Definitely one of Canada’s best mountains, Lake Louise is big, bold and bowl-full. I think the best way to describe it is as a teenager’s wet dream. You see them everywhere, yipping, yelling, skiing to their own tune, smiles apparent from a forty foot lift away. And there is good reason for their admiration of this mountain - it is a snow-soaked land of opportunity. There are steep, fast groomers to tuck down, huge kickers to launch off, cliffs to drop, powder to destroy, trees to dodge. There are just so many different ways to accidentally loose your parents, so many runs on witch to ditch your slow friends, so many remote little hideouts to spark an illicit cigarette.
And if there is one thing you can trust a teenager to know, it is how to find a good time. For the more mature, and I use that loosely, Lake Louise has pretty much everything. The variety of runs is quite spectacular and the mountain ticks like a clock. It is extremely maintained, groomed where it should be, blasted where it need be. The backside is especially delicious for those who like to consume powder. And though Louise gets the crowds out, there are so many huge open bowls that it would be hard to miss out on all the fresh tracks on a powder day.
Known for being open early season, Lake Louise will usually pull through for you when the jonzing for skiing gets really bad in early November. And you can pretty much count on good, reliable conditions right through to Spring. Just be sure to wear a lot of warm clothes. Some Europeans get pretty scared off by the ski hills around Banff when they can’t feel their hands by the time they reach the top of the lift. It’s Alberta, it’s cold, a lot.
While the village of Lake Louise is kindof non-existent, the luxurious and incredibly beautiful Chateau is well worth a visit. Bordering the glacial lake, it looms large making it a scenic Canadian landmark. Those lucky enough to afford it should definitely take advantage of a stay. Otherwise, Banff is close, a short half-hour drive or bus ride away and then if you stay in Banff you can mix it up and hit a few mountains on your vacation.
For amazing fondue, head to The Grizzly House in Banff. It’s in a swiss looking chalet building and they mix things up a bit and take some fondue firsts. Alligator and venison meat fondue anyone?
For variety and to please the entire family, Lake Louise would be your best bet in the Banff area. I also hear that though many ski hills in Alberta got rid of their terrain parks, booooooooo, Lake Louise will be bringing them back. Snowboarders and tricksters rejoice.
