Jasper Resort Guide

Located in the breathtaking, vast and ruggedly mountainous landscape of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park is a destination that inspires lasting memories. The valleys are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, waterfalls and lakes frozen in time, carpets of thick, green forests blanketing the earth and other scenic rewards around every corner. Look up, and the serene beauty of the snowcapped peaks carries on as far as the eye can see. One of these peaks, visible from the Jasper townsite, is host to the 1,720 acres of superb slopes that make up Marmot Basin.

With 91 marked trails, the terrain is nicely varied, with open bowls, chutes and glade skiing through verdant pine forests. The ski and snowboard runs are split evenly between easy, intermediate and advanced, making this an ideal destination for the whole family and all abilities.

An uncrowded atmosphere is just one of the many reasons skiers return to Marmot Basin season after season. With no waiting in lift lines, skiers have lots of room to breathe and more time on the slopes. The resort is easy to get around and allows the freedom to explore the mountain and discover, at your own pace, which runs to call your own.

After an exhilarating day on the slopes, the town of Jasper offers everything a visitor might want. With a permanent population of 4500 residents, Jasper has managed to preserve a small-town feeling while offering amenities you’d expect from a world-class winter resort. People greet you warmly, even though they’ve never met you and it doesn’t take visitors long to feel part of the community… and to find it hard to leave!

Jasper National Park in the winter offers excellent value to visitors. Unlike other resorts, Jasper’s off season is winter time which results in great deals on accommodations, dining and a huge variety of activities. This unspoiled, pristine destination in the middle of the Rocky Mountain wilderness offers a great skiing and snowboarding vacation that will fit almost every budget.

Cross Country Skiing & Ski Touring - Over 300 kilometres (125 mi) of trails make Jasper one of the largest cross country ski areas in Canada. Right from your doorstep, groomed trails take you through scores of beautiful valleys and mountain scenery. If you are looking for something more adventurous Jasper National Park offers a variety of possibilities for day and overnight backcountry travel.

Ice Skating - Try gliding across one of Jasper’s frozen lakes; Pyramid, Beauvert or Mildred. Make a few stops at the bonfires for hot chocolate and a wiener roast.

Maligne Canyon Ice Walks - Join a fascinating tour of the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. Your guide will lead you along the frozen canyon floor through its ice-clad limestone walls, stopping for photos at various icefalls and ice caves.

Sleigh Rides - Enjoy the snow-clad landscape on a horse-drawn sleigh. Bundle up in a Hudson Bay blanket and sip hot chocolate as you glide along listening to the soft jingle of the sleigh bells.

Dog Sledding - Enjoy the thrill of dog power and experience a trapper’s method of transportation. Be a musher for a day and drive your own team of sled dogs through the Canadian wilderness.

Snowshoeing - Venture out on snowshoes to experience Jasper National Park the way the early explorers and fur traders did. The park has plenty of room for snow-shoeing and guides are also available.

Backcountry Skiing - Located 33 kilometres southwest of Jasper, at an elevation of 1981 m (6500 ft), lies the incredible Tonquin Valley. The ski trip into the Tonquin Valley is a gradual climb of 23 km (14 mi) and offers intermediate to expert skiers the chance to experience one of Canada’s most magnificent views.

Snowmobiling - West and East of Jasper National Park lies some of the world’s best snowmobiling. Venture deep into the mountains with a guide for an exhilarating day of mountain adventure.

Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archives - For more than 10,000 years inhabitants and travellers have left their marks here in the Athabasca Valley. Follow in their footsteps along the mountain corridor, experience their stories, and discover the spirit of Jasper.

Chaba Theatre - The Chaba Theatre is Jasper's very own 2 screen cinema.

Marmot Basin is located in the Jasper National Park, in Alberta Canada. The ski resort is located just a short 20 minute drive south of the town of Jasper.

Transport around resort - A daily shuttle goes from most hotels in the town of Jasper. Tickets are available at the front desk of Jasper's hotels.

Number of cash machines in resort - 2 at the resort, and a variety of banks and cash stops within the town.

Supermarkets - There are two supermarkets within the town of Jasper where you can get lots of supplies for snacks and lunches. TGB is located at 601 Patricia St (8am - 10pm) and Robinsons Grocers is located at 218 Connaught Dr (8am - 9pm).

Marmot offers two Cafeterias, one at the Paradise (Mid-Mountain) chalet and one at the Caribou (lower) chalet. With a variety of snacks, pizzas, fries and salads there is something for everyone. If you want to sit and relax from a hard day of skiing, try out the Eagle Chalet Restaurant at mid-mountain, or the full-service dining area in the Caribou Chalet.

Within the town of Jasper there are a variety of fine eating and drinking establishments. The town offers approx 6 bars and over 20 restaurants, including Italian, Mexican, Pizzerias, steakhouses and a variety of family fare. Jasper's winter season is its off-season, so there are always lots of deals and specials on room-rates and meals. 

Pizza Famoso does one of the best pizzas outside of Italy, and Jasper Brewing Co offers tasty microbrews and mouth-watering steaks.

The Jasper Activity Centre (located at 305 Bonhomme St) offers a host of activities including a Fitness Centre, Climbing Wall, Lane Pool, Kiddie pools, hot tub and water slide. The hours vary seasonally - check their website for times and prices.

The Little Rascals Nursery is a great home away from home for children 19 months to 6 years of age. Their trained nursery staff will keep your children entertained while you spend your day on the slopes. Optional lunch and lesson programs are also available. The Little Rascals Daycare is located in the Caribou Chalet at the base of the mountain. A convenient location right next to the snow sports school and the magic carpet, to keep the little ones close by while others are in lessons.