Jasper in January 2020

"Skating" on Pyramid Lake

My friend Cheryl used to tell me that a tradition began once you did something 3 times. We are now two-thirds of the way to making our ski trip to Jasper in January a tradition.

I didn't take as many photos this year as I did on our inaugural trip in 2019 (here). Mostly because it was so flippin' cold. We'd been experiencing -30 to 40 degrees C in Alberta for the few weeks prior to this trip. And while the temperature was on the rise that weekend, it was still very cold and windy on the mountain. Removing my mitten to take a photo was beyond anything I wanted to be doing that day!

We tried to go skating on Pyramid Lake on Sunday morning, but thanks to the cold temps we don't think they had cleared or maintained it for some time. So we struggled through the snow and over the bumps for one lap and called it quits. Traditions don't have to be perfect every year. That's what makes trips like these more fun!

No fear Lucas went down a Black Diamond run by accident and had a good laugh about it

LOGISTICS
I'm trying to think of what kind of information I would find helpful if planning this trip again for the first time. That way I could include it here. I don't do anything special, or get any fabulous hidden deals. And I don't really have any secret tips to share.

I will say that I have stayed in many hotels in the town of Jasper over the years, and I was really impressed with Mount Robson on our recent stay. They were the best price for the weekend, but they also offer a free breakfast and recently renovated rooms. We were put in the pet room, which worried me at first. But it turned out to be a huge asset! We were tucked away in the corner of the ground floor and our room was huge! And no carpet! (I think hotel room carpet is the grossest thing ever).

The breakfast room also shows sign of a recent renovation. We took full advantage of their free breakfast that I'm going to call "Continental Plus". They offered the standard cold items like yogurt, fruit, cereal, pastries. But they also had a few very tasty hot items! Egg and sausage patties were staples. And they served swirly french toast on Saturday and poffertjes on Sunday. The space was very clean, and they had staff on hand to refresh breakfast items and clean up after guests.

In the chalet at Marmot Basin for an afternoon snack and warm-up

PRIVILEGE
Downhill skiing is expensive. And going on a ski trip is even more so. I consider myself so lucky that I am able to share this experience with Lucas, but I also am aware that so many more people are not able to experience it. This is something that I want to continue doing with him, but I am also considering how I can make it more accessible for us and for others. We rent our skis from a local shop (literally up the street), and would buy equipment second hand if necessary. I don't know how I would enable access for more people to ski - or even if that's a thing people want - but I'm putting it out there in the world and will see what comes back from it. A big part of privilege is in recognizing that you have it, and spreading that around to others who share your privilege.

Family selfie on the hill

BELONGING
Despite this privilege, I also recognize that I don't fit in with the typical impression of a downhill skier. I don't have a snazzy ski suit or expensive goggles. All of my equipment from my poles to my helmet are rentals. And at first glance I don't appear athletic. Oh, and I'm hella slow. But I am determined to use my other privileges to help carve a space for me on the hill. Because I just love it so dang much.


FURTHER READING
My family has been traveling to Jasper National Park since before I was born. And I have been documenting my trips in many ways, for many years. You can find all of my Jasper-related blog posts here.

I rent equipment for Lucas and I from Totem Outfitters in Edmonton. Highly recommend.

I've been doing some "research" on the history of the land and the Park, and will be sharing my thoughts in an Instagram story soon. In the meantime you too can read up on some of the racist, anti-Indigenous history of Jasper and the Parks system at these links:
The Shady Past of Parks Canada: Forced out, indigenous people are making a comeback by Graeme Hamilton (National Post, 2017)
Nations of Jasper welcomed back to the Park (Fitzhugh, 2012)
Hunting in Jasper - Reconciling the National Park Idea by Kevin van Tighem (Alberta Views, 2018)
Jasper National Park - The Canadian Encyclopedia
Aseniwuche Winewak Nation
Five National Parks that honour First Nations by Hans Tammemagi (Tyee, 2012)

xo
Lisa