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Cross-Country Skiing and
Snowshoeing in Jasper, Alberta,
Canada
This
is prime xc skiing and snowshoeing country, the scenery is guaranteed
to delight and enthrall you.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper (780-852-3301, www.fairmont.com)
trails, about 19 km, are unparalleled for beauty and variety. The gentle,
groomed and easily accessible trails wind around lake shores, Alpine
meadows and forests. The easiest is Cavell, a 5 km loop with the elk.
The perimeter loop samples a little of every-thing the Jasper Park Lodge
trails offer.
Near Jasper Townsite, a good beginner trail is Whistlers Campground
Loop, 4.5 km, which is level and lit for night skiing. Pyramid
Bench Trail is 4.7 km, rated intermediate and overlooks the Athabasca
River Valley. Patricia Lake Circle, 5.9 km and rated intermediate
(recommendation is to follow the trail clockwise), provides stunning
views of Mt. Edith Cavell, the region's most prominent and dramatically
sloped peak. Most lodges have trail maps.
For guided cross-country
skiing, backcountry and snowshoeing tours, contact Edge Control,
780-852-4945; Beyond the Beaten Path, 780-852-5650; Maligne Tours, 780-852-3370;
Overlander Trekking & Tours, 780-852-4056 (snowshoe tours only);
or Alpine Art, 780-852-3709. Ask about rentals and/or instruction, too.
A full day's ski over Maccarib Pass from the Marmot Basin Road on the north shore of Amethyst Lake leads to Tonquin Valley Lodge, hearty home-cooked meals and welcome beds. Contact Tonquin Valley Ski Tours, Box 550, Jasper, Alberta T0L 1E0;780-852-3909.
