Hotel Intel: Le Massif de Charlevoix to launch summer season

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Please follow guidelines for inter-regional travel. On-mountain restaurants will serve outside or takeout, and some facilities might be limited.

The dream evolves.

Daniel Gauthier, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, developed Le Massif de Charlevoix over the past 19 years, transforming it from a quaint ski area into a major mountain with an international reach. He made a pitch for the Olympics in the early 2000s, but certain facilities did not meet the official requirements. Now, Le Massif has partnered with a new Club Med that is expected to open in December.

As a snow sports area, Le Massif is known for its long trails on the highest vertical drop in eastern Canada and its mesmerizing views of the frozen St. Lawrence River, all wrapped in the misty whites and greys of a Charlevoix winter landscape. That gorgeous tableau is changing its colours to green forests and blue waters for spring and summer.

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Summer: Le Massif has opened deluxe lodging and is launching a roster of warm-weather activities, broadening its appeal to year-round visitors.

The first full-fledged summer at the landmark resort area officially starts June 19 with panoramic rides on the gondola, a network of hiking trails and 20 kilometres of lift-serviced mountain biking for all levels. The two trail systems wind up, down and around this scenic mountain, from both the base and the summit.

Lodging: “Our lodging is built to combine deluxe country comfort, views of nature and easy access to the mountain,” said Lukas Vallée Valletta, the resort area’s new director. “Now our guests can appreciate the beauty of Charlevoix during all four seasons and they will be steps from the gondola and adventure sports.”

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Le Massif’s accommodations have distinct designs in various locations around the mountain: Les Chalets-Forêt, Les Refuges and Les Caches de la Grande Pointe. Each has its own character and price point, but they all are deluxe and fully equipped with fireplaces, flat-screen TVs and designer kitchens.

Les Chalets-Forêt, a cluster of lodges perched at the summit of Le Massif, represent high-mountain drama. The houses are three-storey dwellings for between eight and 12 people, with striking angular glass and wood architecture. Les Chalets-Forêt have classy earth-toned decor and huge windows with panoramic views of the forest and, far below, the river. What’s different here is the top-floor experience, which has the dining room, living area and kitchen in one open space. Bedrooms are on the second level. The newest sector is Les Chalets-Forêt Jumelés; these are similar to the original design, but have two houses attached, rather than totally independent structures.

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Les Refuges is a sector that represents simplicity in nature. These are compact two- and three-bedroom dwellings for up to six people, built around an oval driveway, near the summit of the ski lifts. They’re comfortable, casual and practical, with country-inspired decor, pine-panelled walls and queen and bunk beds. Many have patios, barbecues and hot tubs.

Moving upscale in fittings and furnishings, but located at the mountain’s base, Les Caches de la Grande Pointe is a complex of posh one- to three-bedroom condos, with combinations of queen, king and bunk beds and futons, for up to eight people.

The thrill at Les Caches is experiencing a little-known area that’s about to boom. You’ll be at the foot of Le Massif, almost on the shore of the St. Lawrence River, and near the historic village of Petite-Rivière-St-François, as well as the new Club Med.

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If you go

Le Massif de Charlevoix is about a four-hour drive from Montreal (350 km). 877-536-2774, 418-632-5876; lemassif.com. Summit entrance: 185 Chemin du Massif, Petite-Rivière-St-François. The gondola has different prices for adults, juniors 17 and older and families. Children six and younger ride for free, at certain times. The gondola is expected to operate from June 19 to Oct. 11, but possibly not daily.

Lodging: Check for online promotions at lemassif.com. Two-night minimum. Lodging starts at $219 per night for four in a one-bedroom unit. Prices fluctuate widely according to date, season, availability and size of the unit. Rates will be higher on weekends, and from July 12 to Oct. 13. Ask about specials for children.

Charlevoix tourism: 800-667-2276, tourisme-charlevoix.com. Local tourism: 418-632-1058, tourismepetiteriviere.com.

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