In the winter of 1943-1944 Jasper hosted the Lovat Scouts while they were trained in high mountain warfare. The town welcomed the Scouts with open arms and many long-lasting friendships were formed, with some Scouts returning to Jasper with their families after the war.
Preliminary training, reconnaissance and camp set up was done in 1943, with the main body of the Lovats arriving on January 9, 1944. Squadron-Leader Frank Smythe, assisted by Major Rex Gibson, Captain Tom Peacock, Captain Tim Paynter and Lieutenant Howe were given the huge task of training 500 men in winter travel and survival. A base was set up at Jasper Park Lodge, which was closed during the winter. The Convention Hall, Golf Club and laundry were used for canteen, mess and ski shop.
Preliminary ski training took place on the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course until lack of snow and the need for more challenging terrain moved them to Signal, Whistlers and the newly constructed Palisade Fire Road. Camps were set up the Columbia Icefields, the Tonquin Valley and the Maligne Valley utilizing the Icefields Chalet, the Cavell Tea House, the Maligne Lake Chalet, the Snowbowl and Watchtower cabins. Trails were cut to facilitate the use of Weasels and sleds, allowing a steady flow of supplies and men. The route up the Astoria River was known as Weiss’s Weasel Way, named for Joe Weiss who provided ski training and local expertise. Aircraft were also used and were fitted with skis to enable them to land on Pyramid, Amethyst, Maligne and Brazeau lakes. There were many injuries during the months of training in Jasper and one fatality when Sandy Collie was killed in an avalanche on Nigel Peak. His grave is in the Jasper cemetery.
