JASPER’S MARMOT BASIN SKI RESORT CELEBRATES OFFICIAL OPENING OF LONGEST HIGH-SPEED QUAD CHAIR LIFT IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
$8 Million Investment and Massive Snow Falls Transforms the Marmot Basin Experience from the Spectacular to the Exceptional
JASPER, Alberta – World-famous Marmot Basin Ski and Snowboard Resort Saturday celebrated the official opening of the Canadian Rockies Express, the longest high-speed quad chairlift ever built in the Canadian Rockies.
As guests from throughout the mountain community and across Alberta enjoyed record early-season snowfalls, Chairman John Day said the spectacular new lift transforms Marmot Basin into an even more exceptional experience.
“The Canadian Rockies Express once again improves the skiing and riding experience in Jasper National Park,” said Mr. Day. “Skiers and boarders can now zoom from the bottom to the top of the ski area in record time, guaranteeing more time enjoying the views and our spectacular slopes and virtually none spent in lift-lines.”
The Canadian Rockies Express is the largest single investment ever undertaken at Marmot Basin, located in the heart of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It continues years of increased investment, including the opening of the Eagle’s Ridge area, the largest terrain addition of any national park resort this decade.
From the ski area base, the longest high-speed quad chair in the Canadian Rockies travels 2.3 km (1.5 miles), whisking skiers and boarders 596 vertical metres (1,955 ft) up to the mountain top in eight minutes. The lift was built using the most environmentally progressive construction techniques developed as part of an industry Best Practices Manual written collaboratively with Parks Canada.
With an increased carrying capacity of 4,800 people per hour from the base area, lift lines are certain to be virtually eliminated as it will now take half the time to travel up from the base of the ski area to the top of the upper mountain. Runs for every caliber of skier or boarder, from beginner to expert, are available at the top with some stretching four kilometers long.
Dave Gibson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the resort which opened in early November added, ”We have never seen such spectacular early season conditions as Marmot is being continuously blanketed with fresh powder. Another 21 cm of snow fell Friday night and conditions are as good as they get anywhere at anytime. Today again demonstrated that our shareholders are fully committed to investing to improve the magical experience for which Marmot Basin is famous worldwide.”
Since 2003, Marmot Basin, which overlooks the resort town of Jasper, has invested more than $16 million in visitor improvements.
“This was a massive project and I am absolutely thrilled with how much this new lift has improved the skiing experience at Marmot Basin”, added Mr. Dave Gibson. “We worked in complete cooperation with Parks Canada to employ the greenest construction techniques every step of the way in order to achieve an appropriate balance for both our ski area and for Jasper National Park.”
About Marmot Basin
Located in the breathtaking, vast and ruggedly mountainous landscape of Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Marmot Basin is a ski destination that inspires lasting memories. With 1,675 acres of superb slopes, the resort offers 3,000 vertical feet of superb skiing and snowboarding.
With 86 marked trails on four distinct areas of the mountain, the terrain is nicely varied; from long, gentle, winding novice runs to steep, high alpine bowls and chutes and glade skiing through verdant pine forests. The ski and snowboard runs are split evenly between easy, intermediate and advanced, making this an ideal destination for the whole family and all abilities.