Jasper and Marmot Basin ski resorts | JENZA work and travel

Park life

Jasper

Famous for its UNESCO-listed namesake national park – which plays host to glacier-fed lakes, snow-capped peaks, and countless species of wildlife – the lovely alpine town of Jasper is all about nature during the spring and summer months. But come the wintertime, it transforms into one of the best skiing and snowboarding resorts in the country.

The resort in question is Marmot Basin – a 1,720-acre-wide region located on the 2,608-metre-tall Marmot Mountain. Marmot has the highest base elevation of any other major ski resort in Canada, and the longest run here is nearly six kilometres in length. But that’s not all – there are two different terrain parks as well as two different spots on the mountain to charge and refuel. The season here runs from mid-November to early-May, so you may also get lucky and spot some bears emerging from their hibernation during the tail end of the season. Maybe pack some bear spray…

Home to the famous Marmot Basin Ski Area

914 metres of ski runs across 1,720 acres

Chance to see grizzlies, elk and black bears

Sits at the tip of the Icefields Parkway drive

Hires for both summer and winter jobs

guy smiles at camera in front of mountains on sunny day

Why Jasper?

In a country where beauty comes easily, Jasper is hands down one of the most stunning parts of Canada. Nestled deep in the Rockies it’s the starting – or ending – point of the legendary Icefields Parkway – a 232 km stretch which is often dubbed as one of the ‘most scenic roads in the entire world’. Add in mighty mountains, glaciers, countless lakes, and towering pine forests as far as the eye can see – plus the world-class ski resort of Marmot Basin – and you can see why we absolutely love this place.

Jasper in winter

While Mamot Basin may be half the size of resorts like Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, what it lacks in size it makes up for in awe-inspiring beauty on and off the mountain. Plus, with 91 runs across five mountain faces, the highest base elevation of any major ski area in Canada and 440 cm of dry Alberta powder a year – its stats pack a punch. Off the hill, you’ve also got the opportunity to go ice climbing, cross-country skiing, ice skating across frozen Lake Mildred and even ‘fat biking’ – AKA skiing with adapted ‘fat’ tires across snowfields. Not to mention the heated hot tub at the classy Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Where, as one of our Canada employers, you could be working the season.

Jasper in summer

We see you winter in Jasper – and we raise you summer in Jasper! This is the more colourful time to head to this alpine wilderness – and it gives you the chance to spot a whole range of different species of wildlife too. Grizzlies, black bears, beavers, moose, bald eagles, wolves, elk – you name it, they’re here. There’s also a shedload of fantastic hikes you can lace up your boots for, as well as canoeing in Maligne Lake, mountain biking, swimming in Lake Edith, and visits to the mighty Athabasca Falls. Of course, you’ve also got drives on the spellbinding Icefields Parkway, which will take you to incredible viewpoints, wildflower fields aplenty, cerulean lakes and even the Columbia Icefield – the largest of its kind in the Rockies.

#TeamTalk

What the squad say

Cat, our resident Canada expert, says about Jasper: "Based in a national park surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet, Jasper really is living that Canadian dream. Marmot Basin has a long season – Nov to May – potentially giving you more mountain time. In terms of nightlife, the alpine town of Jasper is small, but very fun and foodie – so a season here won’t do your social life any harm either!”

Work life

Just some of our Jasper jobs

Hiring closed

Jasper, Alberta

Busperson

Winter season (Nov-Apr)

CAD $16.06/hour

Staff housing ($8/day), meal on shift

A lakeside retreat in Jasper NP up in the Canadian Rockies, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has daily shuttles to the skiing and riding of Marmot Basin.

Cool things to do in Jasper

Don’t miss this

Jasper Brewing Co.

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If you’re wanting to whet your whistle after a day pounding the slopes or hiking those peaks, then head for Jasper Brewing Company. It’s the first brewery actually located within a Canadian national park, and they’ve got six crisp nectars on draught – ranging from craft pilsner to Jasper Trail session IPA. Add in some grub like classic poutine and ahem ‘Rustic Elk Meatloaf’ and you can see why it's a fan fave. Winner, winner, elk dinner.

Jasper SkyTram

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Billed as ‘the best view in Jasper’, the Jasper SkyTram whisks you up to an incredible 2,263 metres, from where you’ll be able to access a boardwalk which will give you some sweet as vistas of downtown Jasper and the surrounding scenery. If you’re wanting even more of a bird’s eye view, then hike up to the summit of Whistlers Peak from here, which will give you a full 360 of six whole mountain ranges including Mt. Robson – the highest mountain in Canada.

Paradise Chalet & Eagle Alpine Lodge

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If all that skiing or riding has you parched, then you don’t even have to leave the mountain to refuel. The cosy Paradise Chalet & Eagle Alpine Lodge is situated within the oldest building on the mountain, and they’ve got everything from coffee and smokehouse-style grub to a bar. Open until 4pm, it’s a solid spot to refuel if you’re wanting a bit of time out without getting off the mountain.

3 friends sit on edge of lake with mountains

Maligne Lake

Find it here

While all of Jasper is breathtaking, the jewel in this alpine town’s crown is Maligne Lake. Just shy of a 50 km drive away, it’s a postcard-worthy spot that is all about towering peaks and forest-dappled slopes against a backdrop of deep blue waters. You can go hiking here, hop aboard a scenic boat cruise, or go canoeing. However, the real star of the show is the drive to get here, which offers magnificent scenery and wildlife including black bears, beavers, bald eagles and elk. You might even be lucky enough to spot a moose in the aptly-named Moose Lake nearby.

View of Vancouver across water with mountain background

Come snow or shine

When to apply for Canada jobs

Hiring for summer jobs with May/Jun start dates typically open in Dec/Jan, and hiring for ski jobs with Nov/Dec start dates typically open in May/Jun.

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