IN A NUTSHELL

Lake Louise ski resort offers over 4200 acres of diverse terrain over four mountain faces (that’s 164 runs – with the longest expanding over 8km – plus back bowls and West Bowl to explore). Feel the thrill that comes from exploring the unique layout of ski runs, with beginner, intermediate, and expert routes from nearly every chair.

Lake Louise SKI RESORT

Lake Louise Ski Resort, located in the stunning Canadian Rockies, is one of Canada’s largest ski areas, offering over 4,200 acres of varied terrain for all abilities. The mountain features four unique zones—Front Side, Back Bowls, West Bowl, and Larch—with everything from gentle beginner slopes to advanced alpine bowls and tree runs. For lodging, options include the upscale Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with seriously panoramic views, the family-friendly Lake Louise Inn offering suites and condos, indoor pool and activities—all just minutes from the lifts and village.

Dining on-mountain is a treat: enjoy local specialties at Whitehorn Bistro with breathtaking views, classic options at the Lodge of Ten Peaks cafeteria, sushi at Kuma Yama, or cozy pints at Powder Keg Lounge.

THE SKIING IN Lake Louise SKI RESORT

Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park offers 4,200 acres of thrilling terrain across four faces - suited to beginners, intermediates, and experts alike - with a vertical drop of nearly 1,000 m and the longest run at 8 km. Each lift serves easy, mid, and steep runs, letting mixed-ability groups ski together. Families benefit from excellent ski school, magic carpets, a daycare caring for kids. Add in world-class views, reliable snowfall, terrain parks, tubing, gondola rides, plus cozy lodges and après options, and Lake Louise is a superb all‑round winter getaway.

World famous dry Canadian Rockies powder is available for one of the longest, most consistent ski/snowboard seasons in the world with opening in early November and operations until late in May each year. Combined with some of the best value ski holidays to Canada, Lake Louise remains a popular choice with many skiers returning year after year.

Lake Louise Ski Resort is renowned for its incredible variety of terrain, making it an excellent destination for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. Here’s what you can expect by level:

Beginners
Extensive Beginner Terrain: The Sunny Side area at the base features multiple magic carpets and gentle, wide slopes perfectly designed for first-timers and children, with highly rated instructors and lessons easily available.

Progression: Once comfortable, beginners can explore green runs like Wiwaxy and Pika—long, winding, and specially marked as slow-skiing zones for an easy progression to the next level.

Mountain Access: Uniquely, a green (easy) run descends from nearly every chairlift, allowing beginners to traverse much of the resort’s expansive area—far more variety than most ski resorts offer to new skiers.

Special Features: The resort marks “the easiest way down” at the top of every lift, removing anxiety about getting stuck on a slope that’s too difficult.

Lake Louise Ski Resort is renowned for its incredible variety of terrain, making it an excellent destination for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. Here’s what you can expect by level:

Beginners
Extensive Beginner Terrain: The Sunny Side area at the base features multiple magic carpets and gentle, wide slopes perfectly designed for first-timers and children, with highly rated instructors and lessons easily available.

Progression: Once comfortable, beginners can explore green runs like Wiwaxy and Pika—long, winding, and specially marked as slow-skiing zones for an easy progression to the next level.

Mountain Access: Uniquely, a green (easy) run descends from nearly every chairlift, allowing beginners to traverse much of the resort’s expansive area—far more variety than most ski resorts offer to new skiers.

Special Features: The resort marks “the easiest way down” at the top of every lift, removing anxiety about getting stuck on a slope that’s too difficult.

WHAT IS THE SKIING LIKE AT Lake Louise?

Lake Louise Ski Resort is renowned for its incredible variety of terrain, making it an excellent destination for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. Here’s what you can expect by level:

Beginners
Extensive Beginner Terrain: The Sunny Side area at the base features multiple magic carpets and gentle, wide slopes perfectly designed for first-timers and children, with highly rated instructors and lessons easily available.
Progression: Once comfortable, beginners can explore green runs like Wiwaxy and Pika—long, winding, and specially marked as slow-skiing zones for an easy progression to the next level.
Mountain Access: Uniquely, a green (easy) run descends from nearly every chairlift, allowing beginners to traverse much of the resort’s expansive area—far more variety than most ski resorts offer to new skiers.
Special Features: The resort marks “the easiest way down” at the top of every lift, removing anxiety about getting stuck on a slope that’s too difficult.

Intermediates
A Dream for Intermediates: Over half the slopes at Lake Louise are classified as blue (intermediate), offering long, scenic groomers, gentler glades, tree skiing, and expansive bowls.
Best Blue Runs: Classics include Grizzly Gully, Cameron Way, Boomerang, and Juniper—perfect for building confidence and enjoying spectacular views.
All-Mountain Exploration: Intermediates can comfortably explore all four mountain faces, with options to range from wide-open frontside cruisers to powdery tree runs in Larch, and scenic laps in the back bowls.

Advanced/Expert
Thrilling Steeps & Freeride: Lake Louise is a bucket-list destination for advanced skiers, with about 30% of its 139km of marked runs rated black or double black, including challenging mogul fields, powder bowls, steep chutes, and off-piste adventures.

Signature Terrain: The Back Bowls and West Bowl are legendary for their deep powder, moguls, and technical terrain. Notable runs include the Whitehorn 2 Alphabet Gullies, Upper 5, E.R. 3 Gullies, Paradise Bowl, and the Rock Garden—challenging even for experts.
Freeride & Off-Piste: For those seeking adventure, Lake Louise offers extensive in-bounds and accessible off-piste, but safety and avalanche awareness are essential, especially on double black lines.
Races & Park: Advanced skiers also enjoy race training on groomed black runs and can test their skills in various terrain parks and natural features.
Terrain Variety: Numerous blue and even “easy blacks” offer smooth progression for strong intermediates.

is Lake Louise good for families?

If you just want to ski and be close by to the largest of the Ski Big3 resorts and are willing to forego nightlife or several dining options then Lake Louise works well.

Dedicated Children’s and Beginner Zones
The Sunny Side Area at the base features gentle slopes, magic carpets, kid-friendly obstacles, a separate children’s adventure course, and convenient access to lessons and childcare. There are multiple learning areas, including the Minute Maid Wilderness Adventure Park, where kids can safely build skills before progressing further up the mountain.

Lessons, Childcare, and Convenience
The resort offers high-quality group and private ski lessons for children and adults, with specialized ski kindergarten, nursery, and a fully licensed daycare accepting babies as young as 18 days old. Full and half-day care are available, allowing parents peace of mind both on and off the slopes.

Easy for Mixed-Ability Families to Stick Together
One of the biggest strengths is that almost every chairlift at Lake Louise serves a green (easy) run, so families with mixed ability can ride up together and descend at their own pace. Wide, groomed runs like Wiwaxy, Easy Street, Pine Cone Way, and Pika make skiing together easy and enjoyable.

Lake Louise Property Map