Following a major investment of nearly $2.5 million, Mont Rigaud will be able to double its lift capacity from winter 2024-2025. This will mean an increase from 2,400 people per hour to 4,800 skiers per hour as of next December. The final stages of this major project are underway at the ski resort, which welcomes up to 100,000 skiers a year. 

“We began this major project last year, which will culminate in the commissioning of the new, used lift this winter. First, we acquired it from the Bromont ski resort in 2022-2023. We dismantled it in the spring of 2023, then transported it here, before doing the foundations and structure, two stages that will be completed in November. This week, we're installing cables, electronics, electrical components and control panels. After that, we'll enter the final phase, which will consist of tests and inspections,” sums up company owner Luc Élie. 

By the end of the week, a 2,200-foot cable will be installed to support the 96 chairs. Then comes the splicing stage, which means that the two ends of the cable will be joined by interweaving its strands to form a uniform, strong cable. 

Once this stage has been completed, all that remains is to install the chairs, program the system and carry out the final tests and inspections. 

If this last stage goes according to plan, the first skiers will be able to take to the lift as early as December 7. It will be in service on weekends, over the holiday season and during school break, to meet demand and reduce waiting times. 

A safe and necessary lift 

Even though it's used, Luc Elie is very reassuring about this new acquisition. “All the nuts and bolts are new. The structure is used, but it's as efficient and safe as a new one, which costs, today in 2024, around $6.5 million,” he adds. 

The new lift, called Poma Express, will be able to transport four skiers at a time, by bench, for a total of 2,400 per hour, like the other lift already on site. Interestingly, once at the top, skiers will be able to access all the slopes. 

“We were there when you consider the number of skiers who come here every winter. With this new lift, we'll have a nice balance. In the future, we won't really be able to expand any further. We're taking up all the available space with the addition of this new lift,” he confides. 

Although the first snowflakes have yet to make their presence felt in Vaudreuil-Soulanges, ski lovers can already purchase Mont Rigaud season passes. 

Four types are available: unlimited pass, evening pass, week pass and combined pass. Until October 15, you can take advantage of the best rates of the year. After that, you'll have to buy them at the regular price. 

Are pre-sales going as well as in previous years? “We're seeing a big slowdown at the moment. I don't know what it's due to. Is it because of the economy, the beautiful month of September we had? It's impossible to say. However, things are going well for the ski school. We already have all our students, and we even have waiting lists. Let's hope that we'll see a return to the popularity of our season passes,” he concludes.