The Canadian Rockies are jaw dropping any time of year, and it’s no surprise they made our list of the 10 most beautiful ski resorts in North America. Words can’t capture it, and photos barely scratch the surface. To really experience their magic, you’ve got to visit Lake Louise in winter, something we did more than 10 years ago. With the storm train now hitting Lake Louise and giving it some of the best early season skiing in North America, this is the winter to go.
Why Lake Louise Stands Apart
Usually, when a ski area has “resort” in its name, it brings up certain negative images for me. I picture huge villages full of every possible luxury, like heated inflatable globes so you can sit outside comfortably. I also imagine parking miles away and long lift lines.
Lake Louise is completely different. Here, the focus is on the skiing. The amenities that do exist make sense and flow naturally, enhancing the experience rather than distracting from it. The resort embraces its incredible setting in Banff National Park. A beautiful wooden day lodge at the base pays tribute to this stunning landscape. The result is a world class mountain experience that just works.
Everything’s Bigger at Lake Louise
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.” Well, Lake Louise takes that idea to heart, at least when it comes to ski resorts. The real question is, what is bigger: the scenery or the variety of terrain?
There’s beautiful scenery everywhere, but some landscapes give you a true sense of place, almost shouting at you, letting you know exactly where you are. That’s what Lake Louise’s views deliver. A backdrop unlike anywhere else. No matter where you are, backside, bottom, or summit, the views never stop.
And then there is its size. With 4,200 genuine skiable acres, it ranks as the second largest ski resort in Canada, just behind Whistler Blackcomb. I didn’t truly grasp the scale until I hopped on the Grizzly Gondola, and that’s when the sheer expanse of Lake Louise’s terrain really started to sink in. Let’s just say after you visit it’ll be hard for you not to put this place in your top 10.
Front Side to Backside: Conquering Lake Louise’s Terrain
Lake Louise’s layout is divided into four distinct areas: the Front Face, the Back Bowls, the Larch Area and now a new zone called Richardson Ridge. It’s hard to fully describe just how enormous this mountain really is. You could literally spend days, weeks or a lifetime trying to ride it all, and even longer if you’re on a mission to find the secret stashes that only locals know.
At over 164 trails there’s a ton of trails to explore, so where do you even begin? Well, Lake Louise is one of the few resorts I’ve visited where the trail map is genuinely helpful for first-time visitors, offering guidance on where to start based on skill level. You can also find this information on their website.
Trail Run-down for Advanced Skiers
Until the 2023 season, every November Lake Louise hosted the first North American stop on the World Cup circuit. While the current race schedule is still up for debate, you can still test yourself against the best in the world on the aptly named “Men’s Downhill,” located to the left of Glacier Express.
The front side of the mountain is massive, but the gateway to Lake Louise’s expert terrain is the backside. If the front side is Mr. Hyde, then the backside is definitely Dr. Jekyll. It is wild and gnarly, with huge cliffs, massive bowls filled with snow, and even a few tight glades to keep things interesting.
Intermediates: Front Side Favorites
Intermediates will have a field day on the front side of the mountain. Be sure to head straight to the web of trails around the Grizzly Gondola and Glacier Express. Here, the Lake Louise grooming crew’s overnight work creates perfectly laid corduroy, all while offering stunning views of Lake Louise itself and the surrounding peaks. If you’re looking for intermediate terrain on the backside, take the Pika Traverse over to the Richardson’s Ridge area, which features Lake Louise’s newest trails.
Where Beginners Get Their Start
Novices and kids will find a fully enclosed learning area near the base lodge with a magic carpet to get started. From there, they can graduate to the Grizzly Express Gondola and enjoy gentle runs like Deer Run and Eagle Meadows.
Beginners can also explore Richardson Ridge and the Larch area on trails such as Marmot and Lookout, though these include some narrow and steeper cat track sections. Checking the grooming report before heading out is recommended.
Catching Lake Louise at its Best
Despite averaging 175 inches of snow annually, Lake Louise benefits from exceptional snow preservation thanks to its northern latitude, vast acreage, and lower skier volume compared to many resorts in the United States. As a result, the snow often stays in incredible shape long after it falls.
That said, skiing mid week is always the better option. When a rare warm spell hits or snowfall has been scarce, the north facing backside is your best bet for quality conditions. Even during one of the worst winters Canada had seen in decades, we found soft, enjoyable snow. Paradise Bowl was steep with well spaced moguls, and the forgiving snow allowed you to make turns exactly where you wanted.
When to Go
Thanks to its northern latitude and location in the eastern Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise boasts one of the longest natural snow seasons on the continent. It’s often one of the earliest major resorts to open, typically by the first weekend in November. While early season operations are limited, Lake Louise usually offers more open terrain than most North American resorts and why it’s on our list of the best early season skiing, thanks to strong snowmaking and a favorable early winter storm track.
Mid winter brings reliably cold temperatures that preserve snow quality. If you are targeting Lake Louise’s legendary steep and expert terrain, January or later is ideal, once a solid snowpack has formed.
By spring, the deep cold eases and sunny days take over, yet snow conditions remain excellent. It’s also one of the best places to go skiing in April, as the resort’s high elevation and northern exposure often deliver mid winter style powder similar to what you would find in Colorado in February.
Trailhead Café – Breakfast of Champions
For breakfast, locals pointed us to the perfect pre mountain stop, the Trailhead Café. Located in a small shopping center on the way up to the resort, it’s an ideal grab and go spot that helps you maximize time on the mountain.
The menu has a few standout items, including naturally flavored Swiss chocolate almond coffee and the Trailhead Wrap. A local favorite, the wrap earns its reputation with the first bite. Filled with eggs, potatoes, and sausage and wrapped in your choice of tortilla and sauce, it’s outstanding. The tzatziki or hot sauce works surprisingly well and ties everything together. With our stomachs satisfied, it was time to head up the hill.
The Local’s Choice – Explorer’s Lounge
After a long day on the mountain, you’ve probably worked up another appetite. Based on recommendations from the Lake Louise crew, everyone ends up at the Explorer’s Lounge. It feels like a clean version of a dive bar, serving comfort food in a relaxed setting. It isn’t fancy, but it hits the spot. The food, shuffleboard, and solid beer selection give the place its charm.
One menu item stood out, the Aussie Burger. Topped with pickled beets, grilled pineapple, and Aussie BBQ sauce, it was a combination I had never tried before. Somehow, it all worked together and tasted great. One thing to note, restaurants in Canada are not allowed to cook burgers medium rare, so if that’s a deal breaker, you may want to order something else.
Can’t Miss: The Fairmount Chateau
When visiting this area, a stop at the iconic Fairmont Chateau is a must. Sitting directly on the shores of Lake Louise, the hotel offers one of the most breathtaking settings imaginable. Walking the grounds with the lake spread out before us was truly awe inspiring. In the distance, a glacier clung to the side of the mountain, while right in front of us a few employees started a casual pickup game of hockey on the ice.
The moment felt surreal, like a natural Canadian version of the Sistine Chapel. We listened to skates cutting across the ice as the sun slowly set. There was not a hint of wind, just a perfect way to end an incredible day. Lake Louise was a true treat, but it was time to move on. Next stop, the Powder Highway.
