JASPER — For those who love winter in the great outdoors — there’s a lot to love at Jasper in January, Alberta’s answer to Quebec’s Winter Carnival and Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur.

“What’s exciting about the Jasper in January festival is that it offers visitors a diverse array of events and activities that both couples and families can take part in and enjoy,” says Anastasia Martin-Stilwell at Tourism Jasper. “It’s really the perfect way to kick off the new year and head to Jasper for a little authentic Rocky Mountain fun.”

The festival is a two-week showcase for everything that’s great about the Rockies in winter.

This is where outdoor adventure meets indoor arts and culture. It’s a party in the park that’s become Western Canada’s première winter festival.

It began more humbly, 22 years ago, on the silver anniversary of Marmot Basin — the ski resort that for many defines the Jasper experience.

The ski hill decided to celebrate its marquee anniversary with a party that everyone could enjoy.

It was one heck of a party and a great success — so they decided to make Jasper in January an annual celebration.

These days, Marmot Basin — along with hotels, restaurants and retailers — still offers attractive discounts to those who want to join the fun. And the whole community gets involved to roll out the red carpet for visitors.

“Whether you’re interested in untamed outdoor adventure — like skiing, snowshoeing, polar dipping, moonlight skates and the sights and sounds of a bustling family street party — or you’re looking more for eclectic indoor pursuits … Jasper in January really provides one of Western Canada’s première winter-festival experiences that everyone is sure to enjoy,” says Martin-Stilwell.

Music, music, music

Jasper in January 2011 starts with a kickoff party at the Whistle Stop Pub on Friday, Jan. 14. The music continues for two weeks, with live performers — including Mourning Wood, Tupelo Honey, Brian Lackey and others — appearing at venues around town. But if you want to make your own kind of music, don’t miss jam night at the Royal Canadian Legion, open mike night at the De’d Dog Bar and Grill, and karaoke night at Champs Lounge.

Jasper in January runs from Friday, Jan. 14, to Sunday, Jan. 30.

For more information, go online to JinJ.ca

Stephen A. Nelson is a freelance writer and broadcaster based in Jasper.

JASPER IN JANUARY

- Mountain Park Lodges’ Chili Cook Off: Friday, Jan. 21, at 6 p.m. at the Jasper Activity Centre — perhaps the single most-popular event of the festival. This is where scores of gourmets and gourmands compete to see who can make the best chili. The winning team is chosen by a panel of experts — and by expert diners.

- Taste of the Town: Thursday, Jan. 27, at 4 p.m. at the Jasper Activity Centre — Jasperites love this rare chance to enjoy fine dining at à la carte prices. It’s a cornucopia of top treats, specialties and menu favourites from Jasper’s great restaurants, cafés, delicatessens and diners.

What’s new?

- Festival organizers have worked hard to keep the perennial favourites, while at the same time offering something fresh. Many of the events are part of the celebrations for the David Thompson Bicentennial — marking 200 years since the great explorer and fur trader discovered the Athabasca Pass.

- This year’s ATCO Family Street Party (Saturday, Jan. 22) — will be a party with a difference. The popular ice sculptures, bonfires, games and even an outdoor movie theatre will all be back again. A real high note will be The James Gang — an Aboriginal drumming and singing group with a deep historical connection to the area and the fur trade.

- And to really set things on fire, ATCO has added something brand new — fireworks at Centennial Park.

All in the family

- The other new deal this year is the Family Day at Pyramid Lake on Saturday, Jan. 15. The event features a slate of fur-trade era activities and games. Probably the most popular will be the dog sled demonstrations and rides from Cold Fire Creek Dog Sledding.

Other can’t-miss events

- Polar Bear Dip at Lake Edith

- Moonlight Skate at Jasper Park Lodge

- Wolf Howl and storytelling at Jasper-Yellowhead Museum

- Robert Burns Night: an evening of poetry and song celebrating Scotland’s national bard

- Fur Ball, a voyageur’s dream, featuring traditional foods and old-tyme entertainment

- Snow Ball Grand Finale at Papa George’s restaurant

For more information on Jasper in January go online to JinJ.ca