CANADIAN SKI & SNOWBOARD VACATION EXPERTS

Lake Louise Ski Resort, alberta

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It’s hard to believe the frozen turquoise lake in an amphitheater of snow laden mountains is real. But this is Lake Louise. A tiny hamlet deep in the Banff National Park with a big ski resort to book, it is a 45 minute drive away from the Banff town, making it a magical getaway.

Lake Louise Ski Resort boasts 4200 acres (1700 ha) of skiable terrain across four mountain faces, designed in a user friendly way so beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and riders can all ride the same chair but take different routes back down.

Be warned, it’s hard to know where to look when skiing at Lake Louise, the vistas of this quaint alpine town are huge and breath taking at every turn.

Lake Louise Resort SKi Packages – Our Favourites

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ABOUT LAKE LOUISE

About LAKE LOUISE

THE SNOW

Snow skiing at Lake Louise
Lake Louise snow. Photo credit: Reuben Krabbe

Lake Louise Resort is known for its free ride terrain and like many resorts in Canada has a ‘front side’ and a ‘back side’. The front is ideal for beginners to intermediates with lots of wide groomed runs and the back features open powder bowls, chutes and glades for perfect tree runs.

 

The resort has an annual snowfall of 14.75 feet (4.5 m) and has extensive snow making plus a season from November to May. If you can’t ski over the festive and holiday season, think spring skiing and Easter. The snow bunnies will be there too!

 

Early in the season, in early December, witness the fastest skiers in the world begin the World Cup speed circuit at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. The Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup features speed events on the World Cup circuit and plays host to the first downhill and super-G races of the season. This is the only event of its kind in Canada and is the perfect way to start the winter season. Racers are ready!

Lake Louise Ski Resort WEBCAM

Lake Louise webcam
Visit Lake Louise Ski Resort for live webcam update.

Contact us for the best Banff Lake Louise ski holidays going.

THE VILLAGE

People eating at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise. Photo credit: Noel Hendrickson

Lake Louise Ski Resort has a small base village with all the amenities from ski rental to retail, cafes, bars and ski patrol services. There is no accommodation at the mountain, as it part of the Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The ‘town’ down the road is also small with a gas station and conveniences.

 

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the base for many adventures from ice skating on the lake to snow shoes, xc skiing and fat bikes. Be sure to try the Ice Bar on the lake. It’s a short 10-minute drive to the ski hill.

 

Most skiers and boarders either split their lodging time between Banff and Lake Louise or stay in Banff and take the SkiBig3 free shuttle to Lake Louise to ski.

 

Contact us for Lake Louise ski holidays.

WHERE TO STAY

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Lake Louise. Photo credit: SkiBig3

Lake Louise has a handful of accommodation and lodging options. A 45 minute drive away from Banff, many choose to stay in the quaint alpine town. If you want a pumping après town then stay in Banff. If you love the idea of waking in a winter wonderland then bed down in Lake Louise.

 

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise takes pride of place on the shores of the lake and is the hub for many adventure activities. You can melt s’mores around the fire, drink scotch from an ice glass at the ice bar, ice skate on the lake, take the resident hotel pooch for a walk along the lake, and even play hockey.

 

If you are looking for remote luxe lodging we have that in the bag too.  The Post Hotel, one of a handful of Relais & Chateau moniker hotels in Canada, is the place for that special ski vacation.

 

Our friends from Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts have an eclectic choice of lodge experiences.  Deer Lodge is the classic definition of rustic mountain accommodations. Located just minutes by foot from the enchanting Lake Louise, Deer Lodge is a testament to a bygone era and retains much of its original hand-hewn log structure and decor. It was completely renovated, restored and winterized in 1985.

At Emerald Lake Lodge,  located in the Yoho National Park, there is history steeped within the walls of this elegant lodge, with its century-old fireplaces and an oak bar salvaged from an 1890’s Yukon saloon.  Imagine some of the fireside tales from yesteryear. The lakeside location and jaw-dropping scenery complete the picture.  Few destinations in Canada offer the unique mix of luxury, nature and comfort both Emerald Lake Lodge and Deer Lodge offer, making them favourites for our clients from around the globe.

 

In the village of Lake Louise itself, the Lake Louise Inn is always one of our go-to accommodations.

 

Contact us for your Lake Louise hotel deals and lodging needs.

TOP 5 REASONS TO VISIT LAKE LOUISE

Person skiing at Lake Louise
Lake Louise views for days. Photo credit: Reuben Krabbe

#1. Easy to get to — a mere 2 hour drive from the hassle free Calgary International Airport, and close to Banff.  The town of Banff is 45 minutes down the road with regular shuttles.

 

#2. The most romantic lake in Canada. Trust us, we’ve had clients ‘pop’ the question here as well as winter weddings. The backdrop is simply stunning. A photographer’s dream shoot.

 

#3. Uber luxe lodgings — The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.  Old world romance in the Rockies. Seriously, it doesn’t get better than waking on the edge of a frozen lake, breathtaking scenery, and the stunning Rocky Mountains. You may never want to check-out of your fairy tale on the edge of wilderness.  As well, there’s the Relais & Chateaux Post Hotel or a choice of two superb historic lodges – Deer Lodge and Emerald Lake Lodge.

 

#4. The slopes — uncrowded slopes, wide groomers, powder bowls, tree runs and views, views, views. Plus it is part of the tri-resort SkiBig3 lift ticket, and located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

#5. Truly a winter wonderland — a frozen lake, adorned with life-size ice carvings, awe-inspiring mammoth peaks, sleigh rides with bells, if Santa wasn’t in Lapland he’d be living here.

 

RESORT FACTS

DESIGNATED TRAILS

Person skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise ski resort. Photo credit: Reuben Krabbe

Season Length November – May
Hours of Operation 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Vertical 3,250 feet / 991 metres
Base Elevation 5,400 feet / 1,646 metres
Summit Elevation 8,650 feet / 2,637 metres
Acreage 4,200 acres  / 1,700 hectares
Average Snowfall 179 in / 454 cm
Snowmaking Yes
Trails 145 marked runs + back bowls
Terrain 25% Beginner 45% Intermediate 30% Advanced
Longest Run 8 kms (5 miles)
Cumulative Length of Runs Over 100 kms (62 miles)
Lifts 10 lifts – 1 High Speed 6 passenger gondola, 1 High Speed 6 passenger chairlift, 2 High speed quad chairlifts, 1 Quad chairlift, 1 Triple chairlift, 1 Platter Lift, 3 Carpet Lifts
Lift Capacity 13,716 people/hour

NORDIC SKIING

Lake Louise is home to some of the most scenic cross-country ski trails in the country. Regardless of your ability, there are endless trails around Lake Louise and Banff National Park that you can enjoy. Glide through the winter wonderland and soak in the spectacular mountain views.

NIGHT SKIING 

No night skiing at Lake Louise. Only Banff-Norquay offers night skiing in the Banff-Lake Louise area. Let’s face it, after a day on the mega-slopes of Lake Louise, you’ve well and truly earned après ski time. Our recommendation, head to the Fairview Bar at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. As you spot Fairview’s namesake peak just across the lake, it’s hard to deny the sense of connection to the mountains that surround this corner of the storied Chateau. Cheers!

SEASON DATES & OPENING HOURS

Lake Louise is usually open from early November to mid-May each season. Most years, Lake Louise kicks off the season in early December, playing host to the Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup.

 

WINTER HOURS OF OPERATION 

9.00 am – 4.00 pm Note: These times are provided by the ski resort and can vary based on external conditions, day of the week, school, and public holidays.

GETTING THERE

FLY

The Calgary International Airport is located just 2 + hours away from Lake Louise and 90 minutes from the town of Banff. Calgary International Airport was recently voted as one of the world’s top five “hassle-free” airports, so you’ll arrive in comfort. Self drive from the airport or take a bus or private transfer.

 

IN RESORT

Take one of the resort’s free return shuttles between Lake Louise hotels, Sampson Mall and the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Shuttles between Banff and Lake Louise are also available for SkiBig3 ticket holders.

 

Contact us for all your Lake Louise transport needs.  

TRAIL MAP

Lake Louise Front Side trail map Lake Louise Back Bowl trail map

THINGS TO DO AT LAKE LOUISE

Things to do at lake louise

TERRAIN PARKS

If you love the park then you’ve come to the right place. You’ve hit the terrain park jackpot at Lake Louise. Four parks with some of the biggest and best terrain designs in the world.

 

Exhilarating,  freedom, fresh air, and stunning scenery as you fly through the air, with a sweet mix of features to thrill and challenge. This is the place to work on those jumps, 180s, and tricks to make’ em look. Lake Louise has some of the biggest and best designed park terrain in the world. Jump for joy with a variety of small, medium, large, and extra-large jumps, rails, boxes, and other features. Everyone whether you’re a skier or boarder; from brand-new beginners to seasoned pros can embrace the exhilarating feeling of freestyle. This is your time to fly.

 

Choose from Easy Street, Triple Bridge, Boulevard or the mighty Boulevard XL.

 

Video credit: Lake Louise Ski Resort

 

Contact us for your Lake Louise ski holiday needs.

SNOW SCHOOL

Skier at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise ski resort. Photo credit: Reuben Krabbe

You’ll find a full service ski school at Lake Louise ski resort, filled with top level instructors for first-timers to old-timers.

 

Take a free mountain host tour with a local to get to know the mountain – open to all ability skiers and snowboarders, the Ski Friends will take you across the mountain, offering info and advice on the best lifts, areas, runs, facilities and history.

 

For lessons, choose from private lessons, group lessons and multi-week programs, free ride and women’s only – there are even First Tracks lessons on the super groomed.

 

5-12 year olds have full program group and private ski and snowboard lessons also on offer. 3-4 year old kids have the option for Kinderski Group Lessons where they get to explore the mountain and improve their skills through fun games. Instructors focus on safe “kids-only” teaching techniques. Daycare is available for children from 18 days to 6 years.

 

COVID-19 Policy: The resorts’ products, programs and prices may change or vary for each season as they continue to act in accordance with the instructions of the Alberta Health Services and other Government officials.

 

Contact us for your Lake Louise ski school needs.

RENTALS

However long your ski vacation is, convenience is the key when travelling. Nothing can beat Lake Louise’s convenient slopeside stores which are complemented by a carefully selected line-up of ski and snowboard equipment, backed up by eager and well-trained staff, to kit you out, and get you out onto the hill in double-quick time.

 

You will find everything you need at the Lake Louise SkiBig3 Adventure Hub to enjoy a day, or even weeks, on the slopes.

 

For more information on Lake Louise ski rentals, contact us.

SHOPPING

There is limited shopping at Lake Louise, but if you need gloves or equipment or toe warmers and the like there are two retail shops in the base building.

 

See our Banff shopping guide for more information on what’s available in Banff downtown.

 

Contact us for your Lake Louise ski holiday needs.

THINGS TO DO

People ice skating at Lake Louise
Ice skating at Lake Louise. Photo credit: Kelly MacDonald

There is so much to do at both Lake Louise and in the Banff National Park.

 

From ice climbing to fat biking, ice skating, xc skiing, backcountry skiing, Johnston Canyon hiking, shopping, dining, gourmet progressive tours and more.

 

Contact us for all the adventures on offer.

APRÈS SKI

Lake Louise après fun and sundowners
Lake Louise après. Photo credit: Noel Hendricks

There’s enough to keep you entertained at the base of the Lake Louise ski resort until you head to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for more après fun and sundowners.

 

As Lake Louise is a decent drive away from the town of Banff, most of the dining options are in the hotels and lodges. The only independent restaurant in town is The Station. Otherwise, you can dine at the property you are staying at or jump to other hotel restaurants in the area for something different.

 

The big après offerings are found in downtown Banff.  Base area dining includes Bier Stube, Northface Bistro, Kuma Yama, Powderkeg Lounge and others.

 

Contact us for your Lake Louise holiday needs.

Lake Louise, Tea House at Lake Agnes, ©Marina PoushkinaLake Louise, Tea House at Lake Agnes, ©Marina Poushkina

Why Lake Louise?

It’s a winter wonderland nestled in Canada’s oldest National Park, an icon within the Rockies. The views from the ski runs are next level and it’s close enough to Banff resort town should you want more action. The resort is also part of the SkiBig3 lift ticket which offers almost 8000 acres across Banff Sunshine, Banff Mt Norquay and Banff Lake Louise.

Lake Louise Ski Resort does not have any ski-in, ski-out accommodation options – the closest lodging is located in the village nearby. The historical Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is truly iconic, and a bucket list hotel. As well there are a variety of places to choose from including log cabins, small hotels, and lodges. Read more  via the “About Lake Louise” tab.

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