Jasper national park winter9/27/2023 This is my happy place and the reason why, unlike almost everyone I know, I absolutely love winter in Alberta. Growing up in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, I’ve been lucky enough to visit Jasper in winter nearly every year since I was a kid, including countless day trips to Marmot Basin ski resort and longer road trips through the park. Skating on frozen lakes, climbing walls of ice, exploring icy canyons, or gazing at snowy peaks from a hot tub – Canada’s Jasper National Park is abundant in life-changing experiences in winter. Anyone travelling away from the road into the mountain environment should have the proper training to evaluate avalanche conditions and should have the skills and equipment needed for self-rescue.Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. It does not make slopes safe for winter recreationists. Avalanche control work does not render slopes safe for walkers, snowshoers or ski tourersĪvalanche control work is focused on reducing the risk to highway travelers, allowing the road to open and safe. Avalanche control work is typically done mid-afternoon, during the warmest part of the day.Īvoid avalanche closures in the spring by travelling early in the morning. ![]() Road closures will often start mid-morning in the spring, and may only last until evening if temperatures drop enough. Avalanche risk typically goes up with day time warming and goes down at night with cooling temperatures. Warm temperatures and rain increase the amount of water in the snow, making it unstable and more likely to avalanche. Be sure to drive defensively and obey speed limits.Īvalanche risk because of warm temperatures or rain is more common in spring. High wind, blowing snow, and snowdrifts, are common near the Icefield Centre (105 km south of Jasper, 125 km north of Lake Louise). Snow can be expected at any time of year. It is not uncommon to have a sunny day in Jasper and a blizzard at the Columbia Icefield. The weather in the mountains can change quickly. The Icefields Parkway is a mountain road with high elevation passes and exposed areas. winter clothing for everyone in the car (toques, parkas, snow pants, mitts, boots).a cell phone ( note: cell service is available on each end of the Icefields Parkway but not on the Parkway itself).Have a safety kit in your vehicle that includes.Fill your gas tank before the trip and bring extra windshield washer fluid.Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and equipped for winter highway driving (more information on AMA's "Prepare your vehicle for winter" webpage).Your car must have snow tires (look for the snowflake or "M+S" symbol).Do not drive on the Icefields Parkway in the winter if you are not comfortable driving in winter conditions.Give yourself extra time to get where you are going.Always check highway conditions on 511 Alberta before departure.Drive to road conditions slow down when needed.Keep extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.Make sure that you and your vehicle are ready for the drive.ĭrive defensively to help keep yourself and others safe Be sure to fill your gas tank and bring extra windshield washer fluid.Įxample of the snowflake and "M+S" symbols In winter, there are no services between Jasper and Lake Louise (a distance of 230 km). ![]() Fill up with gas before driving the Parkway ![]() This can cause poor driving conditions, even during snow-free weather. In winter, it can be covered in compact snow. ![]() The Icefields Parkway is not heavily salted. Road reports are based on the worst conditions that a driver can expect to encounter. The most up-to-date road condition information is found on 511 Alberta, or by calling 511 within Alberta, or 1-85 from anywhere in North America. The latest road conditions are on Alberta 511 Take advantage of the daylight to see the amazing views which make this road world famous. Parks Canada recommends travelling the Icefields Parkway during the day. When needed, Parks Canada snowplows operate between 7 am and 3:30 pm, 7 days a week. Snow clearing on the Icefields Parkway occurs between 7 am and 3:30 pm Large commercial vehicles are restricted on the Icefields Parkway. The use of the Parkway as an alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway system is not recommended in winter. It is not a major through highway like Highways 1 (Trans-Canada) or 16 (Trans-Canada Yellowhead). The Icefields Parkway is a scenic parkway. We use a sand mix with a lower salt content to limit the attraction for wildlife. Like all roads in Jasper, the Icefields Parkway is sanded and salted.
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