Quest for 31 Ski Blog: Lake Louise Ski Area

The Lake Louise Ski Area (LLSA) is located about 2 hours from Calgary in beautiful Lake Louise, AB. It is one of the largest ski areas in North America with over 4,200 skiable acres and 3,250 feet of vertical! They have a total of 9 lifts including 1 express gondola, 1 6-pack express, 3 quad chairs, 1 triple chair, 1 expert platter, 1 T-bar and 1 magic carpet. There are 139 marked trails at LLSA plus the bowls along the back of the mountain. Their terrain is vast and varied with a breakdown of 25% beginner, 45% intermediate and 30% expert. Click here to see trail maps for LLSA.

There is something for everyone at this resort. Beginners and intermediate skiers can enjoy the gentle slopes and long cruising runs while experts can explore more challenging terrain through the endless chutes, glades, gullies and remote bowls. LLSA also provides amazing scenery and spectacular views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains at every turn.

What you may not know about Lake Louise Ski Area

Skiing at such a large mountain can be quite intimidating, especially if you have never been there before and don’t know your way around. Operators at LLSA are aware of this and have implemented a program called “Ski Friends” which provides complimentary guided tours of the mountain to the public. “Ski Friends” runs daily at 10am and 1:15pm.

There are at least one green, blue and black run leading from the top of every chairlift at LLSA. This is great for beginner and intermediate skiers since they don’t have to be worried about getting to the top of a chair and having to head down terrain that is too difficult for them. Skiers can relax and hop onto any lift knowing that they will be able to find terrain that is suitable to their ability on the way down.

The LLSA consistently gets early snowfalls and dependable temperatures and is always one of the first to open in North America and last to close. Their ski season usually runs from early November until early May, a full 6 months!

What’s new at Lake Louise Ski Area

As part of LLSA’s commitment to exceptional customer service, they have reduced their season ticket rates for the 2009-2010 season by 15%. They also keep their daily lift ticket prices the same for every day of the season, no more holiday peak pricing!

The LLSA was awarded the WestJet Up! Magazine 2009 Value Award. Value awards are chosen by thousands of Up! Readers and the award is given to destinations that provide the best combinations of unique and high quality experiences with excellent value.

Top 5 reasons to visit Lake Louise Ski Area

1. 3 distinct day lodges

LLSA has 3 day lodges and 7 food/beverage options. The day lodges are located strategically throughout the ski area, so food and shelter are always close by.

2. Amazing scenery

There are spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains everywhere you look. LLSA is consistently voted #1 in the world for its rugged beauty.

3. Lift capacity

There are nine lifts at Louise, seven of which provide at vertical drop of at least 1,230 vertical feet. As a result, you’ll spend more time on the snow and less time in line-ups!

4. Something for everyone

LLSA caters to all ages and abilities with novice, intermediate and advanced runs leading from every chair. This enables families and groups of varying levels to enjoy the whole mountain together. They also have a great learn to ski area as well as a terrain park with tons of features for all abilities.

5. Events

There are always tons of events going on at LLSA from torchlight dinners to rails jams to spring music sessions. These events are ongoing throughout the season and contribute extensively to the overall experience of what LLSA has to offer. Click here to see an events calendar for Louise.

For more information on the Lake Louise Ski Area, visit their website at http://www.skilouise.com/

Congratulations to Peter Lauch who was our Go Big! Contest winner and took home a pair of lift tickets to Lake Louise Ski Area. Want a chance to win a set of his and her skis and a $1000 shopping spree? Click here!