BOU AVENUE
Marmot Mountain
Closing out our extended weekend in Jasper, Alberta, Zosia Zgolak and I went downhill skiing at Marmot Basin on 22 March 2021.  Taking advantage of the ski resort's birthday promotion, Zosia received a free lift ticket while I was given a 15% discount.  Some overnight snowfall in the area resulted in some fantastic ski conditions especially early in the morning when we were able to get first tracks on some runs covered with fresh powder.  After a couple of warm-up runs, we ventured to the top of Knob Chair with intentions of climbing to the summit of Marmot Mountain which overlooks the entire ski resort.  Zosia had no illusions about skiing the black diamond run known as "Suzie's" off the summit and elected to leave her skis behind and hike the two hundred metres of elevation gain to the top.  Using climbing skins, I managed to zigzag most of the way up with my skis but had to boot-pack the last few metres before the summit.  Buffeted by a chilly wind, we stayed only long enough to snap a few photographs before descending back to the top of Knob Chair.  Zosia had no trouble plunge-stepping down the way she came, and I had the pleasure of skiing fresh untracked powder on "Suzie's".  After our successful ascent of Marmot Mountain, we descended to the base area day lodge to warm up and have lunch.  Suitably refreshed, we skied a few more long runs at the resort before packing up for the long drive home.
We're ready for our first turns of the day!

Zosia checks out the view of distant Pyramid Mountain from near the top of Eagle Ridge Quad Chair.
This is the heart of Marmot Basin.

Zosia enjoys skiing on some pristine overnight powder.  At left is Knob Chair below the top of Marmot Mountain.
There were a few loud booms from ski patrollers doing avalanche control on the ridge. Zosia skis down wide open slopes.  At right is the peak unofficially known as Marmot 2.
I don't think there are enough warning signs here... Intending to hike to the top of Marmot Mountain, Zosia leaves her skis behind this sign near the top of Knob Chair.
It's not super steep, but it's steep enough! Zosia hikes up the ski run known as "Suzie's".

I love this photo that Zosia took of me!

Sonny skins up "Suzie's" with Marmot 2 in the background.

Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak

 

Where's your right mitten, Zosia? Zosia and Sonny stand on the summit of Marmot Mountain (2612 metres according to the Marmot Basin trail map).

Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
I wonder if they sell beer in the hut... Indian Ridge is barely visible through the mist behind a hut to the northwest.
Looks empty, doesn't it?

Zosia descends "Basin Run" in the heart of Marmot Basin.
We'll be back...on our next birthday! Here is a last look at Marmot Mountain and Knob Chair from the ski run known as "Solace".
Like something out of Aliens...

This star made of dirty snow and ice formed on one of the wheels of Sonny's car during the long drive home.

Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak