism Industry Alliance , which is calling for strengthened financial tools for the tourism sector. In this context, the Association believes that ski resorts, true regional economic drivers, must have access to mechanisms tailored to their investment realities and be better equipped to cope with climate change.

Winter tourism, a sector that brings in money for Quebec

Alpine skiing represents 6.4% of Quebec's tourism GDP and generates $866 million in annual economic benefits. Ski resorts generate millions of dollars in tax revenue each year through taxes and the tourism spending they stimulate. This revenue directly contributes to funding public services provided to the entire population.

In addition to these results, there is a significant contribution to the regions: 21.7% of visitors come from outside Quebec, a clientele that generates substantial spending on accommodation, food, and related activities. Present in over 100 municipalities, the resorts are a pillar of the winter economy and a high-potential tourism sector for Quebec.

However, the industry faces major challenges: adapting to climate change, rising energy costs, significant investments to modernize infrastructure, and the strong seasonality of operations. Supporting skiing and winter tourism is therefore a strategic investment with a multiplier effect, not a one-off expenditure.

Investments already underway, need to be accelerated

The industry has been undergoing significant modernization for several years: more efficient snowmaking, energy optimization, automation, and year-round diversification. The core of the winter season remains strong. Technologies are evolving and allowing for optimized operations. The challenge now is to accelerate investments to maintain Quebec's competitiveness as a leading winter destination.

Structural, responsible and low-cost measures for the State

The Quebec Ski Areas Association (ASSQ) submitted its brief as part of the Quebec government's 2026-2027 pre-budget consultations. The objective: to propose concrete measures to ensure the competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable development of the tourism industry, and more specifically the ski sector. The ASSQ therefore proposes the following in its brief:

The optimization of the Support Program for the Development of Tourist Attractions (PADAT), in particular by creating a component dedicated to ski resorts and mountains, including an increase in the funds available to support major projects related to the modernization of ski lifts, snowmaking, energy efficiency and sustainable management.

An investment tax credit to accelerate the modernization of equipment and the energy transition, while stimulating private investment.

Energy predictability, in particular through the implementation of measures promoting greater stability in electricity supply costs and the adaptation of tariff mechanisms to the seasonality of operations.

Small stations: an essential community role

Non-profit, municipal, and cooperative ski resorts provide local sports infrastructure that promotes physical activity, the learning of snow sports, and community vitality. In this context, the Financial Assistance Program for Recreational, Sports, and Outdoor Infrastructure (PAFIRSPA) represents a key lever for supporting the renewal of these regional infrastructures. With the launch this week of the PAFIRSPA calls for projects, the ASSQ hopes that the government will allocate a portion of the $300 million budget to infrastructure dedicated to snow sports.

“The Quebec Ski Areas Association (ASSQ) calls on the Ministry of Finance to recognize the ski industry as a strategic partner in Quebec’s economic development and to take concrete steps to ensure its sustainability. Supporting skiing means investing in the vitality of the regions, the attractiveness of Quebec, and the prosperity of thousands of workers and businesses. The 2026-2027 budget represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen a sector that contributes directly to collective prosperity,” emphasized Yves Juneau, President and CEO of the Quebec Ski Areas Association.

“This season reminds us how important our industry is to the regional economy. By facilitating access to financing and following up on the Association’s other recommendations, we will be able to meet the challenges of tomorrow and ensure the sustainability of our industry,” says Jean-Michel Ryan, Chairman of the Board of the ASSQ and President and CEO of Mont Sutton.

The full report is available on the Quebec government website .