Lodging (Area code 780)

The resort does not have mountainside lodging. Stay in nearby Jasper which offers a variety of accommodations from downtown rooms to family-style units with kitchens to private lakeshore cabins. Many of the lodges listed have ski packages, so be sure to ask.

Jasper Tourism and Commerce (Box 98, Jasper, Alberta, T0E 1E0;l 852-3858) will send a ski vacation planner that includes rates. Call central reservations at (877) 902-9455 for a wide selection of accommodations, activities, tours, transportation and ski packages. This number is good for most all of the Canadian Rockies. For the Jasper area in particular, call Jasper Central Reservations at (800) 473-8135 October through April; other months, you'll get an answering machine but calls are returned.

The four diamond Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (800-441-1414; $$–$$$$; left) is located on 900 acres a few miles from downtown Jasper. A wonderful mix of traditional log cabins from the 1920s and cedar chalets with spacious modern suites, all are elegantly rustic and comfortable. The classic cabins have all been recently renovated. The more modern accommodations are linked by pathways along Lac Beauvert to the elegant main lodge. Built in the grand traditional Cascadian Canadian Pacific style, it houses all the restaurants, night spots and shops. You'll find the best restaurant and the best service in Jasper here (see Dining). Nordic and downhill ski packages are available.

Pyramid Lake Resort (888-852-4900; 852-4900; $$-$$$; below), just outside Jasper, which began its life as a local fishing village, offers skating and cross-country trails at your doorstep. The 7 km. road from downtown Jasper winds through woods, revealing glimpses of the mountains along the way. The resort's wilderness setting is stunning, ideal for backcountry skiing fans and others who prefer quiet, remote places. Most of the modern chalet-style accommodations have lovely lake views, private whirlpools, kitchenettes and fireplaces. The resort has a spectacular restaurant (see Dining) and recently opended cabins Their motto: "The only thing we overlook is the lake."

The upscale Chateau Jasper (852-5644; 800-661-9323; $$–$$$$), formerly Royal Canadian Lodge–Jasper, is about a 15-minute walk from "downtown" Jasper and has an indoor pool and whirlpool, Sorrentino's Bistro Bar (see Dining), and heated underground parking. The Chateau offers a shuttle to town and back.

In town, Jasper Inn (852-4461; 800-661-1933; $–$$$$) has spacious standard rooms, studios, suites, loft units and one- to two-bedroom condo-style units. There's an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and coin laundry. Very good restaurant on premises (see Dining).

The beautifully renovated Sawridge Hotel & Conference Center Jasper (852-5111; 800-661-6427; $$–$$$$) offers everything from deluxe standard rooms to luxury parlor suites that reflect a Canadian Native American flair; adjoining rooms are available. As you enter the lobby, your attention is drawn down the stairs to the three-story fireplace and a sky-lit atrium. Indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, Finnish sauna and laundry facilities. The European Beauty & Wellness Center here is a full-service spa. Very good restaurant on premises (see Dining).

The Astoria (852-3351; 800-661-7343; $$) is a small hotel with charmingly renovated guest rooms right in the center of Jasper. Whistlers Inn (852-3361; 800-282-9919; $$), also centrally located, has nice standards, deluxes and suites, some recently renovated. Steam room, outdoor rooftop hot tub, two restaurants, pub and gift shops.

Marmot Lodge (852-4471; 888-852-7737; $–$$$) has rooms with kitchens and fireplaces. Restaurant, indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool located on the premises. No charge for children under age 12. The Athabasca Hotel (852-3386; 877-542-8422; $–$$), one of Jasper's original lodgings, a Heritage Landmark since 1929, is located in the center of Jasper close to the bus and VIA RAIL station.

Accommodations Legend (Cdn$): (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less.