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 amongst 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 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.

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: 11.

Number of runs: 113.

Average annual snowfall: 4.27m (14ft).

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.

The season runs from late November until early May. Despite being one of the largest ski areas in North America with one of the continent's biggest lift-served verticals, the altitude of the top and bottom of the lifts is not high so there isn't the possibility of altitude-related health issues which sometimes affect visitors to ski areas in the Rockies further south, in Colorado for example.

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.

Heliskiing is also populart in the area, with companies operating within an hour of Lake Louise itself.There is an excellent terrain park under the Glacier Express chairlift with over 30 features, including massive jumps.

The ski and snowboard school runs private and group lessons for all levels. Equipment hire is available at the base.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Most dining beyond the slopes is in hotels with about 20 places to choose from. 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.

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.

Stay in a luxurious secluded wilderness cabin at Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho National Park, 40km (25 miles) west of Lake Louise (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.

Luxury

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The 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.
Website: www.fairmont.com/lakelouise

Moderate

Lake Louise Inn
Modern 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.
Website: www.lakelouiseinn.com

Budget

HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre
Clean 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.
Website: www.hihostels.ca

Nearest airport: Calgary (YYC).

Distance to resort: 196km (122 miles).

Driving time: 2 hours.

www.skilouise.com or www.banfflakelouise.com

Families, Beginners, Experts, Environmental awareness, Snowboarders, Intermediates, Snow reliability