Driving Highway 93...

[Stoo]

Can any of you guys tell me how bad the highway between Jasper and Banff is in the winter "generally"? I know it can be shut down for days if the weather is bad, but normally, is it kept in pretty decent shape? I'm planning a little "ski-about" and that's part of the route, but I'm wondering if it's a bad idea. I will have a 4WD...

Anyone drive it frequently in the winter?

 

[Guardian Angel]

A section of that Hi-way was closed last week. Not sure what the status is now. Maybe check the roads on the internet.

G.A.

 

[cancowboy2001]

AMA road report (as of 1:41PM) show conditions as poor.

Poor:
Road still passable for majority of vehicles; speed greatly reduced and long delays may be experienced.

Road conditions:
Significant amounts of snow / ice on surface, especially in wheel paths
Drifting snow partially blocking driving lanes
Slippery roads from freezing rain/ ice build up / frost
Black ice over long stretches of highway
Roads rutted from snow / ice / frozen slush build up

http://www.ama.ab.ca/road_report/Mountain.htm

 

[sales]

If it is snowing, it can be bad or closed. I was on it once and was not sure if I was going to get off it alive. That being said, that was the worst. If you are used to driving on snow and ice, it is usually fine even when it is showing poor.

However, being trapped in Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper is not a bad thing.

 

[bb_1950]

However, being trapped in Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper is not a bad thing.



As long as you have a thick wallet

 

[sales]

[QUOTE As long as you have a thick wallet[/QUOTE]

Actually during the winter there are lots of great deals in each town. Jasper will be starting it's annual Jasper in January festival next week which usually has discounted lift tickets and rooms.

 

[Stoo]

Thanks for the feedback and links. I'm quite used to driving on ice and snow... it's the 4,000 foot ditches that have me concerned....

I need to start booking flights and hotels tomorrow, so I guess I'd better make sure about cancellation policies!

Thanks again lads~