Downhill / Alpine Ski Mountain

Ski the uncrowded mountain slopes of Marmot Basin alpine Ski area, just minutes away from the town of Jasper. Marmot Basin's 8500ft altitude is a great place for all skill levels of alpine skiers to get a better point of view. Jasper downhill skiers love these eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, with alpine bowls containing the driest natural powder in all the Rockies.

Backcountry / Cross country Skiing in Jasper

Jasper skiers treasure our winter wonderland's hospitable uncrowded atmosphere of over 300 kilometres of ski trails. One of the largest ski areas in Canada, Jasper's cross country skiing is right from your doorstep, with highly groomed ski trails gliding you among beautiful Rocky Mountain valleys. Ski Cross Country in Jasper Park

Jasper Skiing

Ski in Jasper National Park's winter playground; enjoyment for all ages. Jasper's winter wonderland is treasured for an uncrowded hospitable atmosphere.

Marmot Basin's downhill Ski Mountain offers ski enthusiasts spectacular opportunities. Cross country skiers enjoy over 300 kilometres of ski trails that make Jasper one of the largest cross country ski areas in Canada.

Backcountry ski enthusiasts also love Jasper's day trips and multi-day ski trips to opportunities all over the national park.

Whatever your ski desires, Jasper's natural winter phenomena creates a playground for all ages.

Shimmering glaciers, abundant wildlife, hanging frozen waterfalls, deep canyons, and evergreen forests among rugged mountain peaks offer added Jasper ski adventures that can't be beat.

Ski Marmot Basin

Marmot Basin ski resort in Jasper National Park, Alberta is a relaxed atmosphere with consistent snowfall, and diverse terrain spread across more than 1,700 acres. Marmot's mountain offers a balanced mix of ski runs for beginners, intermediates, and experts, with everything from wide groomers and gentle learning slopes to alpine bowls, glades, and steep chutes.

Marmot Basin's vertical drop is just under 900 metres, and the resort stretches from a base elevation of about 1,700 metres to a summit above 2,600 metres, providing long, scenic descents. Marmot Basin's Ski area is praised for shorter lift lines and uncrowded slopes compared to larger commercial resorts, making it popular with families and those seeking a more laid-back ski experience. The Ski season typically runs from mid-November to early May, supported by cold mountain temperatures that preserve snow quality. While there is no slope-side lodging, the nearby town of Jasper offers a full range of accommodations and amenities, and the 20-minute drive to the resort is part of the appeal—scenic, quiet, and immersed in the protected wilderness of the Canadian Rockies.

What's New at Marmot Basin

Knob Quad Chair: For the 2023-24 season, the resort replaced the old Knob chair with this new fixed-grip quad. It unloads at approximately 2,518 m elevation and greatly improves access to the upper-mountain terrain, including the newly opened alpine zone known as the Cirque.

Marmot Basin Cirque: As of early 2023, terrain between the Knob summit and the upper ridgelines was opened to the public for the first time. This includes steep bowls, chutes, ridgelines and above-treeline terrain, making for serious advanced skiing.

Tres Hombres: Though not brand-new this season, the expert ski zones remain the most recent major terrain expansion (opened 2017), adding around 367 vertical metres of mostly treeless, steep, fall-line skiing (five runs ranging black to double-black). It significantly expanded the expert ski terrain available.

What Marmot Basin's New Lifts and Terrain Means for Skiers

With the Knob Quad Chair, you can now reach near-peak elevations faster and more comfortably than before, making upper-mountain and Cirque terrain much more accessible.

The Cirque expands the advanced/alpine inventory: expect steep bowls, chutes, ridgeline runs, and more "big-mountain" style terrain. For seasoned skiers and snowboarders, it's a major draw.

Tres Hombres continues to deliver long, demanding runs - ideal for those who want sustained fall-line steeps and powder-field options.

Marmot Basin's biggest recent changes are: a modern, higher-capacity quad lift (Knob Quad), and opening of the high-alpine "Cirque" terrain that gives expert skiers new bowls and chutes above treeline. Established expert zones like Tres Hombres increase Marmot Basin's ski resort for advanced and expert terrain - making it more appealing for strong skiers or boarders looking for more variety, challenge, and big-mountain skiing.

Marmot Basin's Mountain Ski Facilities

Marmot Basin offers a full range of on-mountain facilities designed to make a ski day smooth and convenient. At the base skiing area, the main lodge provides ticketing, guest services, a rental shop, a tuning and repair workshop, and spacious areas to gear up or warm up. The rental department supplies skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and accessories for all ages, and the repair shop can handle everything from quick waxes to major equipment fixes. A full snow school operates daily, offering group and private lessons for kids, adults, and beginners through advanced skiers. The base lodge also includes multiple dining options such as cafeteria-style meals, grab-and-go food, and a bar and grill.

Higher up Marmot Basin's mountain, mid-station lodges like Paradise and Eagle Chalets provide additional food services and indoor seating, which makes it easy to stop for lunch without returning to the bottom. These lodges offer washrooms, outdoor decks, and casual mountain-style dining. Terrain ski parks of varying sizes are available for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, featuring jumps, rails, and other progression-friendly features. Ski storage areas and overnight rental return make gear management simple for multi-day visits.

Although Marmot Basin has no on-mountain accommodations, the nearby town of Jasper serves as the lodging and après-ski hub. Jasper offers hotels, cabins, hostels, restaurants, grocery stores, and retail shops. Many visitors take advantage of the winter ski shuttle that runs between town and the resort, providing a car-free option for reaching the mountain. Overall, the facilities at Marmot Basin are practical, well-designed, and focused on delivering a smooth ski experience without unnecessary commercial development.

Marmot Basin Ski Season Operating Hours

Typical ski season operating hours (and roughly when the season runs) for Marmot Basin ski resort near Jasper, Alberta:

Marmot Basin Ski Season Dates

The ski season at Marmot Basin generally begins in mid-November and runs through to early May.
For 2025/26, the resort recently announced an opening on November 26.
The closing date is typically in the first week of May. Historically seasons have ended around early May.

Marmot Basin Daily Operating Hours (When Open)

Main lifts run roughly from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
On some lifts (notably the "School House" lift), the closing is slightly later - around 4:30 PM.
Resort facilities (ticket office, rentals, etc.) open somewhat earlier - typically around 8:00 AM - and remain open until approximately 5:00 PM.

Variability & Exceptions for Marmot Basin's Ski Resort

Opening and closing dates each season depend a lot on weather and snow conditions. "Mid-November to early May" is the usual window, but actual start/finish dates may shift.
Some terrain or lifts may open gradually during early or late season depending on snow coverage and safety checks.
As with many ski resorts, Marmot Basin may experience afternoon closures or lift closures for safety sweeps or ski terrain inspections - so last chair lift times may vary by lift.

Jasper National Park Cross Country Skiing

Jasper National Park offers one of the most diverse Nordic skiing environments in the Canadian Rockies, with groomed classic and skate trails, rustic ungroomed routes, and backcountry touring options. The cross country ski season typically runs from mid-December through March, with conditions varying by elevation and recent snowfall. Parks Canada maintains several designated trail networks, while some areas remain skier-tracked only.

Jasper's Expansive Cross Country Skiing Areas

For experienced skiers with avalanche awareness and proper equipment, Jasper offers expansive touring in valleys such as Tonquin, Sunwapta, and Maligne. These areas require trip planning, avalanche forecasting, and sometimes overnight capability. Hut systems operated by Alpine Club of Canada serve some routes.

Marmot Basin Facilities

Main facilities at Marmot Basin - what you can expect on the mountain and nearby to make your ski-trip work smoothly.

On-Mountain & Resort Facilities

Ski / Snowboard Rentals & Repairs - Marmot Basin runs a full rental department supplying skis, snowboards, boots, poles (and helmets). They also offer tuning, waxing, and repair services. Rental gear can be reserved online (recommended 48 h ahead), or you can walk in when you arrive.

Ski & Snowboard Lessons / Snow School - Lessons are available for all ages and ability levels. Options include group lessons (for beginners or intermediates), private lessons, and full-day lessons. There are also kids' and family packages.

Lift Passes / Ticketing - Full-mountain lift tickets are available, as are half-day or beginner-area passes. Pass holders use RFID cards.

Day Lodges and Food & Beverage - There are several lodges on the mountain where visitors can eat, warm up, or take a break.

Base-area lodge (Caribou Chalet) - has cafeteria, espresso bar, bar & grill.

Mid-mountain lodges (Paradise Chalet, Eagle Chalet, etc.) - cafeterias and small bar/restaurant services on the slopes so you don't have to return to the base for lunch.

Terrain Parks - Marmot Basin includes terrain parks (lower, mid and upper mountain) with features like jumps, rails, boxes and jibs - suitable for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

Ski Storage & Overnight Rental Return - If you rent skis/boards, there is space for overnight storage so you don't have to haul gear every day.

Access & Transportation Support - Shuttle/bus access from the town of Jasper, Alberta to the resort is often available, helpful for those staying in town rather than self-driving.

Marmot Basin Facilities

Services Available at Marmot Basin

On-Mountain Facilities & Services at Jasper, Alberta's Marmot Basin

Marmot Basin Lodges and Buildings

Caribou Chalet - the main base-area lodge. Includes guest services, ticketing, rental shop, repair shop, lockers, gear storage, and a cafeteria + bar & grill.
Paradise Chalet (mid-mountain) - mid-mountain cafeteria & food services, good for lunch or a break without returning to base.
Eagle Chalet (mid-mountain) - additional mid-mountain food service / restaurant.

Marmot Basin Rental, Retail & Gear Services

Full ski and snowboard rentals (skis/boards, boots, poles, etc.) via the resort's rental shop. Gear can be reserved online in advance, or rented on-site.
On-site repair, waxing, and tuning services via the rental/repair shop - helpful if gear needs adjustment mid-trip.
Locker rentals / ski-storage at the base (Caribou Chalet) - convenient if you don't want to carry gear off the hill each day.
Retail shop (often called "Outer Limits") selling ski apparel, accessories, gear - useful for last-minute needs or upgrades.

Lessons, Snow School & Guided Services at Marmot Basin

Lessons and snow-school for all levels (beginner to advanced), group and private.
Guided mountain tours for newcomers to help orient you to the terrain and main zones.

Marmot Basin's Terrain Parks & Freestyle Features

Several terrain parks (lower, mid, upper mountain) - featuring rails, boxes, jumps, jibs and progression-friendly features for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.

Food & Beverage and Dining

Cafeteria-style food in Caribou Chalet (base), Paradise Chalet and Eagle Chalet (mid-mountain), offering hot meals, snacks, drinks.
Bar & Grill in base lodge for drink service - a place to warm up and relax post-ski.

Childcare & Family Services at Marmot Basin

A child-care facility, the "Little Rascals Nursery", located at the base (Caribou Chalet basement), for young children (approx. 19 months to 6 years), including optional lessons, rentals, lunch and supervision.

Marmot Basin Parking, Access, Shuttles and Transport Support

Parking lots located on the side of the mountain - providing car access and vehicle parking even during the ski day.
Shuttle transport service between the nearby town (town site where lodging is located) and the resort - useful if you don't have a car or prefer not to drive.

Marmot Basin Lift Tickets, Passes & Ticketing Services

Standard lift tickets, family packages, multi-day passes, and season passes available. Services Available at Marmot Basin

Marmot Basin Seasonal Snowfall

Marmot Basin typically receives about 440-450 cm of natural snowfall per season (roughly 14-15 feet). Because the mountain sits high and cold by Alberta standards, the snow that does fall is usually light, dry, and well-preserved, especially mid-winter. The season usually begins in mid-November and runs until early May, so snowfall is spread across a long operating window. Early winter storms build the base through November and December, the deepest and most reliable snowfall tends to occur from January through March, and spring often brings a mix of soft snow, warmer temperatures, and excellent coverage maintained by the cold alpine elevation. Marmot Basin Seasonal Snowfall

Marmot Basin History

Marmot Basin's history begins in the 1960s, when interest in developing a ski area near Jasper grew as tourism expanded within Canada's national parks. The site on Marmot Mountain was chosen for its consistent snow, sheltered aspects, and proximity to the town of Jasper. Construction began in 1961, and the resort officially opened in 1964 with a single T-bar and a handful of cut runs. Through the 1970s and 1980s, Marmot Basin steadily modernized, adding chairlifts, expanding terrain into new bowls and ridgelines, and improving road access from Jasper. A major milestone came in 1986 with the installation of the long, upper-mountain "Knob" chairlift, which opened some of the resort's most iconic alpine terrain. Continued upgrades in the 1990s and 2000s brought high-speed quads, expanded snowmaking, and improved lodge facilities, helping the resort keep pace with modern ski standards while maintaining its uncrowded, natural character. The opening of the Tres Hombres expert zone in 2017 marked one of the most significant expansions in decades, adding hundreds of vertical metres of steep, ungroomed terrain. Today, Marmot Basin remains one of the few major North American ski areas located entirely within a national park, blending its decades-long ski heritage with strict environmental stewardship and a low-key, community-focused atmosphere. Marmot Basin History

Changes Over the Years

Over the years, Marmot Basin has evolved from a small, local ski hill into a fully developed mountain resort, with most changes focused on improving lift access, expanding terrain, and modernizing facilities while maintaining the quiet, uncrowded character that sets it apart. In its early decades, the area relied on T-bars and basic lodges, but through the 1970s and 1980s, new chairlifts and expanded cut runs opened more of the mountain, including the iconic Knob terrain. The shift to high-speed lifts in the 1990s and 2000s greatly improved upload capacity and reduced wait times, making the resort more accessible during busy periods. Lodge renovations, snowmaking upgrades, and improved grooming equipment further polished the overall experience. One of the biggest changes came in 2017 with the opening of Tres Hombres, a large, steep, expert-only face that added significant high-end terrain and became a signature feature of the resort. Environmental standards within Jasper National Park have guided development, meaning improvements tend to emphasize efficiency and terrain quality rather than major commercial expansion. Changes over the Years