This weekend, Mont-Sainte-Anne hosts another round of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, reaffirming its status as a historic landmark in global mountain biking. Alongside the competition, the Canadian resort is driving an ambitious modernization project worth 100 million Canadian dollars, aimed at reducing its environmental impact and securing its future as a sustainable sports destination.
The renovation, jointly promoted by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and the Government of Quebec through Investissement Québec, includes the replacement of aging lifts, the modernization of the snowmaking system, and the construction of new facilities integrated into the natural surroundings. The goal is to improve the resort’s energy efficiency, lower electricity consumption, and strengthen operational resilience in the face of climate change.
Clean energy and more efficient snowmaking
The plan aims to increase snow production capacity by 30% while cutting energy use by the same proportion. To achieve this, the resort will install state-of-the-art electric motors, automated pumping systems, and climate sensors capable of adjusting production in real time according to weather conditions. These upgrades will help maintain snow quality with less energy dependency and greater control over resource use.
The innovations also represent progress for the sporting side: riders will benefit from more consistent and predictable race conditions, while organizers will be able to reduce the carbon footprint of each event. According to the resort’s management, the goal is to make Mont-Sainte-Anne a benchmark of efficiency for other venues on the international circuit.
Responsible water management and environmental protection
Water use is another key aspect of the modernization plan. The resort intends to introduce controlled water collection and storage systems, together with sustainable drainage to reuse part of the meltwater. These measures are designed to reduce pressure on nearby waterways and preserve the vegetation that covers the slopes around Beaupré, one of the most sensitive natural areas in the region.
However, the works also present environmental challenges. Expanding infrastructure and the temporary rise in visitor numbers could increase erosion and affect the balance of the terrain. Authorities in Quebec plan to carry out regular audits and monitoring to ensure that all construction complies with environmental and safety standards.
Sustainable tourism
Beyond sport, the modernization plan has a strong economic component. Official estimates indicate that the resort currently generates around 140 million Canadian dollars annually in regional economic impact — a figure expected to grow with the upgraded facilities. Sports tourism, driven by international events such as the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, remains a key source of employment and development for the region.
The Government of Quebec has emphasized that the investment aims to strengthen a sustainable tourism model capable of balancing economic performance with environmental protection. “Mont-Sainte-Anne is a driving force for the community, and we want it to remain so — but with a responsible and lasting approach,” stated representatives from Investissement Québec during the project’s presentation.
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