From Colorado’s ski resorts like Buttermilk, Aspen Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Crested Butte, skiers and snowboarders can maximize a winter holiday in North America’s numerous selections for skiing destinations.
Prepare your best skiing boots, socks, your protective gears, lift pass, extra money, and of course, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and forests as you go to Lake Louise Ski Resort – your next truly incredible experience!
Lake Louise Ski Resort in western Canada, with over 4 200 acres spread across four mountain faces, is famous as one of North America’s largest ski resorts. Its spectacular scenery, versatile and various terrains from gentle slopes and extended cruising run to glades, chutes, and some of the Canadian Rockies most exciting, wide-open bowls make an excellent spot for all level skiers.
It is claimed as the prime ski resort in Canada at the prestigious 2019 World Ski Awards and is considered one of the world’s top three freestyle resorts!
The ski resort is in Banff National Park near Lake Louise’s village, Alberta. Lake Louise, 57 km (35 mi) west of Banff, is one of three major ski resorts within Banff National Park.
The resort nestled on Slate Range’s southern slopes between the heights of Mount Richardson, Ptarmigan Peak, Pika Peak, and Redoubt Mountain, about 3,000 m (10,000 ft) above sea level. The Pipestone River, a tributary of the Bow River, defines the base of the slopes that is immediately north of the intersections between Highway 1A (Bow Valley Trail), Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway), and Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway).
Events
The FIS Alpine Ski World Cup event was held in this resort, and it was also known as the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup, described by Alpine Canada as “Canada’s highest-profile alpine ski race.” The prestigious event fascinates high-profile downhill skiers worldwide – such as four-time World Cup champion Lindsey Vonn.
The races started at the resort in 1980 and ran successively from 1993 to 2020. However, due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 races were canceled. The race that holds both the men’s and ladies’ speed events on the World Cup circuit is a select few. It also plays host to the first World Cup downhill and super-G races of the season.
In 2013, the resort hosted its first FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup.
Facilities
On 4 mountain faces, there are 145 marked ski runs and back bowls: 25% beginner, 45% intermediate, and 30% advanced. The ‘Terrain Park’ is also designed for riders of all levels, and snowboarders have access to all trails and the terrain park. During winter, four full-service day lodges are operational.
Visitors to the resort can come anytime and enjoy sightseeing gondola that is open year-round, with jaw-dropping panoramas of glaciers, natural springs, wildflowers, and possibly wildlife (such as grizzly bears). Other activities in the resort area include dog sledding, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.
Not a problem with the skiing equipment because the Alpine Social Rentals in the lower lobby level at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers high-performance winter equipment rentals.
The best time to visit the resort
The ski resort that is a 10-minute drive from Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is open from mid-November to early May. There is also a complimentary shuttle service available for hotel guests.
Besides Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff is home to Sunshine Village Ski Resort and Mt Norquay. These huge three resorts boast 8,000 acres of skiing, 2 gondolas, 26 chairlifts, and 30 feet of feather-light, dry Canadian Rockies powder annually.
Just secure a Ski Big 3 pass and lift ticket to indulge yourself with a once in a lifetime exploration of various history and sceneries beyond description. The area is notable for its outstanding natural beauty, rare wildlife, and great landforms, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once you’re done with your sporting activities, there are fun things to do after skiing, or you can take a rest day and get out exploring the area on XC skis, snowshoes, or by dog sled.
Get your foodie fix at either base area dining, with Lodge of Ten Peaks Café, Powder Keg Lounge, Slopeside Coffee, Kokanee Kabin, Kuma Yama, Whiskey Jack Café, Northface Bistro, or Bier Stube. If you opt for on-mountain area dining, there are several eateries like Temple Café, Sawyer’s Nook, Temple Cantina, and Whitehorn Bistro.
You must try Canada’s staples such as poutine and the traditional fondue menu that is always worth the calories. You are in prime Alberta beef country here, and many steakhouses can prove it.