Lake Louise Ski Resort facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lake Louise Ski Resort
Skiing at Lake Louise
Lake Louise Ski Resort Location in Alberta Show map of Alberta Lake Louise Ski Resort Location in Canada Show map of Canada
Location	Lake Louise, Alberta,  Canada
Nearest city	Banff, Alberta Calgary, Alberta
Coordinates	51°26′31″N 116°09′38″W / 51.44194°N 116.16056°W / 51.44194; -116.16056
Vertical	991 m (3,250 ft)
Top elevation	2,637 m (8,650 ft)
Base elevation	1,646 m (5,400 ft)
Skiable area	17 km2 (6.6 sq mi)
Runs	145
Longest run	8 km (5 mi)
Lift system	9 lifts: - 3 surface lifts - 1 triple - 1 fixed-grip quad - 2 high-speed quads - 1 high-speed six-passenger - 1 six-passenger gondola
Lift capacity	14,000+ skiers/hr
Terrain parks	4
Snowfall	454 cm (180 in) per year
Website	skilouise.com

The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola is a popular ski resort in western Canada. It is located inside Banff National Park, close to the village of Lake Louise, Alberta. The resort is about 57 kilometers (35 miles) west of Banff. Lake Louise is one of three main ski resorts found within Banff National Park.

The resort sits on the southern side of the Slate Range. It is nestled between mountains like Mount Richardson and Ptarmigan Peak. These mountains are all around 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level. The bottom of the ski slopes is near the Pipestone River, which flows into the Bow River.

History of Lake Louise Ski Resort

People have been skiing in the Lake Louise area since the 1920s. It was a starting point for trips to the Skoki Ski Lodge. The very first ski lift was built here in 1954. A "poma" lift, which pulls skiers up the hill, was added in 1960.

For many years, a company called Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) owned the ski resort. But in 2008, Charlie Locke bought it back. He had owned the resort before, from 1981 to 2003. Now, he is the owner and manager again.

Exciting Events at Lake Louise

Skiing at Lake Louise

The Lake Louise Ski Resort is famous for hosting big ski races. It is the first stop on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit. This is a huge international ski competition. It is also the only place in Canada where this event happens!

This event is also known as the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup. Alpine Canada calls it "Canada's highest-profile alpine ski race." It brings famous downhill skiers from all over the world. A well-known skier named Lindsey Vonn, who won the World Cup four times, has raced here.

The races started at the resort in 1980. They ran every year from 1993 until 2020. The 2020 races were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lake Louise is one of the few places that hosts both men's and women's speed events. These include the first downhill and super-G races of the season.

The resort also hosted its first FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup in December 2013. At the end of the ski season, Lake Louise holds a fun event called "Shake The Lake." It features freestyle skiing and live music.

What You Can Do at Lake Louise

Lake Louise Ski Area on Mt. Whitehorn, seen from Lake Louise

Lake Louise Grizzly Express and Lodges, March 2017.

Lake Louise Ski Resort has 145 marked ski runs and back bowls. These are spread across four mountain faces. About 25% of the runs are for beginners, 45% are for intermediate skiers, and 30% are for advanced skiers. The 'Terrain Park' is also designed for riders of all skill levels.

There are four full-service day lodges open during the winter. Snowboarders can use all the trails and the terrain park.

The Lake Louise sightseeing gondola is open all year round. It offers amazing views of glaciers, natural springs, and wildflowers. You might even spot some wildlife, like grizzly bears! Other fun activities in the resort area include dog sledding, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.

Ski Trails

View on the trails and on the mountains, March 2018.

Ski Lifts