Why did downhill skiing disappear from Mount Royal?

Many Montreal families may be heading off-island to hit the ski slopes for March break this week.

But throughout most of the 20th century, you could find downhill ski runs on and around Mount Royal, complete with tow ropes, T-bars and even a 100-foot-long ski jump.

In this episode of This is Montreal, we hear why downhill skiing disappeared from the heart of Montreal, and why not everyone agrees over whether it should come back.

LISTEN | Why did downhill skiing disappear from Mount Royal? 

This is Montreal23:44Why did downhill skiing disappear from Mount Royal?

Many Montreal families may be heading off-island to hit the ski slopes for March break this week. But throughout most of the 20th century, you could find downhill ski runs on and around Mount Royal, complete with tow ropes, T-bars and even a 100-ft long ski jump! We'll hear why downhill skiing disappeared from the heart of Montreal, and why not everyone agrees over whether it should come back.

Do you have a question about Montreal? Host Ainslie MacLellan is determined to help find the answer. Whether it's a story that's disappeared from the headlines, a curious landmark in your neighbourhood, or a quirk of Montreal life you've been wondering about, we're on it. Let's learn about this place together.

Your Montreal questions, answered weekly. Nothing too big, too small or too weird. What are you wondering? Send us your question here. 

Tune in to This is Montreal every Thursday on CBC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.