For a great time downhill skiing in Jasper National Park, look no further than Marmot Basin ski area, 20 minutes from Jasper townsite and 4 hours from Edmonton, Alberta.
Marmot Basin ski area has plenty of space for everyone on the slopes. With a balanced mix of 86 named trails of easy, intermediate and advanced levels, skiers can warm up on the easy trails and then cut loose on the harder trails.
While not as well-known as skiing in Banff National Park nearby, skiers visiting Jasper National Park have a delightful way to get downhill on the snow while taking in stunning Canadian Rockies views – without waiting in long lift lines.
The Marmot Basin trail map shows the trails and lifts.
December 2009 brought with it the addition of the Canadian Rockies Express, the longest quad chairlift in the Canadian Rockies. The 7.5 minute ride travels 2,300 meters (1.5 mi) and greatly increases the capacity of Marmot Basin.
Marmot Basin has the facilities one would expect: ski rentals, instruction, shops, and lots of dining options. A coffee bar serves coffee and light fare if you need a pick-me-up and a snack.
After a meal, hop on the lift and head up the mountain. The view of the Canadian Rockies from the mountain makes you want to sing “I can see for miles and miles and miles and miiillllleeesss….oh, yaaahh” (which, if you need to hear right now, you can on YouTube here).
Don’t believe me? Take at look at these views from atop Marmot Basin:
Now you just need to book a room, a flight, pack your suitcase and hope the snow gods dump plenty of good snow.
I have been to Marmot Basin last year and I think it was one of the best skiing days I had in Canada. Whistler might be a lot bigger but the nice atmosphere and the people there just make up for a lot! Besides this the view from up there is just incredible. I have to say that I liked this resort a lot!