Marmot Basin saves its best for last

RICK MACDONNELL

It's hard not to be excited about conditions like these. RICK MACDONNELL/SnowSeekers

JASPER, AB – Marmot Basin will always have a special significance for me. It was the first resort I ever visited in Western Canada, the first hill I skied as a part of the SnowSeekers team, and will be one of the last hills I ski this season. It’s the hill I’m most familiar with, most comfortable on, and I dread having to watch it close its doors in less than two short weeks from now.

But if there’s any way to go, it’s like this. Spring has been very kind to Marmot Basin over the last few years. “I was here in November, and the skiing now is just as good, if not better, than what we had back then,” said Fred Kennedy, who’s been coming to Marmot Basin for more than 45 years. “I’ve been skiing here almost as long as the hill’s been open, and there haven’t been too many seasons like this one.”

Spring skiing at its finest

With so many resorts closing by the middle of April, Marmot Basin is one of the few in Western Canada to remain open until May. There's still plenty of time to get some shredding in before the season officially comes to a close in Alberta. 

“Alberta has one of the longest ski seasons in North America. People ought to be crazy not to take advantage of that.” Kennedy, who was visiting Marmot with his son, was thankful for the opportunity to get in some extra bonding sessions. “The hill is one of the only places where our family truly finds a commonality. 

“Skiing is one of those things where, whether you’re young or old, you can enjoy it together. There’s more of a gap between generations now than ever, I think, so it’s nice to still have an activity that you can share.”

A group of youngsters show their best smiles after a spirited snowball fight. RICK MACDONNELL/SnowSeekers

Two weeks left, people

More than anything, Kennedy was impressed with Marmot Basin’s snow conditions.

“I was here for a hike in the summer, and there’s a huge rock near the top of the Canadian Rockies Express Quad that’s up to my eyeballs when I stand next to it. I went to find it today to see how high the snow was packed, and it was nowhere to be found.”

Indeed, the powder gods have been kind to all of us this season. There were some rough patches, sure, but they’re more than making it up to us in with some late-season snow. Do yourself a favour and take in Marmot Basin one more time before the season’s out.

For more information on Marmot Basin, visit www.skimarmot.com.

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