Marmot Basin Escapes Damage in Jasper Fire
29th July 2024
Last modified on August 3rd, 2024
The Canadian ski resort is 8-miles south of Jasper that has been devastated by fire. It was feared the flames may have reached the resort. UPDATED
Many parts of the historic ski town of Jasper in Alberta were completely destroyed as flames up to 100m high swept in.
We have been reporting on the tragedy over recent days on PlanetSKI:
Many feared the flames may have reached Marmot Basin but the fire appears to have largely spared Marmot Basin as well as a nearby gondola.
The resort has issued an updated statement and its hopes for next winter:
“As many of you may already know, Marmot Basin was exceptionally fortunate to escape the Jasper Wildfire Complex with no damage to any facilities, including buildings and ski lifts.
“We continue to collaborate with Parks Canada, and are focusing on the support of our staff and community during this very difficult time and while the wildfire remains classified as out of control.
“Our intention is to fully operate for the 2024/25 season.
“We appreciate the support of all our loyal skiers and snowboarders and we can’t wait to see all your friendly faces on the ski slopes!
We cannot extend enough thanks to the firefighters and front line personnel who continue their relentless efforts to protect Jasper, and who ensured that all residents and visitors were evacuated safely.
“Thank you to so many of you who have reached out with well wishes, kindness, and offers of help. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful community who is standing with us.
“The spirit of Jasper endures, and much of Jasper has been saved as a result of the valiant efforts of those on the front lines.
“Many hotels and services have survived, and we know they will look forward to welcoming our skiers and snowboarders back with open arms this winter.
“Our thoughts remain with all of our Jasper friends and family who have been so heavily impacted and lost so much through this tragedy.
“We are committed to supporting our community, and standing alongside everyone as we recover and rebuild our beloved mountain town.”
Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Marmot Basin’s insurer contracted a private firefighting group who flew in by helicopter to inspect the facility, which was found to be largely undamaged.
“We now have confirmation that Marmot Basin is unaffected by the fire. All of our facilities, our lifts and everything are completely intact,” said the VP of Marmot Basin, Brian Rode.
Brian Rode, Marmot Basin. Image © PlanetSKI
Marmot Basin says it plans to reopen this winter.
“We now know that infrastucture at Marmot Basin has not been affected by the Jasper Complex Wildfire,” said a statement from the resort.
“All facilities, buildings and ski lifts are completely intact.
“Our first priority continues to support our staff during this profoundly difficult time.
“We are eternally grateful for the unending and selfless efforts of so many who have and continue to tirelessly protect our people and community.
“Our intention is to operate our ski area for this coming season.
“This will take much work on the part of many and we can’t wait to see our friends back on the slopes this winter.”
It comes at a poor time for the tourist season.
Marmot Basin was evacuated as the wild fire approached and no staff have been allowed in to inspect the area.
Access roads are reported to be blocked by trees that blew over in the high winds that fanned the flames in Jasper.
Marmot Basin also owns and runs the Jasper SkyTram that operates on the local Whistlers Mountain.
Fire did reach the area, but the gondola’s top and bottom stations appear to have escaped any serious damage.
Despite the good news for the ski resort and its facilities many guests and staff stayed and lived in Jasper.
The devastation will have a significant impact on lodging for guests and housing for ski resort staff next winter.
Jasper as seen from Marmot Basin. Image © PlanetSKI
“It’s hard to describe and your mind goes into a lot of different directions, but we’re determined and confident that everything will come back even better than before,” added Brian Rode.
Here at PlanetSKI we have plans to base ourselves in Alberta next winter for an extended stay.
We will likely be living in the Banff area and its ski resorts of Sunshine Village, Mt Norquay and Lake Louise.
If Marmot Basin opens next winter as planned we will undoubtedly be visiting and reporting on the situation next winter.
PlanetSKI in Marmot Basin. Image © PlanetSKI
Marmot Basin remains one of our favourite ski areas in North America.
PlanetSKI in Marmot Basin. Image © PlanetSKI
See here for a report on a previous PlanetSKI visit:
Already the area is urging people to visit to help the recovery.
“In the wake of news that wildfire had reached our town, and the knowledge that the Jasper Wildfire Complex is still classified as out of control, we are faced with a level of loss that’s yet to be quantified,” said the CEO of Tourism Jasper, Tyler Riopel.
“Jasperites will be back to rebuild and when they do, one of the best ways to help them in the long-term will be to spend within the town.
“Eat in our restaurants, stay in our hotels, use our services, explore with our outfitters, rediscover Jasper.”
More to follow…
