Jasper, AB – Marmot Basin ski area will open for the season on Friday, November 17, 2006, the earliest the Jasper mountain ski area has ever opened in recorded history.

A combination of steady early season snowfall, along with machine-made snow produced by Marmot’s new state-of-the-art snowmaking system, has covered the ski area top to bottom in a layer of snow that will allow Marmot to open 5 ski lifts and dozens of runs on opening day.

Marmot has received 23 cm of new snow over the past 5 days and a total of 73 cm of natural snow has fallen so far this season.

There have been a number of significant improvements at Marmot Basin over the past four years ever since a new group of shareholders purchased the ski area. A new Magic Carpet ski lift was installed in the learning area, new terrain was opened in the Eagle Ridge area, the rental shop was completely rebuilt featuring the newest and most advanced ski and snowboard equipment, there have been renovations to the chalets and on-mountain restaurants, new grooming equipment, including a new winch cat, has been purchased and most recently, the new 2 million dollar state-of-the-art snowmaking system was installed on the lower slopes of the mountain.

The early opening of Marmot Basin, combined with good early season snow conditions, are sure to attract skiers and boarders to head to Jasper well before the holiday season.

Snowphone: (780) 488-5909
Source: Marmot Basin Ski area