Jasper National Park is home to some of Canada’s best hidden gems, including its ski resort, Marmot Basin.
Most visitors to the Canadian Rockies head to Banff National Park and Lake Louise, leaving Jasper uncrowded, calm and undoubtedly stunning.
This is even more true in the winter when the snow capped peaks shine, the crisp air hits your cheeks and the frosty tree tips sparkle.
As an Edmonton local, Jasper is the closest mountain town to me, so I’ve skied (now snowboard) here dozens and dozens of times over the years.
If you’re headed to my favorite part of the Canadian Rockies for a winter trip, let me be your guide with everything you need to know about a ski trip in Jasper at Marmot Basin.
Why You Should Visit Marmot Basin Ski Resort
Due to the high altitude, the snow here is light and fluffy. Combined with fewer crowds compared to the more popular ski resorts, Jasper is one of the best places for skiing in Canada.
USA Today named Jasper, Alberta the best ski town of 2018 because of its small town authentic vibe.
So it’s no doubt that planning a trip to go skiing in Jasper is the ultimate winter vacation.
And if those accolades still don’t have your attention, this one might. HomeToGo ranked Marmot Basin as the most affordable mountain ski resort in North America for 2020!
They reviewed the cost of lift tickets, accommodations, lunch prices and equipment rental fees of the 50 best ski resorts on the continent, and Jasper came in at number one.
Best Low Key Ski Resort in Alberta, Canada
Alberta is home to several world-class mountain ski areas.
Unlike Banff National Park (which has 2 large resorts and two smaller sized hills), Jasper just has the one.
Marmot Basin is the ski resort for this town and the whole region.
Not to worry though, it’s large enough with a great mix of different types of terrain to keep you happy for several days of skiing or snowboarding.
If you’re coming from Edmonton, Jasper is the closest and biggest ski resort.
Read more about the other 3 largest ski resorts in Alberta here.
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Marmot Basin Mountain Overview
The mountain is about a 20-minute drive from the town site of Jasper, so if you want to hit first chair, you should plan to leave your hotel room no later than 8:30 am.
The first 10 minutes of driving is relatively flat, followed by a 10 minute ascent up the mountain.
It gets pretty curvy with a few tight turns but definitely makes for a gorgeous drive when it’s sunny and clear out!
Jasper has one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in North America; consistently about 6 months long! This mountain is usually one of the first resorts within the Canadian Rockies to open up for the season.
In the last ten years, Marmot Basin has consistently opened in the middle of November and stays open until the last weekend of April, sometimes even early-May.
Meaning you can always ski and snowboard in Jasper in April, and oftentimes into early May.
The snow is usually quite light & dry, almost rivaling the champagne powder seen on the west side of the Canadian Rocky mountains.
Weather, Snow and Terrain at Jasper’s Ski Resort
Weather
The weather here can get quite cold, I’ve definitely skied in -30 conditions (22 below in Fahrenheit).
But more often than not, there’s a weather inversion at this ski resort.
Meaning, the weather is actually warmer up at the mountain than below in town.
I’ve also enjoyed tons of days where the white stuff just dumps, and I’m making fresh lines on pillow tops during every run.
Weather can always be unpredictable, but its fairly consistent and pleasant here year after year.
Terrain
Jasper’s large and varied terrain make it a great ski resort for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders.
The terrain is a mix of wide open treeless runs, glades, bowls, backcountry-esque conditions, lots of groomers and a good terrain park.
There is a large area dedicated to family & beginner areas so it’s a great place to learn if it will be your first time skiing.
And with the recently opened Tres Hombres, advanced riders can push themselves to new limits.
The map and website will show you that the majority of the runs are suited for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, with an equal mix of beginner and advance terrain to suit all skill levels.
Is Marmot Basin Good for Snowboarding?
Just behind Lake Louise, Marmot Basin is the best ski resort for snowboarding in Alberta.
Unlike Sunshine Village in Banff, Marmot Basin has very few flat spots on their trails.
Each chairlift is positioned perfectly at the bottom of a slope, so you’ll never have to worry about unbuckling and pushing yourself to get going.
Parking Tips
When you reach the ski resort you will see the lower chalet and a small parking lot on your left.
This is where tour buses drop off large groups or 10-minute parking spots are available for pickup and drop offs.
I recommend you keep driving passed this area and find a spot in one of the parking lots first, before buying your lift tickets. There are 4 parking lots, #1 being the closest to the bottom, 4 being highest up.
I suggest you aim to park in lot 3 or 4.
Why? Because everyone always tries to park in the first lots that they see, so these get filled up fast.
If you keep driving to the top, you will find much more space.
The parking lots higher up are much bigger and put you closer to the ski runs.
Then, once you’ve found a spot to park, get your gear on and then ski or snowboard down to the bottom to buy your tickets.
This way, you won’t have to wait in the congested small parking lot at the bottom and you won’t get cold standing in line to buy your tickets, as you will already have your gear on!
TRAVEL TIP : get yourself one of these mats to stand on when you’re changing from your shoes to your ski or snowboard boots. Your feet don’t get wet or cold, and it makes for the perfect little changing station to put your gear on.
Ski Resort Amenities
At the Marmot Basin ski resort you will find two chalets/day lodges.
Lower Mountain Amenities
The first one is at the base of the mountain. This is where you can buy your lift tickets, rent equipment and sign up for lessons.
There’s a nice little gear and clothing shop if you’ve forgotten any key pieces of winter wear. I find they usually have good sales here, so it’s always worth stopping in for a peek!
This chalet has a large cafeteria style eating area as well as another section that serves alcohol and is more seated-restaurant style.
The cafeteria has really upped their game in the last couple years and the food is pretty good.
They even offer gluten-free or celiac-friendly options, such as power bowls that you can load with with quinoa and fresh vegetables. And this day lodge also has free WiFi!
Also, there’s two levels of outdoor patio space, which is really nice. You might be thinking: sitting on a patio in the middle of winter? Yep!
In Alberta we get tons of ‘bluebird’ days. We’re fortunate that in the winter time we get lots of days with not a cloud in the sky, no wind and shining sun. It makes it very bearable to sit outside!
Mid-Mountain Amenities
And at mid-mountain you will find the second day lodge. This place offers 3 levels of dining options.
In the lower level, you will find lockers, microwaves and tables, and this is where a lot of people eat lunch that they packed with them.
On the main level is the large cafeteria; definitely try their new premium gourmet hot dogs they serve!
You can also order drinks at the bar and bring them to wherever you are sitting, which is nice if you don’t want to sit at the restaurant to have a beer.
And upstairs there’s another sit down restaurant.
The best part about this chalet is the outdoor space!
They’ve got another great patio area and there’s usually a big bonfire going. Starting in January, they also offer an outdoor ice bar which is pretty fun!
There is No Gondola at Jasper’s Marmot Basin
I should note that there’s also no gondola at this mountain resort.
I thought this would be important to note, as many ski resorts in Canada and around the world are adding gondolas, ‘covered’ chair lifts, and even heated seats!
So right now, you won’t find any of these premium lift amenities at Marmot Basin.
High Speed Chairlifts
There is, however, a high-speed quad-chair that goes straight from the bottom of the hill right to the top, in about 7 minutes.
This has been a great addition to the resort, and has helped significantly reduce line waiting times.
It’s actually the longest high-speed chair in all of the Canadian Rockies mountain resorts.
So you will spend much more time on the slopes and less time in line.
Also, there aren’t really any additional non-skiing winter activities available on hill.
Some ski resorts now have snow tube courses or small ice skating rinks – Marmot Basin does not have this.
This isn’t a bad thing though, it’s likely because there aren’t any on-hill accommodations, so there’s not really a need for additional activities.
This also means that non-skiers cannot walk onto any of the chairlifts for sightseeing purposes like other resorts offer.
There are plenty of outdoor winter experiences in and around town if you’re looking for things to do on non-skiing days. I talk about these more in depth later in the post.
Marmot Basin Hotels and Accommodation Tips
The first thing to know about skiing in Jasper is that there are no ski-in ski-out accommodations at Marmot Basin.
On hill, there are only day lodges/chalets, so you will have to stay in a hotel in the town site of Jasper.
When you’re coming to Jasper for a ski trip, you might want to choose choose a hotel based on hot tub/sauna availability, free or hearty breakfast and the best rates.
At least, these are my criteria anytime I go skiing in Jasper!
My Jasper accommodations guide details all the best places to stay in Jasper based on all budgets and travel types.
But if you want a few quick recommendations, here they are:
Lobstick Lodge
My first choice is always the Lobstick Lodge.
It’s very reasonable priced, always clean and has 2 awesome outdoor hot tubs, which is perfect for soothing those quads after ripping down the mountain all day!
Breakfast isn’t free, but it’s only about $10 CAD for a hot breakfast buffet.
Also, the Lobstick Lodge has a free shuttle to marmot basin for hotel guests!
And I should also mention, the Lobstick Lodge is part of the Mountain Park Lodge hotel chain and they’re all pet friendly.
Tonquin Inn
When I want value, I choose the Tonquin Inn.
It’s pretty much motel-style, as all the rooms are accessed from the exterior. It’s a little dated, but the lower prices reflect that.
Again, another two really good outdoor hot tubs here are great.
Most of the larger hotels, including the Lobstick Lodge and Tonquin Inn, are about a 10-15 minute walk from the centre of the downtown.
Crimson Hotel
If you prefer something a little newer and updated, the Crimson Hotel is your best bet, and also very close to downtown.
Athabasca Hotel
If you want to be right in the middle of the action, check out the Athabasca Hotel Jasper.
The historic and vintage charm makes it super inviting.
And the bar here is the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night.
Whistler’s Inn
I’ve also stayed at the Whistler’s Inn which is in the heart of downtown and has an amazing Italian restaurant on site.
The rooftop hot tub is fun here, too!
Tips and Hacks for Marmot Basin
Here are some tips and hacks that will help you have the smoothest experience when you go skiing in Jasper.
Save Time
To save yourself some time, go straight to parking lot 3 or 4 when you arrive.
That’s correct – don’t buy your lift tickets yet! Park, get your gear on, and then ski down to the bottom chalet.
(Better yet, buy your lift tickets in advance – online or in town).
Also, you need a park pass to go to Marmot Basin. It saves you a few minutes at the park gate if you buy one in advance.
How to Save Money on Lift Tickets
As far as lift tickets go, if you’re planning to ski in Jasper for 2 or more days, your best deal is to purchase the Marmot Escape Card.
You can buy it online before your trip to save you some time, and it comes with all kinds of perks.
It’s $90 CAD, and once you have it, you receive 50% off regular priced full day lift tickets, all season long with no blackout dates.
Basically, after 2 full days of skiing or riding, you’ve recovered the cost of the card and saved $26 compared to if you were to just buy two single day lift tickets.
And if you use it more than that, you continue to save more and more money.
You also get other perks too, like discounts on gear rentals, food & dining, lessons and accommodations.
Save Money on Food
To save yourself some money, this ski resort has a pretty good setup for bringing your own lunch.
On those sunny bluebird days, eat your bagged lunch on one of those patios I mentioned earlier!
Alternatively, since the parking lots are super accessible to ski to, I’ve also eaten lunch sitting on the tailgate of the truck, soaking up the sun and listening to some tunes.
You Might Also Like: Places Like Banff – Canadian Rockies Off the Beaten Path
Or, if you want to buy your lunch, the best place to do it is at the mid mountain chalet.
This way, as soon as you’re done eating, you still have half the mountain to ski down and warm up again, as opposed to being at the bottom of the hill and taking the chairlift up when you’re cold.
Other Ways to Save Money on Your Jasper Ski Trip
For more money saving opportunities, plan your ski trip during Jasper in January!
This is a three-week festival that happens not only on the mountain but in the entire town of Jasper.
Discounted lift tickets, live music, street parties, sleigh rides, ice carvings and tons of other fun activities happen throughout the festival.
I always pack some hand warmers and foot warmers with me just in case. These are a lifesaver if it does get chilly (and they’re always way more expensive at the merch shop).
Is it Better to Ski/Snowboard in Jasper or Banff?
Personally, I prefer to snowboard in Jasper instead of Banff, but for you it will all depend on your preferences.
Jasper is a little quieter and less busy. Jasper National Park gets about half as many visitors than Banff National Park in the winter.
I also find Jasper to be a little cheaper than Banff. They reason for this is likely because it’s a 4 hour drive from the nearest major city (Edmonton), verus a 1.5 hour drive (Calgary to Banff).
Additionally, as a snowboarder, I do prefer the terrain and the runs more than Banff, as there are very few flat spots.
This isn’t usually a problem if you’re on skis, but as a snowboarder, hitting flat spots and having to unbuckle your bindings and push gets annoying really fast!
Also, I prefer the logistics at Jasper better.
I find there is more parking and when you do park, you can ski down immediately.
Contrast this with Banff; the parking lot is much smaller and after you park you still have to take a 15-minute gondola ride to get to the base of the ski area.
However, I do find the views at the top of the mountains in Banff a little more stunning compared to Jasper. It’s a 360 degree view of gorgeous jagged peaks.
Whereas in Jasper, you overlook the valley first, so it makes it seem like the mountains are a little further away.
It’s kinda like apples and oranges I guess–both a little different but both are great!
Still trying to decide?
Refer to my guide about how to choose between Jasper and Banff if you only have the time (or budget) to visit one of these national parks.
Read Next: 10 Famous Destinations Around the World That Can Be Found in Canada
Other Things to Do in Jasper in Winter
Jasper’s remarkable natural beauty really shines in the winter, so you should absolutely build in some time during your winter vacation to get the full experience.
An ice walk in the frozen Maligne Canyon is a bucket list experience and will definitely leave you with goosebumps from the majestic beauty of this natural wonder.
Another must do is to strap on a pair of ice skates and visit one of the frozen lakes!
Pyramid Lake is a great spot for this, and you can rent everything you need at the Pyramid Lake Resort.
Or, head to Mildred Lake where many of the locals like to go.
All the quintessential Canadian winter activities can be experienced here in Jasper National Park!
Snowshoeing, dog-sledding, sleigh rides, winter hiking, ice climbing and cross country skiing.
Jasper’s main travel information site or visitor information center has all the details.
Be sure to plan to do some downtown shopping in your free time as well!
The downtown isn’t huge, but there are a ton of great local shops selling clothing, outerwear and handmade artisan goods.
And definitely visit the Bear’s Paw Bakery and Jasper Brewing Company for breakfast and then good local beer!
Enjoy your winter vacation tearing up the mountain and experiencing Jasper at its most beautiful.
Read More: Dog Friendly Jasper – Everything You Need to Know About Bringing Your Pet to Jasper
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