Lake Louise Ski Resort

Lake Louise is an ideal choice if you're looking for a quieter location, but still want top-notch facilities and service. The village itself is small, but the skiing and scenery is among the best in the world. If you're a first-time visitor to Canada, expecting mountains, forests, lakes and wildlife, then staying and skiing within the vast Banff National Park is exactly what you would have pictured.

The slopes look out across the valley to Lake Louise itself (which is frozen in winter) and are served by efficient, mostly high-speed lifts. These provide access to wide-open runs, powder bowls and steep chutes.

Lake Louise is the first North American stop on the Alpine Ski World Cup tour each November, thanks to its early opening date, and the reliable snow and cold temperatures mean the season usually lasts about six months.