Jasper ready to welcome powder enthusiasts as Marmot Basin prepares to open
Old Man Winter is on the eve of a months-long visit to Jasper and that’s welcome news to the president of Ski Marmot Basin.
The Jasper National Park ski resort opens in early- or mid-November and hosts schussers into early May, a lengthy season that’s only days from beginning.
“Winter’s coming our way,” Ski Marmot Basin president Jason Paterson said during a recent Toronto event promoting the Rockies retreat.
Paterson told those on hand that his resort has up to 100 runs, depending on the season, and an efficient lift system means skiers will find very brief lift lines or no lines at all while enjoying “dry Rockies powder” snow.
“You’ll have the best ski vacation ever,” he continued while praising dramatic Rocky Mountains scenery awaiting Marmot Basin skiers.
Paterson said skiing amounts to Jasper’s “bread and butter” during winter.
Marmot Basin has a number of incentives for skiers, with, for instance, children able to ski free Mondays through Fridays.
The wildfire of two summers ago levelled parts of the community of Jasper but Tourism Jasper CEO Tyler Riopel praised its recovery during the Toronto gathering.
“We’ve been through a lot since the 2024 wildfire and after two years the evolution of Jasper is astonishing,” he continued. “There is excitement and optimism across the whole destination.”
Spring will see the “full reopening of all the in-town accommodations” destroyed by the fire, he reported.
Riopel said a Jasper winter is “about as inspiring and alluring as it gets. Snow-capped mountains, outdoor adventure and the largest accessible dark sky preserve in the world” await visitors, while adding the “Milky Way makes an appearance every night…
“There really is something for everyone, whether it’s skiing at Marmot Basin, relaxing in a cozy cabin with a warm drink fireside or taking in a winter wildlife tour.”
He added that a number of townsite properties have seen major renovations, including the storied Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which spent over $100 million to renovate rooms, common areas, recreation spaces and food and beverage offerings.
The Toronto gathering also saw Brittney Nordin of Pursuit report that her company has multiple hotels in Jasper as well as Banff and Waterton National Parks. Among Jasper hotels is the Lobstick Lodge, which is located in the town of Jasper. The hotel is happy to host solo travellers, families and groups alike, and is popular with Jasper regulars.
The Lobstick Lodge frequently caters to “ski bums” during winter, Nordin said.
The evening also saw Paige Goueffic – manager, demand development & tourism at Edmonton International Airport – report that the facility saw 8.1 million passengers last year, and it will have 14 daily Toronto-Edmonton flights this winter.
Airport users will find on-site hotels, and numerous stores and restaurants.
“Passengers are never left without a shopping or dining option,” she said.
Airport users will also find a nearby casino, Goueffic added.
