Jasper in January is heralded as the festival where you can find Jasper “at its most authentic.” While that may simply be a low-key way for Tourism Jasper to say visitors are going to have to share the street parties, ski lifts and music venues with locals, fear not: the Jasperites who are responsible for putting the 16-day extravaganza together do so with the intent of everyone coming together under the same blizzardy banner.
In fact, if you notice Jasperites are first in line at the sugar shacks, the beer tents and the demo days, you can rest assured that these are the hippest happenings in which to take part.
In that spirit, we’ve narrowed the list of more than 100 events down to five of our favourites. Appearing in no particular order, here are five “Locals’ Choice” activities that we think you should check out this Jasper in January:
Ice Climbing 101
You might think ice climbing is just for energy drink-chugging, helmet cam-wearing, extreme athletes with a death wish. Far from it! Ice climbing is perfectly accessible for young kids as well as past-their-primers and Jasper is a mecca for those willing to try this incredible sport.
Local guiding outfit Rockaboo Mountain Adventures might take first timers to Maligne Canyon, where a gallery of chandelier-like ice formations lead to a bevy of beginner routes, or you might head down the Icefields Parkway to Tangle Falls, where glacial waters have solidified into a heavenly staircase. Because of the specialized equipment required—including harnesses, ropes, ice axes and crampons—plus the wherewithal to use these tools, this is a sport to slide into slowly, with the help of someone experienced. Once you and the kids top out on your first pillar of frozen water, however, you’ll feel like you’ve conquered winter (no energy drink needed). Various dates, book in advance: info@rockaboo.ca $184
Fat Bikes and Bonfires
If you still haven’t jumped on a fat bike, now’s your chance to do so while getting to know the lay of the land in Jasper and maybe tally a prize or two while you’re at it. The “poker run” concept, wherein participants pedal from fire pit to fire pit around Jasper to collect a winning poker hand, is a good way to burn off the hot chocolate and s’mores being served up by volunteers. Join Jasper’s fat biking fire chief Greg Van Tighem and The Bench Bike Shop to help raise funds for the MS Society while seeing what all the fat fun is about. January 23, $10. Register at The Bench Bike Shop (780) 852-7768.
Buzz 2020
The Jasper Artists Guild is once again hosting Buzz, an upbeat art exhibition for Jasper visual artists of all stripes to share work and gain exposure. With the opening night reception timed to coincide with the Jasper in January street party and fireworks, JAG is a great spot to find warmth, food, refreshments and exciting new art. Discover the next Michael Flisak or Karly MacDonald and know that 25 per cent of all proceeds support the guild. Drinks provided by the Liquor Lodge. January 25, 6 – 10 p.m. Details: www.jasperartistsguild.com
Jasper Beer and Spirits Festival
Depending on how you decide to play it, the Jasper Beer and Spirits Festival is either a three-day Super Bowl party; a weekend conference to nerd-out on micro brewing; or a glamorous getaway where you can alternate between soaking in the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge‘s outdoor hot tub and sampling Alberta’s coolest craft beers. With guest appearances from renown brewmasters and industry legends, ludicrously lavish food and drink pairings and a hospitality like only the Fairmont knows how to do, this is a beer geek’s dream package. Tickets from $99: www.albertabeerfestivals.com January 31-Feb 2. Jasper Park Lodge.
Jasper Winter Pentathlon Hinerval
The Winter Pentathlon is a made-in-Jasper event that brings together so much of what makes this community great: our diverse culture, our athleticism, our connection to nature and our community spirit. It’s a perfect blend of competition and fun: while the event is timed and winners are declared, there are also prizes for best costumes. Where else can a snowshoeing Chewbacca be cheered on by a pack of Minions while an ultra-marathoner in a retro one-piece gets his skates tied by a zombie bride? Championed by the local francophone association, even if you don’t take part in the bike-ski-snowshoe-skate-run combination, listening to the cheers for participants echo across a mountainous amphitheatre c’est incroyable! Teams of one to five. Register: jasper@acfa.ab.ca February 1, $40.
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
