Fun Facts To Get You Psyched About Marmot Basin

You will find everything from long, perfectly groomed novice trails to high alpine bowls and steep chutes filled with dry powder — and if no lines and perfect snow isn’t enough to convince you to visit Marmot Basin this year, check out these fun facts:

Extended Skiing Season: November to May

Photo by IG : taylaa.p

In May, when the rest of Jasper National Park is starting to bloom and hiking and biking trails are starting to open, Marmot Basin is still offering great powder for skiers on the slopes. Its high elevation and tall peaks cast shadows which keep the snow cool during warm sunny days, so you can enjoy the skiing season well past the closing dates of other North American resorts.

Highest Base Elevation in Canada

Photo from Marmot Basin

Not only does Marmot Basin enjoy one of the longest skiing seasons in Canada, but it also has the highest base elevation of major Canadian ski areas. Gaze upon incredible panoramic views of the mountain ranges and experience the feeling of being on top of the world at the 8570 ft. tall Marmot Peak.

Experience Temperature Inversions

Photo from Marmot Basin

If you think you’re feeling temperatures 10-15°C warmer at mid-mountain than in Jasper village, you’re not crazy. Without getting into the scientific technicalities, a layer of cool air becomes trapped at lower elevations while the warm air floats on top. It is not uncommon for this phenomenon to occur, and it makes for a unique skiing experience.

Tres Hombres Mischievous History

Photo from Marmot Basin

Marmot Basin’s newest terrain, Tres Hombres, is steep, long, and wide open. In fact, back in the 1970s, three ski bums looking to push the boundaries illegally snuck into the area now known as Tres Hombres. The run was so good that they gave it its code name after the ZZ Top album that was big at the time.

History in the Making

Before Marmot Basin was a popular spot among skiers and snowboarders, it was used by the British Army in 1942 for alpine training manoeuvres. Similarly, the Canadian Armed Forces trained their troops in winter warfare on mountainsides for World War II.

Underground Streams are Marmot Basin’s Water Source

Marmot Basin’s water supply comes from natural, underground streams on the mountain that flow year-round. All unused water continues down to the Athabasca Valley, and all wastewater undergoes treatment to ensure we maintain the health of the watershed. 

Want to plan your ski trip to Marmot Basin? Ask us for a quote so you can start counting down the days until you’re pointing your skis downhill.