"The Lake Louise Ski Area is one of my favourite haunts, particularly in late season - it always has good snow here. I love the steep skiing off the ridge and the views are second to none."

Our expert Rupert Hatfield

Tips & Advice

 Please see our Banff & Lake Louise Resort Guide for even more resort information

On the mountain:

• Advanced skiers - hire an instructor and safety equipment at Lake Louise and for those skiers and riders who are seeking the thrills of black diamond runs, head to the backside alpine bowls, to Mineshaft & Jackpot runs and Ptarmigan Chutes, as they will offer you a wide variety of super challenging steeps and chutes.

• Day trips from Lake Louise - take a day to experience skiing in Kicking Horse - it’s approximately a 1½ hour drive and well worth the trip.  Check the roads first as the road to Kicking Horse does sometimes close in bad weather.

• Split stays – 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 other resorts in the Rockies Loop.

• It gets cold in Banff, Lake Louise & Sunshine Village, particularly in Dec and Jan - so wrap up warm and invest in a face mask!

• Sunshine Inn - why not treat yourself to a unique get-away-from-it-all experience and spend a night or two up the mountain at the Sunshine Inn, click here for details.

• Emerald Lake Lodge - this is in a unique secluded location on the edge of a pristine lake and has a fabulous restaurant.  A couple of nights here is recommended for a romantic get away and something a bit different, click here for details.

Resort and aprés:

• There are a couple of lively apres ski bars at the Lake Louise Village base lodge and then bars within the hotels. Try the Glacier Saloon at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, or have a few drinks and play games, darts, and socialise by the wood-burning fireplace at the Lake Louise Inn.

• There is very little nightlife in Lake Louise village and most people stay in their hotels in the evenings.  This is not the place to go if you're looking to party, Banff would suit you much better. There are a few good restaurants, generally within other hotels, a short drive away that your hotel concierge can recommend and book for you.  We can recommend the restaurant at the Baker Creek chalets and the Emerald Lake Lodge if you fancy exploring.

• If you're heading on to Jasper along the Icefields parkway, we can recommend buying your sandwiches/ supplies for the trip from Lake Louise base lodge - much nicer than those that can be bought at Lake Louise Village.

Car hire:

• Driving to Banff, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise is a very simple and short journey - perfect if you’ve never driven in North America before. Parking is also fairly easy in town and free for short durations, i.e. up to 2 hrs.
  

• The area is extremely easy to drive around and it gives you that extra flexibility to try some of the further afield resorts and run your itineraries as you please.
  

• Be aware of the following extra costs associated when hiring a car:
  1. The $17.99 per day or $126 yearly pass (whatever is cheapest) national park fees
  2. Car parking charges at hotels. Often parking is free or a small fee per night, however you can pay up to $25 per night in the more luxurious hotels - please see property descriptions for details.
  3. If flying to Calgary and picking up a hire car, Calgary airport charges extra tax per day that needs to be paid on returning the car - approx $50 for a 12 day hire. Make sure you’re clear on whether you need to return your vehicle with or without a full tank.