Ski Marmot Basin – Jasper

What is special about the ski resort Jasper? First of all, it has Canada’s Highest base elevation of 5,570 feet. In addition, it is very snow-sure: on average 440cm of snow fall here. Not to mention the large selection of over 90 slopes for all skill levels: Black, green and blue trails line the mountain side by side, so that everyone can get to know and enjoy the skiing conditions that are pretty perfect thanks to the cold, dry Alberta powder. You also can’t complain about the variety since you can hit groomed runs, glades, tree skiing trails, bumps and even alpine bowls. Seven lifts including three high-speed lifts guarantee a convenient way up the mountain.

The Snow Sports School makes everyone feel safe on the runs. No matter how you would describe your skills, you can definitely find the perfect class for your level and you will always meet new friends to hang out with and hit the bars after lift closing times.

Eagle Express Quad Chair gives you a ride to mid-mountain. Access all the black slopes that enjoy a great reputation among those who prefer difficult ones. Beginners have dedicated learning areas around Canadian Rockies Express Quad Chair. The green trails are perfectly groomed, wide and super long. Perfect to find your ski legs! School House Chair will also fulfill the needs of ski newbies, featuring designated greens.

Intermediate skiers should head over to the Eagle Ridge Quad Chair to find excellent blue runs like No. 72 and 70. Expert skiers and beginners will be pleased to see that there are also green and black runs. Even riding up the Knob Chair can be intimidating since it gets pretty steep. The serviced bowls are pretty challenging as well. Paradise Quad Chair is THE intermediate lift. Head right to drop into a handful of great blues. Caribou Chair starts parallel to it. Right at the summit you will find perfectly groomed black slopes. Here is also the entrance to the challenging area "Tres Hombres", with non-prepared double-black slopes.

Freestylers should look for one of the two Terrain Parks. Rogers Terrain Park has all the jibs and features for every ability level. It includes boxes, jumps, rails and jibs. The Mini Terrain Park is awesome for beginners looking for small and medium sized features. It’s best known for its boxes and rails.

You can choose between three lunch spots if you want to stop on the mountain. Cafeteria-style Caribou Chalet is beckoning you in at the base of the resort with its dining lounge character. Check out the choices of North-American fare and the awesome panorama you have from up here. The connected Kokanee Glacier Deck is great to enjoy a cold beverage while enjoying the view.

Located at Marmot’s mid-mountain are Paradise and Eagle Chalets. Those are home to Charlie’s Lounge, Eagle Dining Room and the Paradise Cafeteria. Here you can choose between all different kinds of food. The featured sun decks are great for relaxing in the winter sun. The Eagle Dining Room convinces with a great atmosphere and they even have pics of skiers that helped to build the resort on the walls.

Ciabattas in the rentals area is an espresso bar. Breakfast sandwiches, burritos, wraps, cookies and pastries are on the menu as well as smoothies, cold drinks and of course, coffee specialties.

The bowls at the peak will make expert skiers rejoice since the snow is perfect to show off your skills.

If you want to feel like a real Canadian you either have to play ice hockey or go dog sledding. Both is possible in Jasper. Snowshoeing is also a fun winter activity that changes up the classic hiking. You’ll be impressed with the wintery nature in the surrounding national parks.

If you’re an art lover, you can visit the several museums and galleries that Jasper base has to offer. If you feel like you didn’t do enough sports, you can hit the gym after a long day of skiing and check out their offer of classes.

Downstream Bar&Grill is great if you want an extended bar of drink choices. Jasper brewing Co. is the perfect hangout for beer lovers. It’s Canada’s first National Park Brewery and has the best beer in town. Whistlers Stop in the Whistlers Inn leaves you with a choice of 10 beers straight from the tap. Athabasco Hotel turns into a disco now and then and on Tuesdays local musicians come here to spoil guests with great live-music.

You will find pretty much every nationality in town. If you want to go Italian by visiting the restaurants Famous Neapolitan Pizzeria and Cassio’s or eat classic Canadian in the Fiddle River restaurant, you are spoiled with choice. Andy’s Bistro may not sound like a fine dining address but welcomes locals and tourists equally with its extensive wine list. Oka Sushi is for all the foodies that love a light Japanese meal at night time.

Marmot Basin is located 192 miles outside of Edmonton and 265 miles out of Calgary. You can choose between different International Airports. Edmonton International Airport is by far the closest. From here you can grab a shuttle or rent a car to get to Jasper. You will surely enjoy your drive here: the Icefield Parkway from Lake Louise to Jasper was voted one of the most scenic  drives of the world. Roads are prepared for any weather condition.