Lake Louise

Banff National Park has several major ski resorts, and the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola is one of them. FIS Alpine Ski World Cup fans might know this as the only Canadian venue to hold events (hosted the men's and women's Super G 20-plus time since 1967). It also hosted the first FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup in 2013.

Alberta's Provincial Highway 1 is the roadway of choice for anyone driving here. The town (and ski resort) sit at a bend between Banff and Field. Banff's Airport is the closest airfield, but most visitors flying into the region will use the Calgary International Airport, 119 miles away.

One of Banff's Big Three

The Banff National Park is the oldest in Canada, residing within Alberta's Rocky Mountains. For skiers and snowboarders, that equates to a mix of mountain terrain and a sub-artic climate which produces good alpine sports conditions. The top elevation between the four mountains that make up the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola area is 8,650 feet, helping to create the 3,250-foot vertical that skiers and snowboarders enjoy. A subarctic climate brings the cold and snowy winters that produce average snowfall amounts of 180 inches.

Many lodging options are available for visitors to the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola area. The Fairmont Chateau and Deer Lodge are two popular choices, but on-site and local accommodations fit nearly any budget or party size. Apres-ski and dining options are found at the base area or on-slope, giving skiers and snowboarders a chance to relax and refuel. A Sports Boutique sells the latest gear, forgotten necessities, and branded apparel for everyone. Booking agents, national car rental services, and currency exchange are just a few of the guest services found at the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola resort.

Biggest in the Canadian Rockies

Visiting the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola venue is a must-do for ski bums across the globe as it is the largest winter resort in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Its property stretches across four mountains, providing skiers and riders over 4,200 acres of skiable terrain. There are 160 named runs here, with the longest reaching five miles in length. The runs on the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola area favor skiers and riders with some experience, but everyone should be kept busy with the diversity of ratings.

Green-rated beginner runs cover a quarter of the slopes here, giving newbies plenty to do as they learn the basics. Intermediate terrain is rated blue, and those with some experience will find 45-percent of the runs catered to their abilities. The remaining runs at the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola resort are for advanced skiers with ratings of either black diamond or double black diamond (which should be attempted by experts only).

The four mountains at the Lake Louise ski area use ten lifts to move guests uphill. Two terrain parks, a snow tube park, and snowshoe trails are just a few of the other winter activities the family can enjoy while visiting this world-famous venue.