2021 is a new year. Start it with a safe winter celebration that combines your favourite cold-weather activities with heart-warming hospitality in a pristine mountain wonderland. Plan for great deals on ski and multi-day stays, and rediscover meaningful pastimes between January 15 and 31.
You'll see many COVID-19-friendly changes to this year’s available activities, but there's still plenty of ways to get outdoors (or indoors, in a cabin of your very own) and forge new memories with members of your household. Though certain details are subject to change based on evolving regulations, here’s a bit of what to expect.
1 Sleigh rides
Matched teams of horses, tuned bells, sleighs with comfortable seats and warm throw blankets make for a classic winter experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children aged five and under ride for free!
2 Festival of Galaxies
With its early sunsets, winter is a prime time to explore the wonders of deep space. Join Jasper Planetarium staff to see some amazing galaxies as part of the Telescope and Planetarium COMBO tour.
3 Fireside Chat with Warrior Women
Get cozy by the fire at Sawridge Inn as Matricia Bauer shares her Indigenous culture through stories, drumming, conversation and songs. This hour-long immersive experience will leave you fulfilled.
4 Ice climbing 101
No experience is necessary to experience the thrill and accomplishment of ice climbing on a frozen waterfall, thanks to Rockaboo Mountain Adventure’s beginner-friendly introduction tour. All technical gear provided.
5 Marmot Basin festivities
From a virtual competition to a scavenger hunt photo contest to a trivia quiz, Marmot Basin ski resort has a few fun plans up its sleeve for the month of January. All events have been optimized to maintain distance between those not from your household. Prizes available!
6 Jasper Virtual Race Series
Race in the mountains YOUR way. Choose to run, snowshoe, cycle or cross-country ski in Jasper National Park on a day that works for you. Simply register for the race of your choice through raceroster.com. then join the Strava group and log your race. Get discounts and swag from sponsors!
7 Animals of the Night Hike
Join local guides Joy and Sean on this family-friendly 5-kilometre night hike up on Pyramid Bench. Learn all about our nocturnal wildlife and get great views of our Dark Sky Preserve as well as the town lit up at night.
8 Shop Jasper in January
Gear up for winter’s best, get great deals and find tons of local gems! With discounts up to 50% off, this is the can’t-miss, shop-till-you-drop event of the season, and the perfect way to start your new year in style. Head over to Jasper’s unique local retailers for rugged mountain gear, cozy cabin attire, perfect souvenirs and more!
9 One-on-one art class with Mountain Galleries
Get creative in a 4-hour private art class in the comfort of the Artist’s Studio. Get an introduction to drawing and painting with Alberta artist Wendy Wacko, and explore the advantages of water-based paint. All materials provided. Advance bookings only; dates are flexible.
10 Pints and Prophesies
Wish you could know what the future holds? Come to Jasper Brewing Co. for a 15 min psychic reading, a pint of beer and 20% off your meal!
