EDMONTON — The first trip to the mountains at the start of each snow season is always the most magical.

You’re tucked into your warmest winter tuque, fleecy gloves, and fuzzy socks. Your skis and snowboards are packed in the trunk.

As you step on the gas and the snow-capped peaks loom closer, you swear you can already smell the crisp scent of pine. When the mountains finally come into view, it takes your breath away. Even if it’s your 100th time driving this stretch of road.

Indeed the best part about living in Alberta is our proximity to the Rockies, making winter weekend getaways easy and affordable.

This year, recent upgrades at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Marmot Basin means there’s lots to look forward to, says Anastasia Martin-Stilwell of Tourism Jasper.

Therapeutic mineral baths and maple-butter body wraps are just two of the luxe treatments on offer at the hotel’s new $6-million, 10,000-square-foot spa. If that’s not enough indulgence, the JPL has also opened Cavell’s Restaurant and Terrace, where top-notch local fare is served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Over at Marmot Basin, skiers are still buzzing about the new Canadian Rockies Express high-speed quad lift, which opened last year.

“It’s really transformed the ski area,” says Brian Rode, vice-president of marketing and sales at Ski Marmot Basin. The longest high-speed quad chair in the Canadian Rockies, the Express takes riders from base to peak, in eight minutes.

Rather than skiing or boarding strictly in the upper or lower portions of the mountain as they used to, the Express now makes it easier for enthusiasts to take longer runs from top to bottom, says Rode.

For 2010-2011, Marmot has also upped its snow-making capacity, renovated its mid-mountain Paradise and Eagle Chalets, and expanded its terrain park by adding new rails and a wall ride.

Since 2003, more than $25 million has been spent at Marmot on capital improvements, including another high-speed quad, the Paradise Express, set to open next November.

“It is a super-exciting time,” says Rode.

As of Tuesday, six lifts and 52 runs were open at Marmot and 27 centimetres of new snow has fallen since Nov. 15.

“We’ve got way more snow and way more runs and lifts open than anybody in Canada right now, by a long shot,” says Rode. “It’s still snowing like mad here.”

Not only is there plenty of fresh powder in Jasper, there are also plenty of good deals. Foodies will be happy to know that Dining Season is open until Dec. 15, and three stamps from participating local restaurants will get you entered to win a Jasper getaway. (For more information, visit jasperdining.ca.)

On Friday, Moonlight Madness takes over at local retailers, which will stay open late and offer discounts of up to 70 per cent. Be sure to check out cosmetics, skin care, and accessories boutique Bloom, Patricia Street’s newest arrival.

Another great time to visit is during the Jasper in January Winter Festival, says Martin-Stilwell. From Jan. 14 to 30, the town will be alive with parties, tastings, and concerts by rock-and-rollers Social Code, Ten Second Epic, and Tupelo Honey. Marmot will be offering discounted lift tickets and many hotels will have specials on accommodations, says Martin-Stilwell.

“This is a time where Jasper the community really comes on board in kicking off winter,” she says. “There are loads of activities right through.”

Just remember to book your stay early, warns Martin-Stilwell.

“Winter is a very popular time for people to come and from all around the world,” she says. “Jasper is really like holidaying in a Christmas card.”

jfong@edmontonjournal.com

For more information on Jasper, visit Tourism Jasper online.