Ski Jasper in April 08?

Hi, I am from the UK and have a weeks holiday booked along with my wife in Jasper mid April 2008 (part of a two week tour). As we have not skiied in Canada before, I was hoping to get some feedback from you guys if April is too late in the season?

From reading other posts here, looks like we have to get a bus from town to the Marmot Basin? can you hire all the skis and stuff in town easily?

thanks.

Jasper in April can be heaven or hell. The snow is usually good but the ski area closes due to lack of people. Everyone wants to golf and ride their bikes for some reason. Maybe it's because of our long winter that can start in October!

You will be able to rent everything in town with no problem. The ski hill also has lots of gear to rent.

The ski area has now got new snow making so the chances of a mid April opening are good. I have skied Jasper on April 12th with a fresh dump of 30cms of snow on the hill. I just got too tired of going to the hill for the remainder of the month. Usual closing time is Mid April and sometimes in a good snow year early MAY.

Don't be discouraged. The weather is cold that time of year and you will need to bring winter clothes. The lakes will still be frozen and snow will dot the landscape.

Commuter travel from town to the ski hill is a piece of cake. There are busses from all of the local hotels and depending where you are staying the hotel may have it's own shuttle. The Taxis will also run up to the hill as it's only a twenty minute drive and the cabs have a set fee for the trip.

You will find the town quiet that time of year and seating in restaurants and bars will be easy. Try to get a seat at the Jasper Brewhouse in high season!

By the way that's a great place to try the a local pint. I had one there on Saturday and the special was a dark chocolate porter, YUM!!!

If you have specific questions just ask. I check back to see what folks need about my home hill.

Cheers.

Hi James,

thanks for all that great info, it's good to get details straight from locals rather than travel agents!!

The reason for us stopping in Jasper for a week, is to ski, we new it was late in the season, so I guess we just have to hope the weather stays cold and it snows. We are staying about the 18th April to 25th, so we are probably cutting it fine?

we drive down to Lake Louise after that and then Banf, I am guessing the roads are ok to drive on at that time? We have driven in very bad snow in Austria once, and it was a pretty hair raising experience!!

Dark Chocolate Porter!! sounds erm...interesting :-) cheers.