Wintry weather a welcome boon for Quebec tourism industry

The cold weather may not be to everyone's liking, but some people in Quebec's tourism industry are rejoicing as the abundance of snow and low temperatures help bolsterbusiness for ski hills and hoteliers.

The past few years have been difficult ones for those in the winter tourism industry, as alack of snow early in the winter forced many ski hills to miss theChristmas season, and lose revenue.

• Quebec and Ontario ski hills suffer devastating season while West prospers

This year is a different story though, as ski hills gear up early for a flood of holiday visitors.

"It's exceptional," said HuguesFournel, director of operations atSentiersduMoulinin Lac-Beauport. "We have trails open that are never usually open at the beginning of the season."

The uptick comes as arelief for ski hill operators who depend on the cold weather.

Ski Bromont hasinvested more than $10 million in snow-making equipment and technology over the past 15 years, and Mount Sutton put in$500,000-worth ofsnow-making equipment in 2016 alone.

• Quebec ski hills 'always adapting' when it comes to winter weather

Open for business

The Ice Hotel in Valcartiervillage is also benefiting from the chilly weather, as managers are hoping to set a new record for early season opening.

"This is the first time we have hope to open earlier in the season,"said artistic directorPierreL'Heureux. "We got a head start. We managed to make all our snow and build at the end of November."

Last year, the Ice Hotel set a new record by opening on Dec. 27.

"We're hoping to break that this year," saidL'Heureux.

He said that all that remains is putting the finishing touches on the interior decor, all of which will be circus-themed this year.

"All the rooms will feature scenes or sculptures that are very on trend his year," he said.

• A new version of Old Quebec is in the works in China

Breaking new ground

The Quebec government also announced this week that itsinvested $1.5 million in theValleduParcski resort inShawinigan to help pay for five new trails, a new ski lift and new artificial snow-making machine.

The investment plays intothe resort's $4.4-million development plan which will also see the enlarging of the main chalet and new lights for the trails.

"It's something we've been working on for a long time," said executive directorAlain Beauparlant.