Jasper National Park (Winter)

Most of the two million visitors who arrive in Jasper each year do so in summer, leaving the town and the park as an untouched winter wonderland. While winter is certainly a quiet time in Jasper National Park, that doesn't mean there's a lack of things to do, which includes skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice-skating, and nearby heli-skiing. A short drive from the town of Jasper, Marmot Basin is one of the Canadian Rockies’ major alpine resorts, with modern chairlifts, on-hill restaurants and cafes, a ski and snowboard school, and rentals. For many, traveling Jasper's hiking trails on skis is just as exhilarating as on foot. ...

Most of the two million visitors who arrive in Jasper each year do so in summer, leaving the town and the park as an untouched winter wonderland. While winter is certainly a quiet time in Jasper National Park, that doesn't mean there's a lack of things to do, which includes skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice-skating, and nearby heli-skiing. A short drive from the town of Jasper, Marmot Basin is one of the Canadian Rockies’ major alpine resorts, with modern chairlifts, on-hill restaurants and cafes, a ski and snowboard school, and rentals. For many, traveling Jasper's hiking trails on skis is just as exhilarating as on foot. An extensive network of summer hiking trails is designated for skiers, with around 62 miles groomed. While skiing and snowboarding gets most of the attention, one of the most unique thrills of Jasper in winter is an ice walk through Maligne Canyon. By late December, the torrent that is the Maligne River has frozen solid. Where it cascades down through Maligne Canyon the river is temporarily stalled for the winter, creating remarkable formations through the deep limestone canyon. Travel through the Canadian Rockies during winter should not be undertaken lightly. Before setting out in a vehicle, check antifreeze levels, and always carry a spare tire and blankets or sleeping bags.

About the Expert

Over the last 20 years, Andrew Hempstead has authored and updated more than 60 guidebooks for Avalon Travel, Frommer’s, Michelin, Odyssey, Dorling Kindersley, Michelin, and Sasquatch Books, including many books on Canada.