For ruffed grouse, winter in the Rockies can be a grind This ruffed grouse is getting some good lift off to get to those tasty rose hips. But wait, don’t they have wings for that? They do, but…a ruffed grouse’s wing feathers are designed to give them quick and powerful bursts of flight—maybe you’ve ...

Marmot Basin has always been known as a family friendly resort. With the opening of new, rugged terrain, is it time to start giving the Jasper National Park ski area more credit as a destination for hardcore huckers? The first time he rode the Knob Chairlift at Marmot Basin, Jasper skier, Pierre Ant...

“Mark, are you absolutely sure you need more photos of those grey birds sitting on grey rocks?” My wife was in the kitchen of our Jasper condo, clutching a steaming cup of coffee while watching me prep my gear for yet another day of photographing American Dippers. Advertisement inquires: andrea@rave...

Aurora alert! Jasper residents and visitors who got the magical memo on February 26 that the night sky would be lit up with auroras were not disappointed. Jasper Local freelance photographer Simone Heinrich was one of several Rockies shooters getting a kaleidoscopic dose of light therapy as the nort...

Fifteen teams and one soloist signed up for the Winter Pentathlon Hivernal on February 4, the five-event festival that was organized once again by the local francophone association, ACFA . Playing out on the snow-covered shores, sun-polished ice and tramped-down trails surrounding Mildred Lake at th...

It was a chilly evening in the winter of 2008. I was crossing the railroad tracks on the way home from work when I suddenly found myself in the middle of a flock of perhaps 2,000 birds. I had inadvertently startled a huge flock of birds that had recently irrupted! Grey-crowned Rosy Finches darken th...

On February 4, bike, ski, snowshoe, skate, run…and eat maple taffy! The Jasper Winter Pentathlon is a made-in-Jasper event that brings together much of what makes the community great: diverse culture, outdoor recreation, connection to nature and community spirit. The Pentathlon is a great way to try...

Simone Heinrich remembers the first time she saw river otters in Jasper National Park. “I was just amazed at how playful they are. They are so fun to watch, sliding around on their bellies, chasing each other around and moving in and out of the water with such ease,” the wildlife photographer said. ...

The bighorn sheep is Alberta’s official mammal, and when you’re in Jasper National Park, they’re one of a handful of species that you can dependably spot. Typically, visitors see bighorns on the side of the road, where they congregate in several well-known locations to lap up minerals found in road ...

View Post Kirsten Schmitten is a Master Interpreter, and owner of the locally-based company All Things Wild .   She loves the questions folks ask, especially when they stump her.  Contact the The Jasper Local to ask your Wild Question. Master Interpreter Kirsten Schmitten answers All Questions Wild....