First Link in Four-Season Tourism & Recreation Project - Groupe Le Massif
Announces a $16M Mountain Investment

CHARLEVOIX, QC, March 23 /CNW Telbec/ - Today Groupe Le Massif unveiled a series of new developments to enhance the visitor experience by December 2010 at Massif de Charlevoix. A new detachable gondola lift featuring 8 passengers per cabin, four new trails, a novice sector with a regular lift and a conveyor lift, as well as the expansion of Mont à Liguori off-piste sector all represent key elements in a $16M mountain investment integrated into its tourism and recreation project.

President and general manager of Groupe Le Massif, Daniel Gauthier, accompanied by the ski area's general manager Pierre Raymond and mountain spokesperson Jean-Luc Brassard assembled at the summit to present a model of these new sports installations and proceed with the unveiling of an Omega IV gondola cabin made by manufacturer Doppelmayr, and which will be operational by next winter.

Improved Access to the Base of the Mountain

Daniel Gauthier was visibly pleased to exhibit the features of the gondola. "On top of offering increased comfort to our clientele, its loading station is to be located east of the Grande-Pointe Express Lift, on a section of mountain earmarked for two new beginner trails. As well, the mid-station of this new lift will offer another loading area mid-mountain which will help reduce congestion at the base," he added, also stating this layout would also offer much appreciated alternatives at the beginning and end of the season.

"This lift is the first intermodal link between Le Massif de Charlevoix's three environments. It will soon convey visitors from the summit to the base of the mountain, towards La Ferme in Baie-Saint-Paul and the Québec City - La Malbaie rail link," added Mr Gauthier, reminding everyone that it also represents the first key four-season element to be implemented in this vast tourism and recreation project.

Off-Piste Liguori Sector Expansion

The integration of a gondola with a loading area on the mountain's eastern section brings about the expansion of the existing Mont à Liguori off-piste sector. Work will commence this summer from to give increased summit to base access to this zone, which leads directly to the new lift's loading area.

A Sector Dedicated to Learning

To better meet the needs of a clientele that wishes to discover the pleasures of slide sports, the president and general manager of the mountain also announced the integration of a new novice sector located at the summit. "We're referring to 4 hectares with natural snow coverage and a gentle incline specifically developed with beginners in mind," he explained. "Two new trails, a regular lift and a conveyor lift will all create a safe environment that is conducive to learning our favourite slide sports. Of note for riders: this lift will also serve the terrain park."

Limited Time Only Pre-Season Sale

To the crowd of sports fans gathered, Daniel Gauthier invited everyone to acquire a 2010-11 season pass and take advantage of the springtime pre-season sale, which goes on until April 16 inclusively. The sale applies to different passholder plans, each enhanced with passholder privileges and a minimum of $130 in gift certificates exchangeable at the mountain's various points of sale.

Le Massif de Charlevoix

Le Massif de Charlevoix (http://www.lemassif.com/en/developpement) is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment. Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this original project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Among other features, the on-territory offer includes a touring train and rail shuttle, close to 400 lodging units of which a 150-room hotel, as well as a 500-seat multifunctional venue. The site is destined to become a genuine experiential laboratory focused on tourism.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: Isabelle Vallée, PR Manager - Groupe Le Massif, [phone], [email protected]