Jasper is a specialized municipality in western Alberta, Canada. It is the commercial centre of Jasper National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies in the Athabasca River valley. Jasper is approximately 362 kilometres (225 mi) west of Edmonton and 290 kilometres (180 mi) north of Banff, Alberta at the intersection of the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) and the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93).
Jasper/Marmot Basin is right out in the beautiful wilds of the Eastern Rockies, three and a half hours from the nearest international airport in Edmonton. As with a lot of Canadian skiing, accommodation and entertainment are to be found in the major town of the area, Jasper, while the skiing is offered by a local domain, Marmot Basin.
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| Jasper Valley, Alberta, Canada |
Jasper is located in the Athabasca River valley, at the confluence with Miette River. It lies between the Victoria Cross Ranges (northwest), Pyramid Mountain (north), Maligne Range (southeast) and Indian Ridge (southwest). Jasper is connected to the west via the Yellowhead Highway and the Yellowhead Pass to Prince George and to the east to Edmonton. Toward the south, the Icefield Parkway leads to Banff and Banff National Park.
Located near Jasper are Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake, as well as Lake Annette, Lake Edith, Lac Beauvert, Maligne Lake, Medicine Lake and numerous other smaller lakes. The Jasper Tramway, which takes visitors to The Whistlers' summit, and the Marmot Basin ski resort are also located near the town, as is the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives is located in the Jasper town site, as is the Jasper Visitor Centre.
Marmot Basin has over 1000 acres of slopes, is great value and provides good skiing for all abilities. It is particularly suitable for better intermediates, who will enjoy the several black pistes that the resort has to offer. The ski school, based in Jasper, has a great reputation, as well as offering snowboard clinics for those who want to spend less time on their bums. The scenery is wonderful and the skiing is typically North American - stress-free and user-friendly. Boarders have a particular soft spot for the place.
Jasper, which is 30 minutes from the skiing, is a world-famous resort in its own right, with great access to some of the best scenery and mountain terrain in Canada. It has plenty of quality accommodation for all budgets. The nightlife is reasonable, although some boarders seem to disagree! Because of its location, access to a car is invaluable. Then if you don't feel like skiing or travelling to other ski domains (for example Panorama), you can hit the open road and explore this stunning area. There is also the Jasper in January festival, which often has cheap deals on lift passes.
WHERE TO STAY IN JASPER:
Jasper offers a variety of lodging options whether you're seeking rustic relaxation, homey comfort, or romantic luxury. The following are some of the places where you can enjoy your stay while at Jasper:
The Whistler's Inn is located in the heart of Jasper National Park, within walking distance of all shops, services and outdoor mountain activities. The Inn boasts a cozy Canadian Rockies alpine atmosphere and features 63 spacious guest rooms for accommodation, many with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Fairmont has more than 600 acres of pristine forest which is Jasper’s only year-round resort destination. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for two or a Rocky Mountain family vacation, the unique accommodations and luxury cabins offer you a true Rocky Mountain experience at Canada’s best lodge resort. You can also enjoy a game of golf at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course, rated the #1 Best Golf Resort in Canada by SCOREGolf Magazine. Brand new this year, our Fairmont Spa (rated Canada's #8 Resort Spa by Condé Nast Traveler) was inspired by the natural elements of Jasper National Park and reflects the energy of the mountains, rivers and waterfalls surrounding it.
Park Place Inn is one of Jasper’s newest hotels, is small, luxurious and nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park’s wonderful town site, steps away from a wide variety of restaurants, shops and nightlife. The cozy, well appointed lobby with comfortable furnishings, slate and hardwood floors and inviting fireplace is a great indication of the many amenities this boutique hotel offers. With 14 distinct, luxury, non-smoking rooms, there is bound to be a temporary home perfect for everyone. Families, executives, weekenders, skiers, couples, honeymooners, and small groups can expect a warm welcome at the Park Place Inn.
