Loads of snow, an easy-to-navigate layout, and awesome terrain keeps even the most skill-diverse group content at Marmot. The spectacular setting deep within the Jasper National park provides awesome views of the Canadian Rockies, especially from the Eagle and Caribou lifts.
Marmot Basin offers 86 runs served by 7 lifts spanning the levels with 30% reserved for beginner runs, 30% intermediate, 20% advanced runs, and 20% expert. Marmot also offers an exhilarating 3,000-foot vertical drop, accessible by lift. Skiers will enjoy the breathtaking views they can take in along Marmot’s 3-mile run, the longest to be found among its 1675 acres of skiable terrain. Two terrain parks with progressive features offer riders of every level an opportunity to practice as well as challenge their skills.
Marmot is all about pure and simple skiing and riding. Vast and varied terrain with lots of natural snow and sunshine, together with competent and friendly operators make for enjoyable skiing for the advanced and beginner. Green runs can be picked up from any lift, which provides beginner skier and riders the ability to stay with their groups. The runs are wide and lots of little jumps and paths through the trees can be found to challenge even those who are just learning.
Intermediate and advanced skiers can hone their skills on the extensive and progressively challenging terrain with help from the efficient high speed chairs. It may take a little digging, but there are also some terrific fast-paced runs accessible by chair.
There’s a range of eating options in Jasper, much like most of Alberta’s towns. Fine dining then can be found at Edith Cavell, or the Tonquin Rib Village along with a variety of standard fast food chain restaurants.
The nightlife in Jasper is low-key, as there are a few lively bars offering a great crowd, pool and many screens for watching sports. Then, there’s the Atha-Bar, an after-hours bar with live music and dance, among the most popular in Alberta.
Marmot is one well-kept Canadian Rockies secret offering natural runs within Jasper National Park – a nice patchwork of glades, bowls, chutes and groomers. The varied terrain allows all riders to find their niche and fresh powder turns can be found days after a snowfall.
Two terrain parks offers riders a range of small to large features that include jumps, jibs, boxes and rails. The parks are split into lines that provide a relaxed way for riders to progress their skill. The Rogers Terrain Park can be found on the Lower Lift Line, accessible via the Eagle Express chair. The features are dependent on snow and conditions, therefore they change regularly.
Early in the season, Marmot sets up a beginner’s rail park located at the base of the Eagle Ridge quad, and is a great place for first-timers to learn to ride rails and boxes or to practice before taking a line. Marmot’s terrain is good for beginners to cut their first tracks because the runs are progressive at the top and easy at the bottom, which produce a long and gentle ride to the base. The chair lifts are strategically placed so that newbies can get around without having to use T-bars. Instruction is great for all levels of riding, and there is even video feedback available for those looking to perfect their style.
The bowls are full of powder for freeriders at the Eagle East, where snow sticks for days after a storm. This area is covered in well-spaced trees and is avoided by newbies. Check out the Caribou Ridge off the Kiefer T-Bar or the Paradise Chair for hits and bumps – great testing terrain for the intermediate freestyler. Freestylers can catch big air on the natural terrain at the Rock Garden, and Exhibition is the place for a tough challenge.
Marmot Peak yields an amazing ride down through Knob Bowl off Knob Chair bowls for advanced freeriders looking for an incredible adventure. For freeriders that can’t get enough, snowboarding and heliboarding are available within 1-2 hour drive of Jasper.
Low-key best describes the night-life in Jasper. Pete’s Bar and The Whistle Stop offer good crowds, pool, and lots of screens for sports. O’Shea’s is a typical Irish pub, while the Atha-Bar is always hopping with live music and dance, one of Alberta’s most popular hangouts.