Banff - Lake Louise

Banff - Lake Louise Ski Resort

Lake Louise is arguably home to Canada’s most spectacular scenery – but don’t let this detract from the skiing, which is worthy of the trip across the pond in its own right.

The Lake Louise ski area is located 45 minutes up the highway from the town of Banff, where most people will want to base themselves, especially if you’re looking for a livelier atmosphere as Lake Louise itself is very quiet. Along with Sunshine Village and Mt Norquay it forms the “Ski Big 3”, all of which are covered by the same lift pass and are linked by a bus service – although having a car will certainly help.

Why not explore Banff’s great skiing, along with the resort of Jasper, with Ski Club Freshtracks this winter? Our annual Alberta Adventure departs on 14th March 2020.

Our Banff - Lake Louise Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★☆
• Advanced ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Après ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Value ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Banff - Lake Louise Skiing and Snowboarding

The Lake Louise ski area may be famous for hosting the Downhill World Cup each winter, but in reality the slopes are much more mellow. The frontside of the hill is a network of mostly green and blue terrain, but it does steepen towards the summit above the treeline. Similar terrain can be found under the Larch Express chairlift, which is also home to two top-to-bottom greens.

There’s a good beginner area at the foot of the hill and then good progression on to longer greens served by the Grizzly Express gondola. In good snow years, the Back Bowls offer some serious challenges for advanced skiers and snowboarders, just watch out for rocks early in the season. And of course there’s also the Sunshine Village and Mt Norquay ski areas to explore.

• Total Pistes: 4200 acres (7748 acres in Ski Big 3)
• Beginner: 25%
• Intermediate: 45%
• Advanced: 30%
• Lifts: 10 (26 in Ski Big 3)
• Altitude: 1646m – 2637m (Sunshine Village reaches 2730m)

Banff - Lake Louise Piste Map

The piste map can be downloaded here.

Banff - Lake Louise Resort

There are three options as to where to stay when coming to ski at Lake Louise. The first is to stay in the impressive Fairmont Chateau Hotel right on the lake itself, the second is to stay in the quiet village of Lake Louise and the third is to base yourself in Banff.

We would recommend the first two if you’re looking for a quiet break and are not as concerned about skiing the other two ski areas. Staying in Banff may be 45 minutes from Lake Louise’s skiing, but it is one of the liveliest resort towns around. It has a fantastic selection of bars, restaurants and things to do – and because it is mostly a summer resort, there is lots of good value accommodation during the winter months.

Season Dates

8th November 2019 - 3rd May 2020

How to get to Banff - Lake Louise

Direct flights to Calgary airport are by far the best option. Banff is around 75 minutes away by car, or an hour and a half via a bus, with the drive to Lake Louise taking around two hours.

• Calgary airport: 1.25 – 2 hours (driving)

Banff - Lake Louise Contact Details

• Website: www.skilouise.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 1 (877) 956-8473
• Facebook: @SkiLouise
• Instagram: @skilouise
• Twitter: @skilouise