Lake Louise Ski Resort

The vast and varied terrain is located in the heart of the Banff National Park. With 4200 acres of skiable terrain, Lake Louise ski resort ranks among the biggest ski resorts in North America. It is pretty remarkable that all ability levels are covered on every single lift in Lake Louise, which makes it easy for families to spend the day together despite their differing skiing skills.

The three ski areas Lake Louise Mountain Resort, Banff Mount Norquay, and Sunshine Village Resort Banff collectively form the Ski Big3. The Big3 Season Pass is valid all season at all three ski resorts, which equals almost 8,000 acres of terrain on one pass.

In total, Lake Louise offers 165 marked runs plus its Back Bowls. These include 25% runs for beginners, 45% for intermediate skiers as well as 30% for advanced skiers. The longest run is about 8km (5 miles). 

All lifts in Lake Louise have a green descend going down. As soon as you feel more secure you can grab the Glacier Express Quad. This one will take you to run #9, Wiwaxy which is amazing for ski novices. Serviced by the Grizzly Express Gondola, you could also hit #55, #56 and #65. Those are all great to find your ski legs and get comfortable in the area. The Top of the World 6-Pack Express will whisk you up the mountain and give you access to run #109. The Larch Express features run #143, #150 and the super long trail #155 that actually brings you back to the Front Side.

Lake Louise Showtime Terrain Park usually opens its gates in December, January at the latest. It is located on Easy Street, just above the base, and it is one of the largest terrain parks in Western Canada. It features progressive lines for every ability level. From super newbie to extreme athlete, everyone will find their own spot. Especially the bag jump is a blast for every advanced freestyle skier. Before the Showtime opens, there is always a smaller terrain park setup somewhere in the resort.

Excellent Ski Area for Intermediates

Intermediates are in ski heaven with 45% of the trails being designated for them. You are surely going to appreciate run #59. Number 39 later merges with #8 and you cannot miss out on that. Summit Platter brings you up to #132, where you will find the most amazing view if the weather plays along. Those looking for a thrill, head to the backside alpine bowls and you will find a ton of double black diamond runs. Here you can get your fix of steeps and chutes that will take your breath away. The off piste options seem endless and the super steeps will leave no expert skier unsatisfied. 

... and Beginners alike

The Sunny Learning Area and the Minute Maid Wideness Adventure Park are the best places for absolute beginners and kids to start into their ski adventures. Conveniently located right next to the Day Care Center, you will find three beginner carpet lifts. Throughout the resort you will notice the green signs that say Easiest Way. Follow these to find doable runs for beginners.

You will find an amazing choice of mountain huts and lodges throughout Lake Louise. The Lodge of Ten Peaks boasts two restaurants, a cafeteria, and a coffee bar. Just recently a Bierstube opened in the Lodge of Ten Peaks, serving cold beer on tap.

Kuma Yuma is famous for its sushi, ramen and unique specialties. The Slopeside Coffee Bar with its fresh Starbucks coffee, juices, smoothies, pizza slices, and a variety of freshly baked goods is another refreshment option in the lodge. The Powder Keg Lounge is also a great spot to hang out during a long day on the slopes. With its comfortable leather furniture and large screen TVs this restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy hot chocolate or liquid refreshments at the bar, fresh baked pizza, nachos, healthy salads, or bison chili. Moreover, the Powder Keg Lounge offers several gluten free options. 

The Whiskey Jack Logde presents a bistro and a cafe. It also has microwaves, hot water stations and seatings for those who want to bring their own lunch and snacks. The Whiskey Jack Cafe on the upper level has the typical North American mountain fare on the menu, like burgers and fries, but also stirfry and spring rolls. On the main level, you will find the Northface Bistro which invites you for both an extended breakfast buffet or to check out the fully interactive lunch stations, where your meal is being prepared right in front of you.

Right next to the base of Glacier Chair, you will find the Kokanee Kabin. Whether you fancy a Starbucks coffee or refreshing beer at the backdrop of live music, the Kokanee Kabin will answer your wishes. Centered in the middle of the ski resort, the newly renovated Whitehorn Bistro is the perfect spot to stop and enjoy a variety of items, such as a nice cheese fondue, seafood chowder or a house made Bison burger. The fantastic scenery and panoramic view is another plus and should definitely convince you to take a look inside this fantastic restaurant.

Located on the backside of the mountain, Temple Lodge offers a spectacular setting, which makes it a perfect place to enjoy a break from the slopes. Aside from a cafeteria, it also offers a restaurant, called Sawyer's Nook, which is known for its pizza varieties and burger specialties.

The Men´s World Cup Downhill Run #1, found on the front side of the mountain cannot be missed if you consider yourself among expert skiers. Although it is pretty challenging, it is definitely a better alternative to the bowls if it is really snowy and cloudy. 

Being situated in the heart of the Banff National Park, it would be a shame to not make it out of the ski resort at least once. Guided sightseeing tours are available if you book in advance. Rather checking out the fantastic scenery from above? Check out the Lake Louise Gondola and cruise for fourteen fantastic minutes, in an open chair or a fully enclosed gondola, to Banff National Park's greatest views.

Snowshoeing is another great way of getting to know the surroundings and you can even book guides that will lead you through the Rockies. Snow tubing is also a real adrenaline rush and a great action-filled activity for the whole family. The same applies to tobogganing: The run is right next to the Waldhaus Rink, where you can also go ice skating.

Dog Sledding was always your childhood dream? Here it can come true. You can choose between half hour, half day, full day and moonlight tours. Ice fishing is another fun activity from December through April. You can hang out in heated huts on the ice while you're waiting to catch a fish. 

In case you would like to spend your leisure time inside, the Bowling Center still guarantees a fun night out without freezing and it is great to see something away from snow and ice.

If you want to go partying after skiing, you have to make the 45 minute drive to Banff. The town has a ton of hangouts for happy hour after the official slope hours. Wild Bill's is one of the largest pubs in Banff and always fills up quickly. They often feature weekly performers like comedians and music acts.

The Sunshine Creekside Lodge is a great place when you´re coming right from the slopes since it is located at the base of the gondola station. Cocktails, shots, and beers can be found in abundance. The Pump & Tap Tavern is another English Pub that is great to come for a late afternoon drink and a pool game.

The HooDoo Lounge & Nightclub is a pumping nightclub that has a great variety of music styles and especially on Thursdays it is a great place to shake the leg. The Dancing Sasquatch nightclub consists of a massive dance floor and a ton of bars. Here, the main nights are Friday and Saturday. The most fancy nightclub in Banff is Aurora's. Top DJs from all over the world are guests here on a weekly basis. You see, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to nightlife.

You won't be disappointed with the selection of restaurants in Banff, 45 minutes away from Lake Louise. One of the best known restaurants in the town of Banff is Eden. They serve mainly French cuisine but always with a regional influence. They already won an ALTO award for their outstanding cooking skills and you can be sure to find the best food here.

The Evergreen Restaurant & Lounge offers Canadian specialties and an extended wine list to make all guests leave the restaurant fully satisfied. You're into mouthwatering desserts and the best meat quality possible? Then the Terrace Dining Room & Lounge is your first choice. The Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar is also great if you feel like you fancy regional and seasonal food.

Calgary International Airport is just a 2 hour drive away and rental cars and bus transportation make it pretty easy to get to the ski resort. Common rental car companys like Budget, Enterprise and Avis have stations right at the airport. The Shuttle drives between the Airport and ski resort several times a day. By driving yourself, you pretty much just have to follow the AB-1W and then look for signage for the ski resort.