PlanetSKI's extended adventure in Alberta, Canada, nears its end, with the best experiences saved for last, according to James Cove.
Icefields Parkway: A Winter Drive
- On February 5th, PlanetSKI embarked on a drive along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N), a 232-km (144-mile) route connecting Lake Louise and Jasper.
- Constructed during the Depression era of the 1930s and 40s, the parkway provides access to areas formerly accessible only by horseback, according to PlanetSKI.
- The route passes through Banff and Jasper National Parks, showcasing glaciers and mountain peaks.
- PlanetSKI emphasizes the remoteness of the Icefields Parkway in winter, noting the absence of towns, petrol stations, and mobile phone signals.
- PlanetSKI editor James Cove recommends a solid 4-wheel drive vehicle with winter tires for the drive. He drove a Chevrolet Silverado equipped with winter tires, 4x4 drive, and a 2.7L Turbo Max engine.
- Cove noted that a couple of vehicles had skidded off the road.
Jasper's Wildfire Aftermath
- As PlanetSKI approached Jasper, they witnessed the aftermath of the July 2024 wildfires that had destroyed a significant portion of the town.
- The wildfires reportedly destroyed a third of all buildings in Jasper and much of the surrounding terrain.
Jasper Activities
- PlanetSKI planned to ski at Marmot Basin, take a snowshoe trek around Lake Pyramid, and go ice hiking in Pleckaitis Canyon.
- The PlanetSKI team stayed at Bear Hill Lodge.
Other Notes
- On February 10th, PlanetSKI explored the Pleckaitis Canyon near Jasper.
- PlanetSKI also published a resort review of Kicking Horse.
