Long Range Plan Approved for Marmot Basin Ski Area in Jasper National Park
Mr. Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced on June 5 the approval of the Long Range Plan for the Marmot Basin Ski Area in Jasper National Park.
The Plan will advance visitor experience, education and ecological integrity, and ensure the responsible management of growth and development within the park.
The new Long Range Plan for Marmot Basin Ski Area in Jasper National Park outlines improvements to ski hill operations, identifies measures contributing to ecological integrity, and provides for a substantial reduction in the leasehold area for the benefit of species at risk and other wildlife.
Under this Plan, there will be an environmental gain of 118 hectares of important wildlife habitat–equivalent to almost 150 Canadian football fields –added to the more than 97 per cent of Jasper National Park that is already designated wilderness for the benefit of caribou and other wildlife. To enhance visitor experience, Ski Marmot Basin will expand snowmaking; improve parking and transportation access; upgrade the Caribou Chalet; and conduct limited tree thinning to support glade skiing.
This significant milestone is the result of a long-standing, cooperative relationship between Parks Canada and Ski Marmot Basin, and reflects the comments received from a public consultation process and engagement with Aboriginal partners. The approval of Marmot Basin’s Long Range Plan illustrates this government’s commitment toward working with Canadians to conserve and restore Canada’s rich natural heritage, and connecting Canadians to our natural mountain landscape, in support of Canada’s National Conservation Plan.
Quick Facts
- Ski areas in national parks are managed through a structured suite of policy tools, including park management plans, the 2006 Ski Area Management Guidelines, site guidelines specific to each ski area, and long range plans.
- Long range plans are required for all national park ski areas and outline the ski area’s development and operation for a five to 15-year period.
- The Marmot Basin Site Guidelines were approved in 2008 by Parks Canada. Since that time, Ski Marmot Basin has worked closely with Parks Canada to prepare their Long Range Plan submission.
- Ski Marmot Basin is the second ski area after Mount Norquay to have an approved Long Range Plan.
