• Scout Loves & Scout Tips
• Scout Review
• Lake Louise Skiing
• Lake Louise For Families

• Lake Louise Accommodation
• Resort Activities
• Getting There and Around
• When To Go
• Facts & Figures

Scout Review

Lake Louise is one of Canada’s best known ski resorts – for many good reasons! There’s the skiing of course, which is varied and exciting thanks to the 4,200/1,700 hectares of terrain over four mountain faces. But without a doubt, the true hero here is the awe-inspiring scenery. Spectacular 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies can be seen from every part of the mountain, which is marvelous so long as you don’t get too distracted by the view that you forget to look where you’re going as you’re zooming down the slopes!

Located in Banff National Park, about 45 minutes west of Banff, Lake Louise has a small village area about five minutes from the base of the mountain. There is no ski-in ski-out accommodation but there are several great restaurants, delis and bars located at the base area as well as spread around the mountain. Whitehorn Lodge is an on-mountain alpine bistro with excellent service and the best views.

The village area about 10 minutes drive from the ski resort has a small collection of retail and grocery stores, as well as a few inns, lodges and cabins. You will notice that the place has a retro National Park feel to it, which only adds to the charm. It’s a lovely place to stay although it should be said that if you’re looking for a happening après scene, you would be better off in Banff. 

Up the road from the village is the famous, castle-like Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.  Set against the stunning backdrop of the frozen lake and glacier covered mountains, the Fairmont is worth a side trip whether you’re staying in the area or not.

Lake Louise Skiing

Lake Louise Ski Resort offers great skiing and boarding for all standards. There are 10 lifts including a gondola and a high speed 6 passenger lift, plus there are 3 magic carpets. So whether you’re a first timer or an expert, everyone will have plenty to keep them occupied.

Beginners should start out at Sunny Side and Kids Zone, which is a safe and easy area to the side of the main slopes. There are other beginner slopes throughout the mountain and plenty of long, well groomed cruisers for intermediates.

Advanced and expert skiers will be impressed not only by the stupendous views but by the variety of terrain on offer here. There are plenty of steeps, chutes and gladed runs that will keep seasoned skiers and boarders seriously satisfied – especially in the Back Bowl area. We particularly liked the runs to the left of the Paradise chair. In 2020 the resort added an additional 480 acres of terrain in the west bowl and ugraded the Summit Chair which accesses the area. It has plenty of steep runs, powder and gladed trees.

Larch Mountain also has some really fun terrain, including the gladed runs off to the right. Kids and adult kids will love Rock Garden, which has tons of of natural jumps and whoop-ti-doos.

The lifts at Lake Louise are generally fast (the old 3-seater Paradise chair being the exception) and positioned to provide access to all sorts of terrain quickly.

Due to its popularity and proximity to Calgary, Lake Louise can get crowded, particularly on weekends and powder days. The resort gets 179in/4.5m average snowfall per year, which isn’t a huge amount, but cold temperatures ensures it stays light and dry. Lake Louise can get quite hard packed.

Download the Trail Map

Lake Louise For Families

Lake Louise is fantastic for families, although unfortunately it lacks on-mountain accommodation. However, the facilities at the base area include lockers, rentals and shopping, while the beginner area is ideally located right near the main Base Area lodge and the bottom of the gondola. This means that if parents need to meet up with their kids throughout the day, it won’t be too much of a hassle. The resort does offer a fantastic day day program for kids aged from infant to 6 years.

Lake Louise Accommodation

Lake Louise Ski Resort does not have any ski-in ski-out accommodation options – the closest lodging is located in the village nearby. But there are a variety of places to choose from including log cabins, small hotels, and lodges, and of course the ginormous (and truly magical) Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The Lake Louise Inn is a fantastic traditional hotel, while the Deer Lodge is quaint and oozes with historic charm.

Find a great map of the Lake Louise area and location of our favourite hotels here.

Resort Activities

Lake Louise has everything you’d expect from a well developed ski resort, including first tracks skiing, snow tubing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Also on offer is a delightful torchlight dinner and ski. Day trips to the nearby Fairmont Chateau (and it's magical lake and ice waterfalls) are recommended for a down day, or you can take part in a guided tour of the surrounding national parks. Head into downtown Banff for an afternoon and explore the fantastic shopping on Main Street, or spend an afternoon soaking at the Banff Hot Springs.

Getting There and Around

Lake Louise Ski Resort is located five minutes from the town of Lake Louise (and the Fairmont Chateau). From Banff it’s about 40-45 minutes, and 2 hours from Calgary airport.

Whether you’re staying in Lake Louise or Banff, there are regular public shuttles that are free when you use your tri-area ski ticket. Having your own car adds a lot of flexibility and there’s a huge parking lot close to the base area. 

Find a great map of the Canadian Rockies and location of each of the ski resorts here.

When To Go

Lake Louise has a long season. It usually operates in the first week of November and closes the first week of May.

March is a fantastic time to visit Lake Louise. January and February have relatively reliable snow, but it can be very cold. In December and early January it can be very, very cold! Be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes and especially face protection. The main lifts don’t operate when the temperature drops below -30°C/-22°F  which can happen a few times a season. April brings some excellent spring skiing as the temperature starts to warm up.