Travel Guide To Epic Lake Louise Vacation

 

If you want to have a truly unforgettable Lake Louise experience, visit in winter. The combination of snowy alpine landscapes surrounding this piercing aqua blue water mixed with the kind of deep soul soothing silence I’d never felt before is capital A Awesome in the truest (non cliché) sense of the word. Located just two hours west of Calgary, Lake Louise in Alberta is a completely different world come summer, when tourists flock by the masses to hike and stay in the park’s historic lodges.

But an off-season trip is a completely different experience. You’ll feel like a local watching games of pick up pond ice hockey on the lake’s north side, a space which is framed by conifer trees heavily dusted with snow and Victoria Glacier. And when it comes to skiing, Lake Louise Ski Resort offers some of Canada’s most challenging terrain and the crowds aren’t overwhelming. Some tourists coming in from Calgary stop at Norquay and Sunshine Village to avoid the longer drive to this resort. But I don’t recommend doing this. Make the trek to Lake Louise for some truly spectacularly skiing without any crowds. This is what I came to Lake Louise to experience on this trip.

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As a newer skier, I gravitate towards green runs, which is one reason I really loved skiing Lake Louise. That’s not to say this is a beginner mountain- it’s anything but. Daring skiers will find plenty of off piste trails along with glades, chutes and wide open bowls. Here, it’s some of the most challenging terrain in the Rockies.

But for those of us that are looking for long and wide-open cruisers, this too is prime because there is a green run located off every chair. The best way to start the day and get your bearings is to ride the Glacier Express for a warm-up run and an introduction to the insane views that will be in sight all day. From the top, you will be able to see the Bow River and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a luxury hotel that sits steps from one of the world’s most enchanting sights.

If you’re looking for an advanced run, you will love the back bowls, off piste trails and steep chutes from the top of Paradise. Intermediate skiers want to check out Grizzly Gully and Cameron’s Way. Beginners will feel most comfortable on runs like Wiwaxy and Eagle Meadows on the front side and runs like Pika and Marmot on the backside.

After a morning of taking turns, I was starving. One great place to grab a lunch that won’t weight you down on the slopes afterwards is Kuma Yama Ramen + Sushi Bar at the base of the mountain. On the menu, you will find sashimi, steaming ramen bowls and specialty rolls- one of which is topped with Alberta beef sourced from a ranch the owner of the ski resort runs.

After a hard day on the mountain, I was ready for some downtime at the hotel. Luckily the property I was staying at is just a quick 15-minute drive from the ski resort. Located right at the edge of the frozen lake is the opulent, old-world luxury Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, one of the most stunning hotels in Canada.

The hotel started as a summer-only resort in 1890 and was built by the general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway.  But after the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, skiers and wintertime enthusiasts were quick to book rooms and the momentum has never slowed. In the back of the hotel, you will find a skating rink on a portion of frozen over Lake Louise. Here, you will be lucky enough to skate under the stars. Or, for a true Canadian experience, make sure to make it back before sunset for a game of pick up pond hockey. (Rent skates and a stick from the in house gear shop).

 

If you aren’t totally worn out from skiing, check in with the concierge for a map to some of the resort’s hiking trails. They will let you know which ones are safe too, because some are in an avalanche territory. A few favorites are to Mirror Lake (about three miles roundtrip) which is a steeper climb to a frozen over lake framed by a mountain shaped like a beehive. Afterwards, warm up with a hot cocoa from the Lakeview Lounge, which features Palladian windows to showcase the snowy landscape- make sure to book a table fronting the lake.

 

There’s no need to leave the property for dinner if you head to the Fairview Dining Room but do make sure to dress up because it’s definitely upscale. I loved the steelhead trout, which was presented artistically and tasted as good as it looked. Poppy Brasserie is the best pick for breakfast with an a la carte menu and breakfast buffet.

After dinner, my bed was calling. The rooms at the Fairmont feature high ceilings and modern mountain décor, making this feel more like a castle than any place I have stayed. I fell asleep quickly that night, dreaming of the day to come and knowing I’d wake up to one of the world’s most beautiful mountain landscapes and a fresh day of powder on the slopes.