By Kevin Watson

“Jasper in January” a can’t miss event

Jan 14, 2019 | 4:20 PM

Jasper, Alberta any month of the year is spectacular, but for the past 30 years “Jasper in January” has been just a little extra special.

The annual three-week festival features concerts, great food, dog sledding, special deals on skiing and lodging and much, much more!  From January 10-27 the number one ski town in North America as voted by USA Today readers shows its unpretentious atmosphere.

The skiing/boarding at Marmot Basin features spectacular mountain views and terrain for every type of skier from novice to expert.  If you are confident on your boards, the new Tres Hombres area features black and double black runs with steep fall line riding.  With 7 lifts and short wait times it doesn’t take long to get your legs burning and get your runs in.  The conditions are excellent and with more snow in the forecast for the rest of the month it will make Jasper in January that much more enjoyable.

If you’re not a downhiller, you can take a tour of Maligne Canyon.  The frozen waterfalls and ice formations are a must see.  Or you can hop on a fat bike, strap on the cross-country skis or snowshoes and go for a tour, just be on the look out for a local elk or the whole heard.

More of a star gazer?  Jasper is the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world!  A Dark Sky Preserve is an area in which no artificial lighting is visible and active measures are in place to educate and promote the reduction of light pollution to the public and nearby municipalities.  Head over to the Jasper Planetarium to learn more about space and tour the galaxy through a powerful telescope.  www.jasperplanetarium.com

Byelection April 22, 2024

Advance voting for Red Deer's byelection runs April 18-20

9h ago

family physician

New doctor working at Easthill clinic in Red Deer

9h ago

april 13

RCMP charge Innisfail resident following traffic stop

9h ago

Some of the events to look forward to include Canadian rock group The Odds on the 19th and a huge Street Party on the 26th.  For all the details go to www.jasper.travel/January

If the forecast and road is clear getting to Jasper via Highway 93 through the Icefields Parkway is the way to go.  You will see glaciers, frozen waterfalls and more wildlife and with many turn out areas you can stop and take in the scenery and breath in the fresh mountain air.