One of the main reasons for people to visit Jasper during the winter is to take advantage of the fantastic skiing and snowboarding at Jasper’s own ski resort, Marmot Basin, just 20 minutes from downtown.
Although not quite as well known as the ski resorts in Banff National Park, Marmot Basin holds its own on the international stage, and has a loyal following of skiers and snowboarders who return year after year to take advantage of the uncrowded slopes, varied terrain, and the pristine wilderness of Jasper National Park.
Marmot Basin’s 86 trails offer an even distribution of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain, making it a perfect ski destination for a mixed ability family or group of friends who may wish to ski different runs but still easily meet for coffee, lunch or even ride the same chairlifts.
Beginner to novice skiers and boarders will enjoy the gentle wide green runs from the School House T Bar or the longer green runs from the top of the Eagle Express Quad Chair.
Intermediates may head straight for the new Canadian Rockies Express Quad Chair which in just eight minutes will give you 2000 vertical feet of mostly blue and green runs back down to the base, or find more blue terrain from the Caribou Chair, the Eagle Ridge Quad Chair, and even the Knob Chair.
Advanced skiers and snowboarders will not be disappointed with the selection of black diamond bump runs, chutes and ungroomed bowls found throughout the upper mountain, and the steep treed terrain in the Eagle East area will be challenging even for the experts.
The Terrain Park is conveniently located so that it can be accessed by skiers and riders of all ability levels, and the selection of jumps and rails is better than ever.
Anyone requiring tuition will be impressed by the range of lessons and the quality of instruction offered by the ski and snowboard school, and if you need to rent equipment there is a well equipped rental shop at the base of the ski area.
If you don’t have a car, there is a ski shuttle from all the major hotels, and for a great deal on a hotel in Jasper including ski pass, you may wish to consider a discounted ski package.
Whether you visit for one day or one week, once you’ve been to ski Jasper there’s a very good chance you’ll be back for more!
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