Mountain weather & wildlife

Respect the Rockies.

Jasper National Park is a spectacular and unpredictable place to ride. Rider safety and wildlife protection come first.
Wildlife on course

The park comes first.

Wildlife, road works, wildfire, mudslides and other events can require delayed starts, reroutes or cancellations. Grizzly and black bears, cougars, wolves, elk and animals with young require particular care.

YELLOW FLAG

Wildlife in the area; lower risk. Slow down, increase awareness, maintain safe distances and be prepared to stop.

RED FLAG

Risk to riders or wildlife. Stop immediately and await direction from Parks Canada or event personnel.
What can change

Route contingency planning

If wildlife of concern is observed:

  • Marmot Basin Road

    • A: Remove Marmot Basin Road from course

    • B: Move turnaround lower (e.g., Portal Creek Trailhead)

  • Highway 93A

    • A: Remove 93A from course

    • B: Adjust turnaround (e.g., Cavell Road, Wabasso Campground, Otto’s Cache, Meeting of the Waters)

  • Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway)

    • A: Remove 93 from course

    • B: Relocate turnaround to a safe alternate location

SMOKE AND AIR QUALITY

This event is outdoors and may proceed in rain, wind, or moderate weather conditions.
The Organizer is not liable for any loss, damage, or refund requests in the event of poor weather or cancellation.

Only in cases of severe inclement weather will the event be delayed or cancelled. Decisions are made in consultation with Parks Canada and our medical team up to one hour prior to race start. Course changes or reroutes may occur for safety.

With wildfires becoming more common, air quality has become a key consideration.

  • If the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast exceeds 7, the event will be cancelled.

  • While this is not typical, it’s necessary for participant safety and long-term environmental responsibility.

Health Guidance:
Minor air quality issues generally don’t affect healthy individuals, but higher AQI levels can cause eye/throat irritation or shortness of breath.
If you experience symptoms:

  • Reduce physical exertion and hydrate.

  • Shelter indoors with windows closed if necessary.
    Participants with asthma, COPD, or cardiovascular conditions should carefully monitor symptoms and may wish to avoid strenuous activity in smoky conditions.

Ultimately, participation is each athlete’s personal decision based on their health and environmental comfort.

 

Ready to ride Jasper?