This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I might receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
Planning a ski trip to Marmot Basin and wondering how much it will actually cost? While Marmot is often considered one of Alberta’s more affordable ski destinations, the total price of a trip can vary depending on when you go, where you stay, and what you plan to do when you get there. From lift tickets and accommodations to food and transportation, this guide will break down the typical costs of a ski trip to Marmot Basin, so you know exactly what to budget for. Whether you’re planning a quick weekday getaway, a couples vacation, or some time to relax, this breakdown will help you decide if Marmot fits your budget and where you can save money along the way.
Table of Contents
Quick Look Marmot Ski Trip Budget Breakdown
- Getting to Marmot Basin: Transportation Costs
- Accommodation Costs in Jasper (2 Nights)
- Marmot Basin Lift Ticket Prices
- Food & Dining Costs in Jasper
- Parking Costs
- Total Costs to ski in Jasper on a Weekday
- How to Save Money for a Ski Trip to Marmot Basin
This map shows the points of interest, accommodations, restaurants and where to find Marmot Basin.
Getting to Marmot Basin: Transportation Costs
To drive four hours from Edmonton to Jasper, it cost us $50 to fill up my Rav4. Your vehicle might cost more or less, depending on the size of your gas tank or if you need to fill up with diesel. Going there and back, with driving excursions around Jasper, will cost about $100 for a two-day trip.
Accommodation Costs in Jasper (2 Nights)
There are plenty of accommodation options in Jasper. Kris and I love staying at these three places: Tonquinn Inn, Crimson Hotel and Bear Hill Lodge. They all offer something different. Bear Hill Lodge is tucked away with more room to relax in your room, while the Tonquinn Inn has a hot tub to soak in after a day of skiing. The Crimson Hotel is a bit closer to town, making it a shorter walk to restaurants.
Tonquinn Inn
The room above with an ensuite is $600/night. This is where we stayed after backpacking the Berg Lake Trail, desperate for a place to stay after hiking out 24 km. They were kind and offered it to us for half the price. It provides ample space to cook a meal in the kitchenette.
If you’d like a more affordable option, a regular room without a kitchenette is $485 for two nights at the Tonquinn Inn. This is where we like to stay when we visit. They have a restaurant attached to the hotel that we’ve eaten at multiple times, offering a variety of options at reasonable prices. They have a hot tub to soak and relax your muscles after a day of skiing. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tip: Park at the hotel after skiing to save a spot for the night. Walk to a restaurant from there. It will loosen your legs, too, after a day on the hill.
Crimson Hotel
Crimson Hotel is a nice place to stay as well. There is limited parking at the hotel, but you can park across the street in the winter for free. They have an on-site restaurant for convenience. It offers beautiful views of the mountains across the road, and it’s a short walk into town to eat.
Bear Hill Lodge
We stayed here before as well. If you get a cabin, you can park right in front, making it convenient to unload your things. Depending on the accommodation you pick, you can get a kitchenette, a fireplace and multiple rooms. It can help save on costs by cooking your own meals. It’s a relaxing ambiance for a romantic trip together.
Marmot Basin Lift Ticket Prices
Kris and I are riding the Canadian Rockies Express Quad chairlift toward the Marmot Basin peak after purchasing our $163.80 adult ticket. The total for the two of us came to $330. It’s cheaper to purchase tickets during the week than on weekends. We purchased our tickets at the chalet kiosk. Although it was expensive, we loved to ski at Marmot Basin.
Food & Dining Costs in Jasper
We spent $50 for food and drinks on the hill. It’s not the healthiest, but it was convenient and easier than carrying lunch in our Osprey Tempest backpacks. You can also plan ahead and leave your lunch in your car, as many people do. It helps to save on costs and eat a healthier lunch than what’s offered at the restaurants on the slopes.
We ate a variety of delicious food in Jasper, including French toast topped with pistachios and berries with a side of crispy bacon, and Kris had waffles topped with strawberries for breakfast at Harvest Food & Drink. I ate a healthy beet salad with spaghetti at Silverwater Grill & Lounge in Chateau Jasper for supper. Our total food cost for the two days in Jasper was $200.
It can be cheaper by choosing less expensive meals at more affordable restaurants.
Parking Costs
Parking lots 3 and 4, higher up the mountain, offer free parking. If you’re planning to arrive after 9:30 A.M., you can reserve a parking spot near the lodge to ensure you’re close to the hill. Typically, it’s not required, and you can reach the hill quickly to ski Marmot from any of the parking lots.
Total Costs to ski in Jasper on a Weekday
The total for a weekday ski trip to Jasper, including two nights of lodging, was around $1100. When we looked, Tonquinn Inn had the lowest price of $485 for two nights. As we only wanted to downhill ski at Marmot for one day, our only option was to pay $163.80 per adult ticket x 2 = $330. If we had skied for two or more days, the Escape card would have offered a larger discount, but our accommodation price would have increased. Food on the hill costs $50, and with breakfast and supper, the total comes to $200 in Jasper. We saved some money by eating some meals in our room and taking advantage of the free parking. It was $100 for gas to and from Edmonton.
How to Save Money for a Ski Trip to Marmot Basin
- A microwave is available upon request at the Tonquinn Inn for heating leftovers. We used the kettle to heat water for our oatmeal in the morning before heading out to ski at Marmot. It helped save time and money.
- It’s cheaper to ski during the week than on weekends.
- The parking lots are easily accessible from the hill, so you can ski down to eat your lunch. Many people eat their lunches in their vehicles. Some even bring portable fire pits and BBQs to eat a delicious lunch while on the mountain, and cut down on costs.
- Pick less expensive restaurants to eat your meals.
- If you’re heading over for Christmas break, ask for some money to put towards your trip, as we did. Our parents were happy that we used our money towards an outdoor adventure.
People Also Ask
- Do you need a park pass to ski at Marmot? Yes, as Marmot Basin is located in Jasper National Park, you’ll be required to get a Canada park pass (Discovery Pass). It costs $83.50 per adult or $167.50 per couple for the year. A daily rate of $12.25 per adult is also an option.
- Can you rent on the hill? Yes, rentals are available for you at Marmot.
- Can I change out my clothes? Yes, if you get too warm or need an additional layer, it’s easy to access the parking lot to change your layers. I find my Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan keeps me warm throughout the ski day.
Final Thoughts
A ski trip to Marmot Basin offers awesome skiing and Jasper charm. Multiple restaurants offer delicious food, and hotels offer places to unwind. The cost of relaxing and spending time skiing in the mountains, however, isn’t budget-friendly. As seen in the budget breakdown, there is a lot to consider, like lift tickets, meals and travel logistics. Costs can vary widely depending on when you decide to go, where you stay, and so much more. Be smart and save money with my tips. Plan accordingly to have a fantastic adventure without breaking the bank.
Additional Links
- 5 Awesome Outdoor Skating Rinks
- Mistakes Made While Cross-Country Skiing Pyramid Lake Road
- Guide to Winter Backpacking Into Jacques Lake Hut
- Best Downhill Ski Day in Lake Louise
- Downhill Ski Sunshine or Lake Louise?
Trip Resources
- Book your flights with Expedia
- Book your hostel through Hostelworld.com
- Book your hotel with Booking.com or Hotels.com
- Book your vacation rental with Vrbo
- Book your experiences through TripAdvisor, Manawa
- Book your guided trips through Viator or GetYourGuide
Leave a Reply