Things To Do: Skiing Lake Louise
Banff, Alberta
Skiing Lake Louise is popular for a reason. With dry, soft snow and classic Rocky Mountain scenery, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better place to spend the day skiing and snowboarding. The short lift lines and long runs make the Lake Louise ski resort the most popular in Alberta.
Ski season arrives early in the Canadian Rockies. It typically begins in early November and runs until mid-May, depending on weather and snow conditions. The early start attracts the World Cup of Alpine Skiing with its annual ski race down the front mountain. Spectators from around the world, especially from Europe, line the course to cheer these high-speed dare-devils.
Skiers shouldn't miss the massive powder bowls on the backside of the mountain nor the empty runs from the Larch chairlift. The ski terrain varies from beginner to expert, short to long, and caters to skiers of all abilities. The main runs are groomed daily by a fleet of snow-cats but the bowls are left untouched to become a massive mogul haven.
General Information about Skiing Lake Louise
- The Lake Louise Resort is the 2nd largest ski resort in Canada with over 4200 acres (1700 hectares) of ski terrain.
- It's located 60 kilometers west of the town of Banff, 85 kilometers east of Golden, BC. The resort is in Banff National Park and a park permit is required.
- The Trans Canada Highway is twinned to Lake Louise.
- There's lots of parking but you'll have a long walk at the end of the day if you're stuck in the back. Shorter walks can be had by parking on the main road, close to the main chalet entrance.
- In early November, not all runs are open and some are blocked off in preparation of the World Cup downhill race.
- The ski terrain is huge, and therefore snow-making coverage is limited over most of the mountains. The snow base is thin in November but by December, most rocks are covered and all runs usually open.
- Winter skiing can be cold, sometimes down to -30 C. Spring skiing starts in March and sunscreen is required to prevent getting burned.
- Like all ski resorts, lunch & snacks can be expensive in the chalets.
Lake Louise Ski Resort Statistics
- Vertical Rise - 3250 feet (991 meters)
- Number of Lifts - 9
- Longest Run - 8 kilometers (5 miles)
- Number of mountain faces - 3
- Number of lodges - 2
- Terrain Breakdown - 25% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 30% Advanced
Enjoy skiing Lake Louise and experience the beauty and the high-speed thrills of this mountain paradise.
There are plenty of things to discover in Alberta, including incredible scenery, great hikes and outdoor adventures, and interesting roadside attractions.
