Jasper ski resort, Alberta

• Beginners

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• Intermediates

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• Experts

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• Snow Record

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• Families

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• Charm

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• Apres Ski

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• Weekends

Small, friendly and crowd free.  Great for families and for those wanting to get away from it all and experience the true Canadian outback and wildlife.

In favour of Jasper:

Jasper originally a 19th century fur trading post, is now an unpretentious frontier town which appeals to those people who don't just want to ski but also to visit one of the world's most beautiful wilderness areas with stunning glaciers, forests, ice fields and lakes. A very efficient shuttle bus links Jasper town and the ski area at Marmott Basin, in the heart of the Jasper National Park, about a 12 mile journey. Skiing in Jasper is the closest you can get to wilderness skiing without all the hazards that can occur. The area is known for its exquisitely dry powder and uncrowded slopes, open bowls and some of the best off-piste "glade" skiing in North America.

Alternatively combine skiing in Jasper with skiing in Whistler by taking the luxury Snow Train from Jasper to Vancouver - or visit Vancouver Island and do a spot of whale watching (from late March onwards).

Disadvantages:

Not for those wanting ski-in/ski-out. The appeal of Jasper is its remoteness and the spectacular countryside, however this makes it slightly harder to get to. Snowfall is modest by North American standards.

Non-Skiing Activities:

Ice skating on frozen lakes, horse-drawn sleigh-rides, canyon crawling, ice-climbing, heli-snowshoeing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, dogsledding, wildlife searches, heli-tours, tobogganing and snowmobiling

Accommodation

The most prestigious property is The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which  is a hamlet of rustic cedar chalets  set in 1000 acres of Wilderness. The facilities are extensive and include ice skating, an outdoor heated pool, and an impressive Health Club with saunas, steam room and Jacuzzi. More modest options include the Amethyste Lodge  ideally located just two blocks from the centre of Jasper and the restaurants and attractions   and The Sawridge Inn only a 10-minute walk to the centre of town.