Winter Sports

Jasper has more than 50 km (31 miles) of groomed cross-country ski trails and it is a very popular snowshoe and fat-bike destination. There is a wide choice of groomed and natural trails, and equipment and local guides can be arranged through local ski shops. Current cross-country ski information is available at the park visitor center. Ice climbing, ice walks, skating, and wildlife watching are also popular winter activities. Downhill skiers will enjoy Marmot Basin, a 20-minute drive from town.

Marmot Basin. At 1,698 meters (5,570 feet), Marmot Basin has the highest base elevation of any Canadian ski area. The resort includes a mix of downhill skiing terrain, and the slopes are a little less crowded than those around Banff, especially on weekdays. There are three day lodges, two of which are at mid-mountain. Shuttles between Marmot Basin and the Jasper Townsite run every day of the season. Discounted lift tickets are available during the Jasper in January winter festival. Facilities: 86 trails; 1,675 acres; 2,612-meter drop; 7 lifts. 1 Marmot Rd., off Hwy. 93A, Jasper National Park, Alberta, T0E 1E0. 780/852–3816; 866/952–3816; www.skimarmot.com. Lift ticket: C$88.

Mildred Lake. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge maintains a skating rink and an oval skating trail on nearby Mildred Lake. Groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are also in the area. 1 Old Lodge Rd., off Maligne Lake Rd., Jasper, Alberta, T0E 1E0. .

Pyramid Lake. At this pretty lake you can ski groomed cross-country trails, go snowshoeing or ice-skating, or take a sleigh ride. Pyramid Lake Rd., 6½ km (4 miles) north of Jasper, off Hwy. 16A, Jasper National Park, Alberta, T0E 1E0. Free.