Banff and Lake Louise

Lake Louise Ski Resort: Your Canadian Rockies Adventure Awaits

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a snow lover’s dream, home to three world-class ski resorts: Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Banff Sunshine Village. Whether you're carving through fresh powder or soaking in the breathtaking mountain views, Banff offers a ski experience like no other. It's often called "Canada's friendly giant" because it offers a truly massive amount of terrain alongside an incredibly welcoming vibe. Whether you're new to the slopes or a seasoned powder hound, Lake Louise offers an unforgettable experience. With the SkiBig3 lift ticket, you can seamlessly explore all three resorts, each offering its own unique terrain and unforgettable skiing and snowboarding adventures.

Lake Louise Mountain Stats & Terrain: Something for Everyone

Lake Louise is one of Canada’s largest ski resorts, and it offers the kind of variety that makes it easy for just about anyone to have a good time. Whether you’re traveling with first-timers, seasoned skiers, or a mix of both, there’s plenty of space to spread out and find your flow.

Where Is Lake Louise? And How Does It Relate to Banff?

Lake Louise Ski Resort sits inside Banff National Park, one of the most stunning places in the Canadian Rockies. If you're wondering whether Banff and Lake Louise are the same thing, you're not alone. A lot of travelers ask that.

When to Ski at Lake Louise

Lake Louise has one of the longest ski seasons in North America, usually starting in early November and running through early May. That gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to planning your trip.

How planning a ski trip with Ski.com works

Ready to experience the magic of Lake Louise for yourself? Planning a ski trip, especially to a major international destination like Lake Louise, can seem like a lot to coordinate. But it doesn't have to be.

How to get to Banff and Lake Louise

Since Calgary International Airport is just an hour and half from Banff and a little over two hours from Lake Louise, you’ll find a Banff ski vacation is extremely convenient. 

Calgary International Airport services 84 different cities worldwide via nonstop flights. Once in Calgary ski travelers have the option to take a frequent airport shuttle service to Banff Lake Louise lodging accommodations, or rent a car and drive along the all-weather, four-lane Trans-Canada Highway, aka Hwy 1.

Navigating Banff and Lake Louise is a breeze, whether you're on foot, bike, or public transit. Hop on a shuttle, ride the Roam bus, or take the scenic route on a bike path. With easy access to all the must-see spots, your adventure is always just around the corner!

Skiing in Banff and Lake Louise

Skiers and boarders have more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain spread over three world-class ski resorts and accessed with one tri-area lift ticket. With more than 274 named trails, every level of skiing is well represented at Banff’s three resorts. Mt. Norquay, which is located just minutes from the town of Banff, is considered a family-friendly resort and offers weekend night skiing for those who just can get enough time on the slopes. The whole family will love learning about Mt. Norquay’s history as an Olympic and World Cup training ground.

Beginner Skiing in Banff, Canada

About 22 percent of all three Banff ski resorts' terrain is rated green, so intermediate skiers on a Banff Lake Louise ski vacation are guaranteed plenty of options. Lake Louise, specifically, has a bit more beginner terrain than its sister resorts and is generally renowned as the best choice for beginners and families. However, the other two resorts—Mt. Norquay and Sunshine Village—also have plenty of redeeming qualities, making them a great option, too. For example, Mt. Norquay is considered a “local” mountain and is the smallest, with only 77 acres of skiing, and closest to the town of Banff, so if you’re looking for laidback trails look no further Mt. Norquay. Alternatively, Sunshine has an ideal beginner area in the below tree line saddle between Lookout Mountain and Goat’s Eye Mountain.

Mt. Norquay

If convenience is high on your list, then beginners will be spending most of their time at Mt. Norquay. First-time skiers will like the easy access of the Sundance surface lift (magic carpet) which is located just steps from the base village lodge. Once you’ve acquired the skills to wedge, turn and stop, the Cascade chairlift, which is right next to the Sundance lift, offers comfortable progression to longer, slightly steeper green slopes below the lift. And when you’re ready there are more meandering trails to skier’s right off the chairlift.

Family vacations in Lake Louise

Banff and Lake Louise are brimming with family-friendly adventures that guarantee unforgettable memories in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Families looking for convenience will want to stay at Sunshine Village’s Sunshine Mountain Lodge. The Sunshine Mountain Lodge is Banff’s only ski-in ski-out hotel which provides a unique experience that is unlike anything else, with West wing rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy fireplaces, private balconies and additional upscale amenities. For kid-friendly off-mountain activities, like pools, families on a Banff family ski vacation will want to stay at the Inns of Banff, Lake Louise Inn or Banff Rocky Mountain Resort.

With three ski resorts to choose from on a Banff family ski vacation, every member of your clan, no matter what age, level or terrain preferences will enjoy themselves. Banff’s proximity to Calgary ensures that it sees a bit of weekend warrior traffic, not to mention a significant jet set crowd and tourists looking to catch a glimpse of the famed wilderness of Banff National Park. The array of clientele, both local and international, ensures there is a range of lodging and dining options to suit every penchant.