SAM Magazine—Terrebonne, Que., June 9, 2014—Total visitation at Quebec ski areas in the 2013-14 season increased a slight .6 percent to a total of 6,044,000 skier days in la belle province, according to the Quebec Ski Areas Association (ASSQ). Participation in the province's various first-timer programs increased significantly, though, and that bodes well for future visits.

ASSQ reported that participation in the beginners’ MySnow Experience increased significantly last season. The learn-to-ski program that is conducted each season in six different sites allowed the association to introduce 22,000 new kids between ages 5 and 8 to skiing. Combined with “learn-to-ski at school” and “learn-to-ride at school” numbers, ASSQ increased by 18 percent the number of kids introduced to snow sports during the last winter.

The association also handed out four industry awards:

• New skier development program: Tremblant

• Environment and sustainable development: Tremblant

• Under 40 manager (tie): Théophile Cartier, general manager, Parc régional Val d’Irène; and Simon Pagé, ski school director, Mont-Saint-Sauveur International.

ASSQ held its annual meeting May 27-29 at Charlevoix’ La Ferme Hotel, owned by Le Massif Ski Area. More than 280 representatives from Quebec ski areas, suppliers and tourism industry partners participated in the event.