Quebec ski hills rejoice after major snowstorm
Many resorts in Laurentians, Eastern Townships limited to a few runs up until Tuesday's winter blast
Quebec ski hill operators are breathing a sigh of relief after the southern part of the province was hit with its first major snowstorm of the season.
Montreal got nearly 40 centimetres on Tuesday, while ski resorts in the Laurentians and the Eastern Townships were also walloped with snow.
Sébastien Bertrand, a spokesman for Ski Saint-Bruno, said the storm was sorely needed. Until now, many Quebec hills were limited to a few runs.
"This year was difficult because it was very warm so we couldn't make snow," Bertrand said.
The conditions were so bad, earlier this month that Quebec tour operators were scrambling to find last-minute accommodation in Western Canada because of the lack of snow at home.
Bertrand said the current conditions also allows them to create artificial snow in case it gets warmer.
He's hopeful chair lifts will be full for the rest of the holiday season starting today.
"I think there's still time," he said.
"Now that the snow is here, we still have about a week left of the holidays, so a lot of people can come."