MARMOT BASIN IN PRIME CONDITION

Half of Average Annual Snowfall Has Already Fallen

Jasper Alberta

December 5, 2011 – Marmot Basin has already received half of its average annual snowfall and there is still over five months of skiing and snowboarding remaining in the season. 200 cm of snow has fallen up to December 5 compared to 111 cm last year at the same time. Prime, mid-winter conditions exist throughout the entire ski area. Comments on Facebook and Twitter are rife with superlatives from Marmot skiers and snowboarders recounting glorious powder-filled days of perfect skiing; and it is not yet even mid-December. Marmot Basin has what many have described as the best snow conditions in Canada right now.

Marmot Basin also opened two new chairlifts this winter; the Paradise high speed quad chair and the School House chair. A grand opening event is planned for Saturday, December 10^th and everyone who visits Marmot on December 10^th & 11^th can enter to win a two day ski holiday for two people including lift tickets and rental equipment with accommodation at the Best Western Jasper Inn & Suites.

Most runs and six of seven lifts are open. The Knob Chair is scheduled to open on December 10 after the grooming and avalanche control crews have completed their work in that area. So much snow has fallen during November that groomers are struggling to make it up to the top of the Knob Chair to pack out the “cat track” which is a requirement for getting the lift open. Likewise the avalanche control team has been challenged to get all their work done simply due to the abundance of snow in the alpine bowls. When the Knob opens on Saturday, skiers and boarders will again be thigh deep in powder snow. 

The Rogers Terrain Park will open not too far behind the Knob Chair as snowmaking resumes in full force on December 11. Large mounds of snow will be blown into the terrain park so groomers can sculpt various features and jumps and so terrain park staff, known locally as “the Park Rangers” can set up rails and boxes. The Rogers Terrain Park will open well before the holiday season.

This is the winter of content in Jasper with ideal snow conditions, two new chairlifts and much to celebrate for every skier and snowboarder who chooses Marmot Basin as their Rocky Mountain playground.

Some facts and stats: Total Snowfall to Date:                        200 cm (half the annual average!) Annual Average Snowfall:                   400 cm Settled Snowpack:                               97 cm at mid-mountain, estimated 140 cm at higher elevations Total Snowfall to Nov 30 (2011)          191 cm 10 year Nov average (2010)                76 cm