growth in visitor numbers of more than 5% in Quebec ski resorts in 2025-2026:

Gathered in Charlevoix for the Quebec Ski Areas Association (ASSQ) Annual Congress, industry stakeholders yesterday learned of the preliminary results for the 2025-2026 season, released by MCE Conseils. The data presented paints a picture of a resilient and growing industry across Quebec.

Increased visitor numbers and revenue

The resorts recorded a total of 6.317 million skier-days , a 5% increase compared to last year. This rise in visitors allowed the industry to reach ticket sales revenues of $263.7 million, a record high for Quebec resorts .

Season pass sales also increased significantly, rising 11% compared to last year, totaling 334,580 subscribers . Meanwhile, day ticket sales increased by 7%. Other winter revenues saw the strongest growth among categories, rising 18%, largely thanks to the strong performance of ski schools, whose revenues increased by 13%. % to reach $35M.

Some regions have experienced significant increases in visitor numbers, including the Outaouais . which shows a growth of 20% (564,000 ski-days) and slightly lower, Mauricie up by 19% (311,000 ski-days)

In total, the three main regions (Laurentians, Eastern Townships , Quebec City / Charlevoix ) generated 77% of the total traffic and they experienced respective increases in their traffic of 2%, 8% and 2%.

One of the strongest seasons in recent years

The early start to the season at several resorts, thanks in particular to significant snowfall and investments in snowmaking, resulted in optimal skiing conditions for much of the winter. The holiday season saw a surge in visitors across Quebec, with many resorts enjoying an excellent start to the season. Despite the extreme cold snaps in January and February, the resorts maintained a high standard of skiing. The school break was also beneficial in several regions. However, spring skiing was shortened in some areas due to heavy snowfall at the end of the season.

An industry that continues its adaptation

Although climate change poses a significant challenge to the future of the industry, ski resorts are continuing to invest in order to increase their adaptive capacity and maintain a high-quality experience for skiers. In this context, investments in snowmaking, infrastructure modernization, and business diversification are becoming more strategic than ever to ensure the sustainability of resorts and regional tourism economies.

“Preliminary results show that Quebecers continue to respond enthusiastically and that resorts have been able to offer a high-quality experience despite the challenges facing the industry. Quebecers want to be active in the winter, and ski resorts are excited to see that they are largely choosing snow sports offered in the ski mountains to enjoy the outdoors, ” said Yves Juneau, President and CEO of the ASSQ.

For over 40 years, the ASSQ has been working to represent and support Quebec ski resorts in developing best business practices. A non-profit organization, the ASSQ promotes snow sports, enhances the customer experience, and supports resort performance to ensure their long-term viability. Through initiatives like Ski Passe-Partout, which fund the Association's activities, more than 40,000 young people are introduced to skiing and snowboarding, as well as healthy lifestyle habits, free of charge each year.

In the context of climate change, the ASSQ is expanding its mission by supporting the industry and the public in the evolution of ski resorts and mountain activities. It is committed to fostering a sustainable environment for skiing and snowboarding and supporting its members' adaptation to the new realities of the ski industry.