Lake Louise Ski Resort Snow Report & Guide
Alberta • 991m Vertical • 4200 Acres
Overview
Lake Louise Ski Resort is located in Alberta, offering 991 meters (3251 feet) of vertical drop across 4200 acres of skiable terrain. Situated in the heart of Banff National Park, Lake Louise delivers stunning Rocky Mountain scenery alongside excellent skiing. The resort's high alpine location (summit at 2,637m) and continental climate produce light, dry champagne powder. The Back Bowls offer wide-open terrain framed by dramatic peaks.
The resort operates 9 lifts serving terrain split as 25% beginner, 45% intermediate, and 30% advanced. The typical season runs Early November to early May, though weather and snow conditions can shift these dates.
Key Statistics
| Summit Elevation | 2637m |
| Base Elevation | 1646m |
| Vertical Drop | 991m |
| Skiable Area | 4200 acres |
| Number of Lifts | 9 |
| Average Annual Snowfall | 457cm |
| Season | Early November to early May |
| Beginner Terrain | 25% |
| Intermediate Terrain | 45% |
| Advanced Terrain | 30% |
| Day Ticket From | $159 CAD |
Current Conditions
The data below represents current reported conditions. Snow depth, fresh snowfall, and operational status are updated by the resort daily, typically early morning. Structure is in place for live API integration—currently displaying representative data. Always verify conditions on the official resort website before traveling.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Updated: Nov 24, 02:55 p.m.Variable conditions. Packed powder on groomed runs. Light wind on summit.
Understanding These Numbers
Base depth is measured at mid-mountain and represents total snow accumulation from the ground up. Deeper bases cover rocks and obstacles, generally improving safety and snow quality.
24-hour and 7-day snowfall show recent accumulation. Fresh snow excites powder seekers but can also mean reduced visibility, avalanche control delays, and slower lift operations.
Open lifts and trails indicate current operational capacity. Closures happen due to wind, avalanche mitigation, mechanical issues, or early/late season limited operations. Check which specific lifts and runs are affected—it may determine whether your planned terrain is accessible.
Live Webcams
Lake Louise Ski Resort offers 4 webcam views from various mountain locations. Use these to assess current visibility, snow coverage, crowd levels, and weather conditions. Note that camera angles, lighting, and lens quality vary. For the most accurate picture, check multiple cams and cross-reference with the official snow report.
Due to technical restrictions, some webcams cannot be embedded and require viewing on the resort's official website. Click "Open in new window" for direct access.
Terrain Breakdown
Lake Louise Ski Resort's terrain is rated as 25% beginner, 45% intermediate, and 30% advanced. These percentages reflect the distribution of marked trails and are set by the resort—ratings are not standardized across mountains, so a blue run here may differ in difficulty from a blue run elsewhere.
Beginner (25%)
Excellent beginner zones at the base serviced by the Sunny T-bar and Wiwaxy Chair. Gentle slopes with plenty of room to practice turning and stopping. Lake Louise's high beginner percentage makes it ideal for families and first-timers.
Intermediate (45%)
Blue runs span all mountain sectors. Larch and Ptarmigan areas offer tree-lined intermediate terrain with beautiful scenery. Juniper and Meadowlark provide wide, rolling blues ideal for intermediate cruising.
Advanced (30%)
The Back Bowls (Summit Platter, Top of the World) deliver alpine terrain with chutes, cornices, and open faces. Steep tree skiing in Larch and Ptarmigan. Experts will find plenty of challenge despite the resort's moderate overall size.
Tickets & Passes
Single-day lift tickets at Lake Louise Ski Resort start at approximately $159 CAD for adults. This is a starting price for advance-purchase tickets on non-peak dates. Actual prices vary based on:
- Purchase timing: Advance online purchase saves money; day-of walk-up tickets cost more.
- Date and demand: Weekends, holidays, and peak periods (Christmas, New Year's, spring break) command premium pricing, sometimes 30-50% higher.
- Age category: Youth, teen, senior, and child tickets are discounted.
- Multi-day tickets: Buying 3, 5, or 7-day passes reduces per-day cost.
Season Passes
Lake Louise Ski Resort accepts the Ikon Pass. Pass options include:
- Ikon Pass: 7 days at Lake Louise Ski Resort plus access to 50+ other resorts.
- Ikon Base Pass: 5 days at Lake Louise Ski Resort with holiday restrictions.
If you plan to ski 5-7+ days across multiple resorts in one season, a pass typically pays for itself compared to single-day tickets.
Affiliate Disclosure: Links to official ticketing and accommodation partners may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports PowderDash but does not influence editorial content.
Getting There
By Air
Nearest Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Drive Time: 2.5 hours from Calgary
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Rental cars available. The drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) is straightforward but watch for wildlife, ice, and winter weather. Winter tires are strongly recommended.
Public Transit & Shuttles
Brewster Express from Calgary, On-It Regional Transit from Canmore
Shuttles are convenient if you don't plan to explore beyond the resort. Book in advance during peak periods as capacity fills up.
By Car
If driving, ensure your vehicle has winter tires (required by law in some provinces during winter months). Carry emergency supplies: blanket, water, snacks, flashlight, and a charged phone. Check road conditions before departure and be prepared for delays due to snow or accidents.
Parking at Lake Louise Ski Resort costs approximately $25-40 CAD per day depending on proximity and season. Reserve online for slight discounts. Many hotels include parking for guests.
Where to Stay
Budget Range: $180-350/night for lodging, $45-90/day for food
Limited on-mountain lodging: the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Post Hotel, and Lake Louise Inn. Most visitors stay in Banff (45 min drive) or Canmore (1 hour), which offer more variety and lower prices. Banff is touristy with good amenities; Canmore is quieter and favored by locals.
Book early for best selection and rates. Midweek stays (Sunday-Thursday) cost less than weekends. Shoulder season (early December, late March) offers discounts but variable snow conditions.
Safety & Etiquette
Your Responsibility Code
- Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid others.
- People ahead of you have the right of way.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not obstruct trails.
- Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
- Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
- Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails.
- Know how to use the lifts safely.
Avalanche Awareness
All marked trails at Lake Louise Ski Resort are avalanche-controlled by ski patrol. However, if you venture into backcountry or out-of-bounds areas (accessible via gates at some resorts), you enter uncontrolled terrain where avalanche danger exists.
Never duck ropes or ski closed areas. Avalanche control work may be in progress, exposing you to danger and legal consequences. If you plan to ski backcountry, carry a beacon, probe, and shovel, and take an avalanche safety course.
Emergency Contacts
In case of emergency on the mountain, contact Ski Patrol immediately. Emergency phones are located at lift stations and lodges. For medical emergencies, call 911.
This website is not an emergency service. Do not contact us for urgent mountain conditions, closures, or safety concerns. Always consult the resort directly.
Lake Louise Ski Resort FAQ
Lake Louise has limited lodging options (Fairmont Chateau, Post Hotel, Lake Louise Inn) with premium pricing. Banff (45 minutes away) offers more variety but can be expensive and touristy. Canmore (1 hour away) is quieter and more affordable, popular with locals. If you're skiing multiple days, staying closer (Lake Louise or Banff) reduces drive time.
The scenery. Lake Louise sits in the heart of the Canadian Rockies with unobstructed views of massive peaks from almost every run. The Back Bowls offer alpine terrain that rivals heli-skiing aesthetics. It's less crowded than Whistler and feels more remote.
Lake Louise accepts the Ikon Pass (7 days with full Ikon, 5 days with Ikon Base). It is not part of the Epic Pass system. If you ski other Ikon resorts (Revelstoke, Big Sky, Jackson Hole), the pass makes sense. Otherwise, buy day tickets or a Lake Louise-specific season pass.
Cold. January temperatures at the base average -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F), with summit temperatures colder and wind chill making it feel much worse. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and know the signs of frostbite. The upside: cold temps mean dry, light powder.
No. Lake Louise does not offer night skiing. Lifts typically close around 4 PM depending on daylight. Plan accordingly if you're used to resorts with extended hours.
The Back Bowls (accessible from Summit Platter and Top of the World Express) offer wide-open alpine terrain with chutes, cornices, and steep lines. Larch and Ptarmigan areas also have advanced trails through trees. Check avalanche conditions before venturing into uncontrolled terrain.
Only if you plan to ski outside the resort boundary. All marked trails within the resort are avalanche-controlled. Backcountry access points exist, but require proper safety equipment, training, and awareness. Do not duck ropes without avalanche education.
Yes. They're both near Banff and accessible within an hour's drive. Many visitors split their trip between the two. Sunshine Village is known for high alpine terrain and longer snow seasons. If you have 3-4 days, skiing both is worthwhile.
You may see elk, deer, bighorn sheep, or even bears (rare in winter) around parking lots and access roads. Do not approach or feed wildlife. Keep food in your car and report aggressive animals to staff.
Yes. The resort has strong ski school programs, dedicated beginner areas, and a less hectic vibe than Whistler. However, there's less off-mountain entertainment for kids compared to larger resorts. Plan activities in Banff (swimming, ice skating, museums) for non-ski days.
Compare This Resort to Others
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