Nicolle Hodges | [email protected]
Imagine this: you get off the ski hill, jump in the hot tub, and then head into town where there are more than 120 events, from food and booze crawls, parties, and live music shows - most of which are free or discounted.
The 31st annual January in Jasper Festival runs January 17 to February 2.
It鈥檚 a time when the local community and beyond come together to embrace winter in true Canadian fashion through libations, entertainment, and activities that warm the soul and celebrates the authenticity of mountain culture.
CEO of Tourism Jasper, James Jackson defines mountain culture as something that happens 365 days a year for folks living here.
鈥淓ven when it鈥檚 minus 20, you鈥檒l see people out on ski trails,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e blessed.鈥�
Whether you call Jasper home, live nearby, or are visiting from afar, experiencing the park and the mountains are a must.
Activities like a tour of frosty Maligne Canyon, a sleigh ride across Pyramid Lake, dogsledding or ice climbing all backdropped by the area鈥檚 breathtaking beauty proves that Jasper is at its most authentic in winter: wild yet welcoming.
Jackson said some of the highlights on this year鈥檚 roster include Food-A-Palooza - a boozy and culinary crawl at $15 per pairing - or Jasper鈥檚 favourite annual event: Whiskey, Wine & Hops Festival in the Sawridge Inn Ballroom.
The evening encapsulates the meaning of warming oneself from within, with scotch, fine wines, spirits, local and internationally brewed beers and a selection of tapas.
New to the 2020 lineup is Wine in the Wilderness at Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen.
The intimate event will have guests sampling local and international wines from more than 15 vendors while solo musician Peter Cherniawsky plays a mix of easy listening tunes by the fire.
A complimentary shuttle from Jasper is included so one mustn鈥檛 worry about driving.
For those inclined to nightlife, the after-dark series includes 30 free shows at locals鈥� favourite venues all festival long.
Experience magician Wes Barker鈥檚 mix of stunts and comedy at Jasper Brewing Company or a sassy burlesque and dance show at 4 Peaks Nightclub.
With a diverse range of musical talent, including The Carbons鈥� hard-hitting rock show at Marmot Basin or jazzy serenades from Juno-nominated multi-instrumentalist, Christopher Weatherstone at the Emerald Lounge, there is no shortage of options for post-adventure party-hopping.
鈥淲e say that Jasper is a place where you should feel compelled to venture beyond,鈥� said Jackson.
鈥淲hatever your life means, you can step beyond that while here.
鈥淔or some, that鈥檚 stepping off the sidewalk and on to a trail, and for others, that鈥檚 scaling mountains, plus everything in between.鈥�
The official kickoff party is January 17 at the Whistle Stop Pub at 8 p.m.
For more information on Jasper in January, including ticket prices and a full itinerary, visit jasper.travel.
