The spring equinox is around the corner-make sure you're ready for it and plug these spring time adventures into your calendar.
The sun is shining, the temperature is rising and the snow is melting in the valleys, if not on the summits quite yet. Yes, spring will soon be upon Jasper, and we can't wait. No hate against winter, but we'll let you in on a little secret about spring in the mountains: it combines the best of both winter and summer. Spring is the brunch of seasons. And while the bucket list of spring activities to enjoy is long, these three must-do's should top your priorities.
Spring skiing at Marmot Basin
If you like powder but dislike looking like the Michelin Man because of all the layers, then it's time to treat yo'self to some spring skiing. A fresh, fluffy blanket of snow covers Marmot Basin ski resort all the way into May, thanks to its high elevation and northern latitude. Over 450 cm of natural snow falls throughout the entire ski season, but a state-of-the-art snowmaking system keeps the slopes sparkling during any dry spells.
There's also plenty of ways to celebrate the changing seasons. Join the party at one of the many events scheduled through April. The Kokanee Freeride (April 13) will feature a BBQ lunch and live music on the mid-mountain paradise chalet patio, and Jasper Pride Weekend(April 25-28) will include costumes, a pride-coloured Fun Run and a DJ party to the mountain. Finish off the season with the Aloha Cup (April 20), a non-traditional race that features more Hawaiian-themed costumes than you can shake a lei at.
So ditch a layer, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready to wring every last drop out of the ski and snowboard season.
Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon
When the layers come off, the miles (or rather the kilometers, eh?) pack on. Now entering its fourth year, the Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon (April 13, 2019) is a great way to kick off another season of lacing up and exploring the national park on foot. Whether it's your first footrace or your fiftieth, this fun, scenic event is sure to please! Choose from a range of distances: 1 kilometer fun run for kids, 5 kilometer race, 10 kilometer race, and the titular half marathon.
The course, other than being so scenic that you'll be like "what cramps??", is well-maintained, relatively flat, and easily accessible to cheering crowds. At the end, celebrate by showing off your fancy medal and race t-shirt at one of Jasper's local restaurants; you deserve to refuel.
Make the event even more memorable by fundraising for a worthy cause! If you sign up for the race and spend your training season raising money for the Jasper Healthcare Foundation and meet the fundraising minimum of $500, you'll be refunded your race entry! Also, $10 of each entry from the 21k, and $5 in the 10k and 5k events goes directly to the charity's goal of purchasing equipment to improve ante-natal care for local moms-to-be.
Snowshoeing a summit via The Jasper SkyTram
At an elevation of 2,263 meters, the upper station of the Jasper SkyTram is an unforgettable place to snowshoe; where else can you get panoramic views of six mountain ranges, frozen lakes and rivers, and a bird's eye view of the Jasper townsite, all with just a seven minute ride up Whistlers Mountain. The iconic tram will open for the season on March 22, and for as long as snow remains at the peak visitors can rent snowshoe equipment at the Upper Station Retail store. Come prepared with winter gear from head to toe, and make the 1.4 kilometer trek from the station to the tippity-top of the mountain.
BUT DON'T STOP THERE!
Spring in Jasper also offers plenty more wonderful experiences, like watching newborn wildlife discover the world and partying the night away at the 10th Jasper Pride Festival.
