Lake Louise, Canada: Experience the alpine wonders and dramatic history

Scenic Lake Louise is situated in Canada’s Banff National Park, the backdrop for some of the most spectacular winter sports in North America. In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the ski area lies across the valley from the village of Lake Louise.

The ski area of Lake Louise provides over 11 square miles of skiable terrain with a fairly even distribution of slopes between beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The Lake Louise area has excellent expert runs and is also popular with freeriders and snowboarders because of its steep terrain and large bowls. The ski season in Lake Louise runs from November to mid-May with reliable natural snow and snowmaking machines.

The Lake Louise ski area was rated the most scenic resort in North America in the 2003 reader resort survey in SKI Magazine, as well as second for value.

Lake Louise’s magnificent scenery draws many visitors who enjoy winter activities other than downhill skiing. The area offers fantastic ice hiking, ice skating, snowshoeing, snow hiking, heli-skiing, and cross-country skiing. For those who would rather rely on someone else’s legs, sleigh riding and dog sledding are available at Chateau Lake Louise. Banff National Park is a heaven for photographers and offers scenic drives that provide endless subjects to be captured on film.

Not only is the scenery in Lake Louise some of the most stunning in the world, but the accommodations are also some of the finest to be found. The region is home to the showcase Chateaux Lake Louise, located directly on the lake. Just down the road is the Post Hotel. One of the most luxurious hotels in the world, the Post has an award-winning wine list second to none in the country. A bit further is the remote Emerald Lodge, where guests stay in cabins beside this private glacial lake.

The resort also offers excellent dining opportunities. At the train station, where the movie Dr.Zivago was filmed, you can dine in the original dining car of a bygone era. If you are more adventurous a torch-lit dinner at the top of the ski hill is not to be missed.

Family-friendly Lake Louise offers ski lessons and daycare for children (from 18 days old) and provides lodging that is convenient for families traveling together. Adults can take lessons individually or as a group, as well. Romantic couples enjoy the quiet remoteness of the area.