There was one last road trip we wanted to do before heading back to South Africa.  Two of the three ski areas in Banff National park were still open, and that was a good enough excuse for us to go and have one last ski.

Our first stop was at Lake Louise Ski Area and Mountain Resort.  The scenery as we approached Lake Louise was spectacular, you could see what looked like glaciers on a few of the peaks.  At Lake Louise Ski Area and Mountain Resort there were loads of parking and not too many cars this late in the season.  We went straight up the Grizzly Express Gondola, and into Back Bowls.  The challenging runs in the back bowls must be great fun in fresh snow.

Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!

The snow was still surprisingly good for this late in the season, although the snow pack was getting very thin in places.  The lift system is cleverly set out, so you don’t need to traverse to get to hardly any runs.  Although one more lift to get back up from the back bowls right to the top would be a great addition. The only lift servicing the back bowls now, is an old and slow three seat chair, which is also due for an upgrade.

Past the back bowls we also had some fun on the Larch area. It is serviced by the Larch Express Quad and have a few nice blue and some awesome double black tree runs.  The Temple Lodge at the bottom of the Larch area has a full service restaurant as well as a day lodge.

The Lake Louise Ski Area and Mountain Resort is pretty big, so you do some good mileage. There is something for everybody from nice easy beginner area to steep back bowls.  The ski school has a great reputation, and the views from most of the mountain are breath taking.

After the days skiing we drove to the lake, a few kilometres on the other side of the small town.  It is one of the most spectacular places I have ever seen.  The luxury Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is located on the bank of the lake, surround by majestic mountains with a glacier in the distance.  On our next visit to Lake Louise Ski Area and Mountain Resort we are going to stay there!

The base area of Lake Louise Ski Area and Mountain Resort on a busy day!

The average winter temperature in Lake Louise Ski Area and Mountain Resort is pretty low, which helps to keep the snow perfect for skiing.  So although the annual snowfall is a lot less than resorts like Fernie, the skiing is always great!

I look forward to skiing at Lake Louise Ski Area and Mountain Resort again, hopefully next season! Next stop Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort.