Walking Towards the Upper Trail at the Jasper SkyTram

Walking toward the upper trail from the Jasper SkyTram station feels like a transition from a structured viewpoint into a more raw alpine environment. As you leave the upper terminal area, the built elements-platforms, railings, and indoor spaces-begin to fall behind, and the landscape immediately becomes more open and elemental. The ground underfoot shifts to a mix of packed dirt, gravel, and exposed rock, and the path begins to guide you upward with a gentle but noticeable incline.
The first stretch of the trail still keeps the upper station within view, but your perspective is already changing. Looking back, the building appears smaller against the mountain, while the valley beyond it begins to dominate the background. Ahead, the trail traces the natural contours of the slope, winding upward through low alpine vegetation. Unlike the dense forests below, this environment is sparse-small hardy plants cling to the ground, and the terrain feels shaped by wind, weather, and elevation.
As you continue, the sense of openness increases. There are fewer barriers and fewer defined edges, and the trail becomes a clear line across a broad, exposed mountainside. The air often feels cooler and sharper here, and wind can move freely across the ridge. Each step upward subtly expands the view behind you, with the Jasper townsite and Athabasca Valley appearing farther below and more fully integrated into the surrounding landscape.
The climb itself is steady but not technical, making it accessible while still giving a sense of effort. The footing can be uneven in places, with loose stones and rocky patches that require attention, but the path is well-worn and easy to follow. Along the way, small pauses naturally occur-not just for rest, but because the views invite you to stop and take them in. The higher you go, the more the mountains begin to surround you rather than sit in the distance.
Wildlife often adds to the experience in subtle ways. Marmots may be seen among the rocks, and the quiet, open terrain allows you to notice movement and sound more easily than in the forest below. The environment feels quieter overall, with less of the sheltered stillness of trees and more of a wide, exposed calm shaped by altitude.
Approaching the upper sections of the trail, the summit comes into clearer view, marked by a more defined crest along the ridgeline. The path continues to rise, and the perspective becomes increasingly panoramic. What began as a short walk from the tram station evolves into a meaningful extension of the experience-one that shifts you from being a viewer at a lookout to an active participant in the alpine landscape.
Walking toward the upper trail from the Jasper SkyTram is a gradual immersion into elevation. It carries you away from the convenience of the station and into a more natural, exposed setting, where each step upward deepens your connection to the mountain and expands the scale of everything around you. Book the Jasper SkyTram*Purchasing Jasper SkyTram Tickets in Advance is Recommended.
Booking Jasper's SkyTram includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.