Mont Ste-Marie — Attraction in Lac-Sainte-Marie

I love the idea of Mont Ste Marie but I feel like there could be significantly better execution in some places.

1. the last time we went, checked the conditions online and it said machine groomed. Ok, no problem. We get there, pay full price lift tickets and jump on the trolly to Cheval Blanc. When we get to the top of the lift there's a sign that says "Less than ideal ski conditions". Ok, so why was this not adressed at the BOTTOM of the hill, BEFORE we went up to the top? There was a huge ditch of mud in the middle of Carousel as we were coming down.

2. The counter staff, ski patrol and lifties are all extremely pleasant people.

3. The last couple of times I've been in the cafeteria, the cook staff were arguing and yelling at each other. This was not only uncomfortable, but made me have to wait even longer for my food as I had to wait until one person was done telling another how useless they were before taking my order. I could see how a parent with a young child may be offended as there was very liberal profanity being thrown around amongst them.

4. The price of energy drinks is ludicrous. I grabbed a Rockstar with my lunch as I was late meeting my friends that morning and missed the opportunity to grab a coffee on the way in. When I brought my food to the cashier she looked at me and said "honey, you know that's nine dollars, right?". I looked down at my tray and I assumed she meant for the whole thing as I had a slice of pizza, an apple and a Rockstar. "Yeah, no problem..". So she says "ok, I just wanted to make sure you knew the drink was $9". Its cheaper to drink beer in the bar!

5. There needs to be a better job done of keeping people from congregating in the middle of the run at the edge of any lip/drop/change in elevation. It's dangerous.

All in all, I do like MSM, and I can't wait to get back up there, I just feel there are things to improve on. The Dustin Cook run is by far my favourite...

Wonderful mountain!!!...challenging runs, quality grooming always, 1 of my favorites! have been coming back here for years...fast detachable chairs, no lineups...a bit of a drive, but well worth it... why only 1 stars because: I guess policies have changed in regards to bringing your own lunch... big signs+stickers on tables restricting bringing your lunch pail... only a very small area in the back of the general dining area + downstairs, were there is no windows to see the mountains and only hard school cafeteria type tables... very uncomfortable!!!... REALLY... really Mont St-Marie management.. really!!! Forcing people to have to purchase food from your cafeteria to be able to eat upstairs by the windows on soft comfortable chairs... Well...today I took my lunch pail and i sat right by the window and ate my lunch with no shame!!!. COME ON! I paid my day pass just like everybody else...I never seen or heard of another ski resort having this type of policies! This is a public recreation business where families come and spend hard earned money to have quality time together... they/I should have the right to decide what they/I eat and where!!! Sorry management...I did not follow your rule...I don't ablidge but this nonsense!!

A...

Good ski hill. They have some pretty good runs and two hills. The main hill has some easier runs, which are still rather fun since there are some jumps and hidden areas in the trees. The second hill has much harder runs, with mostly blacks and double blacks. There is a shuttle that runs from the main hill to this one, however you can just walk or ski to it if you want. There are two trails that lead from this hill back to half way up the main hill. The food here is decent,.and as usual, overpriced since it is a ski hill. The staff is mostly bilingual as far as I know, and fairly kind. They have quite a lot of sitting space. The tables say that you aren't allowed lunch boxes, but nobody ever abides by that rule because it is pretty ridiculous. I come here often, since it is pretty close compared to some other hills and never as busy as Camp Fortune. I would recommend this hill for intermediate or advanced skiers. For novice skiers getting down to the bottom may be hard since they closed the only green trail to the bottom so they have to take the blue run. Still, it's a great hill to come...