Jasper (Canada)
Jasper in short
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Height: 1697 - 2612 metres
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Historical railway town
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Less crowds in the winter
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Amazing scenery
You’d be hard-pressed to find more breathtaking scenery than at the Jasper National Park, largest park in the Rocky Mountains, where old-growth forests mingle with sparkling glaciers and stunning lakes. This is the setting for the Marmot Basin ski resort, a lovely ski area nestled in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains just a half-hour drive from the town of Jasper. With 678 hectares of pistes and a fantastic terrain park, Marmot Basin has enough to keep even the most seasoned skiers busy. However, the ski resort has a laid-back, friendly feel to it and is a good place to escape the usual winter crowds, as the region attracts more people in the summer.
Most visitors to Marmot Basin stay in nearby Jasper. This picturesque town originated as a railway town and now draws hordes of visitors who marvel at the region’s awe-inspiring scenery. There is a daily shuttle service to the ski area. To get to Jasper, fly into Edmonton or Calgary Airport and hop on a bus to Jasper. Alternately, you can rent a car (be sure it’s properly equipped for winter conditions) and drive there, passing through Banff and Lake Louise on the way.
Alternate activities
Don’t miss the Maligne Canyon Icewalk through caves, ice sculptures and frozen waterfalls. Later, spend your downtime at the spa, at the local museum and art gallery or in the shops. Further winter activities include ice skating, snowshoeing and dogsledding. Marmot Basin closes off the ski season with a festival comprising of a fashion parade, live music, etc.
Restaurants and bars
Besides a few mountain huts, at the bottom of the ski area you’ll find the Caribou Chalet, with views of the Athabasca Valley. At weekends they do après-ski on the outdoor patio. In Jasper, try locally inspired cuisine at Tekarra Restaurant and then head to Jasper’s Brewing Company for a pint.
Families
The Little Rascals Nursery takes care of children between the ages of 19 months and 6 years. Meanwhile, the Jasper Aquatic and Fitness Centre with its swimming pool, waterslides, hot tubs and climbing wall is a good way to blow off steam after a day of skiing.
Photo gallery of Jasper
Weather in Jasper
Today
Regular sunshine with some clouds
Frost line
510 metresRain
0 mmTomorrow
Regular sunshine with some clouds