Running the skyline Trail, Jasper Alberta

I ran the Skyline Trail on Sunday, July 19th, 2009. The Skyline is 44km long and is one of the best hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies. Much of the trail is above treeline. It's recommended to start your run (or hike) at the Maligne Lake trailhead and run towards the trailhead near the Maligne Canyon Hostel. Most choose to hike the trail in 2 or 3 days, and require a back-country camp permit. No permit required for through-hikers or runners. I've heard that the best run time is under four hours, but my own best time is 7hrs 50mins.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Skyline Trail
• Trail Running
• Jasper
• Alberta
• Maligne Lake

[Colinmurdison]

Really glad you posted this, I am planning on the same run in 2010. Have hiked it couple of times and always wondered if I could run it in one day. How long did it take you to complete?

[albertatraildog]

It took me 7 1/2 hrs two years ago and 8 hours last summer. Must be getting slower with age! Rumour has it that the record is around 4 hours which is out of reach for me. I think that if I really hammered it, I could do it in 6 or 6 1/2. Just make sure you leave as early as possible and take along a headlamp and extra clothing in case you get caught out after nightfall. Check out the May edition of Canadian Running magazine for an article on this run. Regards.

[crazybud32]

wow i really hope i can do this one day when im a little older..maybe not in one day that seems pretty intense even for a fit young guy like me but i think i could pull it off

[albertatraildog]

To run it successfully, you need to get comfortable doing 50km long runs. The trail is a little less (44km) but the elevation makes it harder. Are you interested in running ultra marathons? Took me a few years before I made the jump from road running.

[equinesport]

did you know that there is a marathon held on the Berg Lake trail? might be your thing, I did it in a day 42kms but only ran bits of it so did it in 8 hours.

[lucianecardassi]

Thanks for posting! I am planning to do the Skyline soon and your film was helpful:)

[gordthompson]

Just got finished last weekend. Check out trip reports/videos/pics at gordthompson.ca if you wanna... Nice video btw.

[vecdetozcomert]

this is great what you did..when walking alone in the mountains, an bear attack, do not create a serious danger?

[equinesport]

you are my hero!

[vagabondsoul]

I just hiked this trail this past weekend. You're crazy to have done it in one day. :-) Awesome.