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Lake Louise Ski Resort

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Located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola is a well-known location in the Canadian Rockies. Situated 57 kilometers west of Banff, this prestigious resort on the southern Slate Range provides a stunning alpine backdrop for both winter and summer leisure pursuits.

Whitehorn Mountain makes up the main skiable terrain of the resort; other portions stretch down the lower western slope of Lipalian Mountain. Rising to about 3,000 meters above sea level, Mount Richardson, Ptarmigan Peak, Pika Peak, and Redoubt Mountain round this large ski region. One natural border proximal to the junction of Highway 1A, Highway 1, and Highway 93 is the Pipestone River, a branch of the Bow River that defines the base of the hills.

Originally used as access to the old Skoki Ski Lodge, skiing activities in Lake Louise date back to the 1920s. The first ski lift built at the resort in 1954 started the infrastructure development; subsequently, a poma lift was added in 1960. These first projects set the foundation for the resort’s development as a world-class skiing location.

The Lake Louise Ski Resort’s ownership has changed. The Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) corporation owned and controlled operations until fall 2008. Charlie Locke then reackered the resort via a buyback option; he had owned it from 1981 until 2003. Returning his experience and vision to the resort, Locke reassumed his role as owner, president, and operator.

Being the first stop on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit, the resort enjoys a unique place in the worldwide skiing scene. It preserves the special distinction of being Canada’s lone location for this important event, known as the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup. Alpine Canada defines this tournament as “Canada’s highest-profile alpine ski race,” drawing top downhill skiers internationally, including four-time World Cup winner Lindsey Vonn. The races in Lake Louise started in 1980 and ran unbroken from 1993 until the COVID-19 outbreak prompted the postponement of the 2020 event. This tournament is famous for having both men’s and women’s speed events on the World Cup circuit, marking the opening of the season with the inaugural downhill and super-G races.

Apart from alpine skiing, the resort has added snowboarding as part of its competitive range. Its first FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup in December 2013 confirmed its status as a multifarious winter sports venue. With “Shake The Lake,” a lively freestyle and musical event, the resort ends its snow season.

The terrain of the resort consists in 145 marked ski runs and back bowls spread over four mountain faces, so accommodating different skill levels: 25% beginner, 45% intermediate, and 30% advanced. The ‘Terrain Park‘ is made to fit riders of all proficiencies, so guaranteeing visitors’ whole experience. Four full-service day hotels offer conveniences during the winter; snowboarders have unlimited access to all trails and the terrain park.

Beyond the winter, the Lake Louise sightseeing gondola runs year-round providing panoramic views of glaciers, natural springs, and alpine vegetation. Local animals, including grizzly bears, may be seen by visitors, so augmenting the natural spectacle of the trip. The resort’s varied array of activities—dog sledding, ice skating, and cross-country skiing—helps to define it as a flexible location for outdoor lovers all year long.

CategoryDetails
LocationBanff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Resort Altitude1,600 meters
Ski SeasonNovember to May
Ski Pass PricesVaries by season and age group
Opening TimesTypically 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Number of PistesOver 145
Total Piste LengthApproximately 160 kilometers
Longest Run8 kilometers
Easy Slopes25%
Moderate Slopes45%
Advanced Slopes30%
Directions of SlopesNorth, South, East, West
Night SkiingNot available
Snow MakingAvailable on select runs
Total Lifts10
Uphill CapacityApproximately 14,000 skiers per hour
Highest Lift2,637 meters
Gondolas/Cable Cars1 Gondola
Chairlifts6
Drag Lifts3
Snow Parks1 Terrain Park
Ski RentalsAvailable
Canadian Dollar (CAD)

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Founded

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English

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Base elevation: 1,646 m (5,400 ft)

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