Set within the stunning Banff National Park, the Banff/Lake Louise area is the centre of skiing in Alberta and very popular with British skiers.

This section of the Rockies has very reliable snow conditions and a long season running from late November to late April. The three ski areas of Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Banff Mount Norquay - all covered by the excellent Tri-Area lift pass - have contrasting terrain appropriate for all abilities.

Perhaps the most special feature is the scenery. To be skiing amid the Rocky Mountains looking out over miles and miles of mountain wilderness is an experience that brings people back year after year.

It is important to realise that you have to travel from your hotel to the skiing when staying in Lake Louise. The small village area where all the accommodation can be found is just a 5 min drive to the Lake Louise ski area, but a 45 minute drive to the Banff Mount Norquay and Sunshine Village ski areas – see map. Shuttles to the ski areas are covered by the Tri-Area pass. Lake Louise is the largest of the resorts (in fact the largest in the Canadian Rockies) with 3 distinct ski areas and terrain suitable for all levels of skier – from the top of every lift there is either an easy or difficult run down. There are over 128 kms of runs across a ski area of 4,200 acres that includes 6 back bowls laying claim to dry light snow known as ‘champagne powder’.

Lake Louise village itself is compact and is more a collection of hotels rather than a town or resort, although it does have a small shopping plaza and a selection of restaurants and bars in the vicinity.

Advanced Skiers - Hire an instructor and ski the awesome off-piste of Delerium Dive at Sunshine and the Back Bowls of Lake Louise.

Split stays and Rockies Ski Safaris - Our top tip to get the most from your visit - split your stay between Banff and Lake Louise.  For example, stay in both the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and minimise the journey to the skiing. Alternatively add on any other resorts in the Rockies loop (please see the link for our Ski Safaris on the right).

Day Trips - To Kicking Horse on the Powder Hound Express or to heli-ski with RK Heli-skiing in Panorama or Purcell Helicopter in Golden will really add to your holiday experience.