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Introduction
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 is fantastic. If you're a first-time visitor to Canada, expecting mountains, forests, lakes and wildlife, the surrounding national park is exactly what you've 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 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.
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 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.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,540m (5,052ft) (town); 1,731m (5,680ft) (lake).
Top elevation: 2,637m (8,652ft).
Base elevation: 1,646m (5,400ft).
Number of lifts: 9.
Number of runs: 139.
Average annual snowfall: 4.7m (15ft).
Where in the world?
Lake Louise is situated in the western Canadian province of Alberta, 184km (115 miles) west of Calgary and 60km (36 miles) west of Banff. The resort lies in the heart of Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains.
Hit the slopes
The season runs from November until May.
Lake Louise's slopes are spread over four mountain faces, with a large proportion of the skiing below the tree line. On the main south face, there are some wonderful wide, fast runs, which intermediates will love. Or if you're learning and don't want speedy skiers weaving round you, try Wiwaxy, a beginners-only run. More advanced skiers and boarders can follow in the skis of champions on the Men's Downhill or Ladies' Downhill courses.
Take the Top of the World six-seater chairlift, the Grizzly Express gondola or the Summit Platter to drop into the back bowls. Peering over the ridge reveals a multitude of thigh-burning vertiginous black and double-black runs. But less confident skiers need not fear - there are a handful of easy routes down too. Continue over to the Larch area for some fine cruisers and gladed runs.
There is an excellent rail park under the Glacier Express chairlift with over 20 features, but the resort no longer has any big air jumps for safety reasons.
The ski and snowboard school runs private and group lessons for all levels. Equipment hire is available at the base.
Lake Louise's slopes are spread over four mountain faces, with a large proportion of the skiing below the tree line. On the main south face, there are some wonderful wide, fast runs, which intermediates will love. Or if you're learning and don't want speedy skiers weaving round you, try Wiwaxy, a beginners-only run. More advanced skiers and boarders can follow in the skis of champions on the Men's Downhill or Ladies' Downhill courses.
Take the Top of the World six-seater chairlift, the Grizzly Express gondola or the Summit Platter to drop into the back bowls. Peering over the ridge reveals a multitude of thigh-burning vertiginous black and double-black runs. But less confident skiers need not fear - there are a handful of easy routes down too. Continue over to the Larch area for some fine cruisers and gladed runs.
There is an excellent rail park under the Glacier Express chairlift with over 20 features, but the resort no longer has any big air jumps for safety reasons.
The ski and snowboard school runs private and group lessons for all levels. Equipment hire is available at the base.
Beyond the slopes
The most magical experience here might be ice skating on Lake Louise itself; part of the lake is also cleared for hockey. On the snow, there are snowshoe and cross-country skiing trails to explore (guided tours available). You can also try dog sledding and snowmobiling (tour operators will pick you up from your accommodation).
The town of Banff, with its shops, restaurants and natural hot-springs, is about 45 minutes away.
The town of Banff, with its shops, restaurants and natural hot-springs, is about 45 minutes away.
Family fun
Childcare is available at the daycare centre next to the main lodge from birth to age six; tots can try a little skiing too. Then from age five to 12 (from seven for snowboarders), children can join ‘Kidski and Shreddies' classes, meeting at the Wilderness Adventure Park.
Retail therapy
If you're a shopaholic, you'd be better off in Banff, but there are a few places to flex your plastic, mostly gift shops, ski stores or boutiques. You'll find the majority either in the Samson Mall in the village or at the Chateau Lake Louise.
Après ski
Lake Louise is not the place to go for wild partying, but there are a few après-ski options. The Kokanee Kabin at the mountain base is a lively spot at the end of the day, with cold beer or hot drinks, barbecue and live music. Otherwise, your best bet is to head to one of the hotel bars for a quiet drink.
An alternative on Tuesday and Friday nights is the Lake Louise by Moonlight snowshoe tour - if you're lucky, you might spot the Northern Lights on a clear evening.
For an après activity with an Albertan twist, Brewster Lake Louise Stables will pick you up in a horse-drawn sleigh and whisk you to a cowboy barbecue, complete with live country and western music and line dancing (departs from the Chateau Lake Louise).
An alternative on Tuesday and Friday nights is the Lake Louise by Moonlight snowshoe tour - if you're lucky, you might spot the Northern Lights on a clear evening.
For an après activity with an Albertan twist, Brewster Lake Louise Stables will pick you up in a horse-drawn sleigh and whisk you to a cowboy barbecue, complete with live country and western music and line dancing (departs from the Chateau Lake Louise).
Eating out
Most dining beyond the slopes is in hotels. The Mount Fairview Dining Room (Deer Lodge, Lake Louise Drive) serves up such treats as grilled elk sirloin with roasted fingerling potatoes and a raspberry black peppercorn glaze. Timberwolf Pizza and Pasta Cafe (Lake Louise Inn, 210 Village Road) is a good choice for families.
For a break from hotel cuisine, try the Friday-night torchlight dinner at Whitehorn Lodge on the mountain.
For a break from hotel cuisine, try the Friday-night torchlight dinner at Whitehorn Lodge on the mountain.
Getting around
A free bus connects the Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise Inn and Post Hotel with the ski area. Shuttles also run between Lake Louise and the nearby ski areas Sunshine Village and Ski Norquay. Taxis are available too.
If you hire a car, you can drive over to Kicking Horse ski resort in British Columbia for a day.
If you hire a car, you can drive over to Kicking Horse ski resort in British Columbia for a day.
Splashing out
Stay in a luxurious secluded wilderness cabin at Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho National Park, 40km (25 miles) west of Lake Louise (website: www.crmr.com/emerald-lake-lodge.php). The first lodge was built here by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1902. You can follow the cross-country skiing trails round the lake, ice skate, or try the more adventurous pursuit of waterfall ice climbing.
Accommodation
Luxury
Fairmont Chateau Lake LouiseThe historic Chateau is set in a stunning location on the shores of Lake Louise and boasts elegantly designed rooms, a choice of restaurants and a health spa.
111 Lake Louise Drive
Tel: (403) 522 3511 or 1 800 257 7544 (Fairmont central reservations).
Website: www.fairmont.com/lakelouise
Moderate
Lake Louise InnModern and comfortable, with several room types catering to different budgets, plus indoor pool, hot tub and shuttle service to the slopes.
210 Village Road
Tel: (403) 522 3791 or 1 800 661 9237.
Website: www.lakelouise.com
Budget
HI-Lake Louise Alpine CentreClean and airy Hostelling International accommodation with private and shared rooms. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, kitchen, lounge and on-site cafe.
203 Village Road
Tel: (403) 670 7580 or 1 866 762 4122.
Website: www.hihostels.ca
Getting there
Nearest airport: Calgary (YYC).
Distance to resort: 196km (122 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours.
Distance to resort: 196km (122 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours.
Website
This resort is good for...
Snowboarders, Intermediates, Snow reliability, Environmental awareness, Experts, Families
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