HISTORY
At the end of the 1950s, the Blackgrave Inn in Saint-Donat, built in 1930 on the shore of Lac Ouareau, was demolished and replaced by the hotel La Réserve. Aware of the extraordinary potential offered by the mountain opposite the hotel, the D’Aigle family, who owned the estate, began developing a ski centre that it named Ski La Réserve. When it opened, the Centre offered the following services and facilities :
- Rustic 2-storey chalet, with a cafeteria on the ground floor and a dormitory on the upper floor to accommodate skiers too exhausted by their day on the slopes to return home;
- Double chairlift;
- Poma lift to take skiers from the chalet to the double chairlift.
In 1962, the company Industrielle Tycott purchased the Ski Centre. Over the next few years, this new owner made major improvements :
1962
- Construction of a 2-storey chalet close to the double chairlift. This chalet had a basement garage to house the equipment for maintaining the ski slopes. On the main floor was a cafeteria for the skiers, and upstairs was a bar – a perfect spot for lively evenings.
- Relocation of the parking lot to the rear of the chalet.
End of the 80s
- Installation of the first quadruple chairlift;
- Purchase of snow-making equipment;
- Demolition of the former chalet and construction of a magnificent new chalet;
In 2000, Villégiature Gueymard Inc. purchased the Ski Centre. From then on, Ski La Réserve really began to prosper, thanks to the interest of the new owner and president, Hervé Gueymard, who has since made every effort as well as major investments to return this exceptional ski centre to its former fame and glory. Most importantly, the new owner and its partners have sought to preserve the natural beauty of the site, its somewhat untamed aspect and its authentic character. For this reason, they have orientated their development approach towards respecting these qualities so sought-after by true skiers. Their objective is also to offer skiers looking for a challenge an exciting mountain, with a great selection of off-trail, powder snow and tree runs – in short, a unique location where those who are truly passionate about their sport can meet and rejoice.
So far, Villégiature Gueymard Inc. has made the following improvements :
- Renovation of the chalet;
- Replacement of the double chairlift with a quadruple chairlift.
- Development of the South slope of the mountain for off-trail and powder snow skiing.
Today, in 2009, Ski La Réserve is in better financial health than ever before, and its owner has the assistance of an experienced management team, ready to invest in a long-term commitment to develop this magnificent mountain to its full potential. A passionate skier himself, the Ski Centre’s new general manager has a very successful background. Moreover, the principal members of the staff and the management team are skiing addicts. This common and contagious passion can only benefit the “new” Mont La Réserve. Its future is therefore very bright – just like the snow!
