Lake Louise ski resort

One of the largest ski areas in Canada with thousands of acres of open bowl skiing.  Long ski season from November to May. Stunning scenery.

In favour of Lake Louise

The number one reason for skiing here has to be the snow - this is where the name 'Champagne Powder' comes from.  Lake Louise's ski area is comparable in size to Vail with thousands of acres of open bowl skiing. There is no ski in/ski out, the village and hotels of Lake Louise are about 3 miles (10 minutes) from the skiing area. A complimentary bus service runs between all the hotels in the village, the lake and the ski resort.

Situated in the Rockies in the heart of Banff National Park, Alberta,the scenery is truly 'awesome'. The Tri-area ski pass links the skiing of Banff (36 miles away - 40 minutes drive) ie Sunshine Village, Mt Norquay with Lake Louise. It also includes bus transfers between these three resorts.  Mt Norquay is just outside Banff town centre and Sunshine Village is a 20-minute drive from Lake Louise (half-way to Banff). The skiing of Lake Louise suits all levels of skiers and extends over four mountain faces, which makes it possible to follow the sun throughout the day.

Disadvantages

There is no ski-in/ski-out accommodation at this resort. Lake Louise has very limited shopping, restaurants and nightlife and is much smaller than the famous name suggests.  Perhaps part of its charm is being a 'one-horse-town'.  Most of the shops are at Chateau Lake Louise and the restaurants are all in the hotels.

Non-skiing activities

Horse drawn sleigh rides, dogsledding, snowshoeing, heli-sightseeing and snowmobiling.  Ice skating on the frozen lake of Lake Louise.

Accommodation

Summer is the peak season in Lake Louise so rates for hotels are good value during the winter. The most luxurious property is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which has been recently refurbished. Its isolation is compensated by the experience of being in a winter wonderland with stunning views over the frozen lake.  More centrally located in the Post Hotel.

This luxurious ski lodge, set in Lake Louise Village, is just minutes away by shuttle bus from the ski base. The hotel is a proud member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux hotel collection.  Amore modest option is the Lake Louise Inn. The Inn is the closest hotel to the ski area, just 3 km from the ski slopes by shuttle bus. The hotel is located in the village and has recently been refurbished.