Lake Louise, Canada - Alberta

Visitor reviews for Lake Louise

• March 15, 2008
  Ryan from CANADA
  

  Some people seem to submit reviews after they ride a resort for 1 or 2 days... hmmm. Anyway, most of the reviews already posted have been pretty accurate as far as the Pros/Cons go. A few things to add: no more jumps (at any RCR owned resort) as of 2007, just rails and you need a special park pass. 06/07 was a stellar season for both LL and SV, but 07/08 has been far below average (I don't care what their joke of a snow report says). Especially true was the comment that 90% of the people ride 30% (if that) of the terrain. So easy to find fresh pow lines a week after the last substantial snowfall. Without the big snow report numbers of nearby BC hills (Kicking Horse, Revelstoke, Fernie, Castle Mtn AB) LL makes up for it with vast challenging terrain that you have all to yourself. A couple more lifts might help, but that's doubtful considering RCR is all about pinching the pennies and are known for their terrible customer support. I've had a few more 'epic' days at some of the above mentioned BC hills, but when you consider the accessibility of LL & SV, the lack of weekday crowds, and quality of snow...it's a no-brainer to live here.

• January 03, 2007
  SAMANTHA from CANADA
  

  The Lake Louise ski area is the centre of my universe! It is so beautiful on clear days with stunning views of the lake, Chateau Lake Louise, and dozens of majestic peaks, snow and glaciers as far as the eye can see!! Even on flat light or snowy days there is plenty of great skiing to be had as most of the resort lies below the tree line, where you can see! There is a green run from every chair lift making it easy for buddies of different abilities to basically stay together most of the day. I would have to mention that in my 9th season as a die-hard Lake girl I have never seen conditions this good- EVER- not even in late March which is historically glorious. Almost all the snow is natural and the double black terrain that the locals love has the best coverage I have ever seen.
  My advice: find a friendly local like me, prove your skills, and buy us a beer to entice one of us to take you on the ski or snowboard (resort) adventure of your life! We have lots of secrets we only like to share with the worthy! :) This is a year when any bad rep that LL has gets thrown out the window!

• May 14, 2006
  graeham douglas from CANADA
  

  Lake Louise has the best ski hills in the Calgary area in my opinion. The lifts are generally layed out well. The expert terrain is excellent, with many runs in the back bowls that are easily accessed with one or two lifts and little, if any, walking required. The back bowls also have the advantage of being wind-loaded during storms, meaning a 10cm snowfall elsewhere on the mountain could make for great powder turns on these runs.
  Lake Louise does not recieve the snow that surounding areas do, but the quality of snow that does fall is great; cold and fluffy. However, the lack of snow means that Louise has a reputation for being icy and rocky, especially early in the year. The front side is often a place to avoid if it hasn't snowed for a while, as there is extensive snowmaking and the manmade snow can be quite hard. Unfortuantely, this is where most of the beginner-intermediate terrain is.
  There is also some good, easier terrain to be found on Larch Chair. Ptarmgan, the 4th face of the resort, is great bumps skiing if the snow is good. It has been a while since I've been there with soft snow, however.

• January 29, 2006
  David Allen from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Lake Louise is a very nice resort with enough runs to keep both boarders and skiers happy all week. There are some really extreme double blacks, which will challenge even the most talented of riders! The back bowls are always full of powder after a good dump and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face all day. The resort is very quiet however, and for those who want to party during the night you will be better off staying in Banff just 40 minutes down the road where there are lots of clubs and pubs. The people in Lake Louise are generally very welcoming and friendly; the only problem I encountered was that members of staff at the tuning shop at the lift station like to vandalize your equipment! (I had graffiti carved into the base of my board, and had to have it ground out and P-tex`d) so be prepared to service your own gear if you don’t want to take the chance! Other than that, the food and drink is quite expensive so bring lots of dosh. So, if your after a quiet place to stay with great runs and snow this is the place for you.