Canada Lake Louise Ski Holidays

Activities in Lake Louise

There’s plenty to do in and around Lake Louise if you ever need an alternative toi the thousands of acres of downhill skiing and boarding!

Dog Sledding

Book one of a variety of dog sled tours, available every day subject to the weather conditions, through Chateau Lake Louise.

Ice Skating

There’s not many experiences more special than skiing on vast Lake Louise. An area of the frozen lake right in front of the Chateau Lake Louise is reserved for skaters each winter and specially prepared every winter season. Both figure skating and fun hockey matches are offered on the Lake with rentals available on site and no reservations necessary.

You skate with the impressive backdrop of the massive Victoria Glacier with the added spectacle of an ice castle crafted each year by the hotel’s Executive Chef Dominique Guyton from giant ice blocks.

Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides

Book a wonderful sleigh ride by the Lake available every day through the Chateau Lake Louise.

Cross Country Skiing

There are literally hundreds of kilometres of both track set and natural skating trails of cross country skiing surrounding Lake Louise and Banff with differing levels of difficulty from novice to advanced.

NHL Ice Hockey

The local team is the Calgary Flames and its possible to go and see them in action at a full NHL game if you’re visit coincides with a match. Ice hockey is Canada’s biggest sport and the games are a great experience. Matches take place in the Calgary Saddledome and are family friendly fun.

Shopping

There are several dozen shops in Lake Louise, concentrated in a small mall conveniently located mid-way between the ski slopes and Chateau Lake Louise and there’s also a good range of shops in Chateau Lake Louise itself, including a wonderful crystals shop. It’s well worth heading to Banff for a shopping trip too, there are around 200 shops there.

Mineral Hot Springs

Banff's historic Mineral Hot Springs Pool is open daily all through the winter. You can soak through the day or relax in the wonderful hot water under the stores.

Ice Climbing

There are some spectacular ice formations in the region with huge pillars of blue ice and giant frozen waterfalls. Ice climbing for all abilities is offered at the Bow Valley Parkway, a thirty minute drive from Lake Louise. Wearing special 'ice cleats' you walk to the lower canyon on suspended walkways to the Lower Falls then carry on to the ice grotto in the spectacular Upper Falls.

Snowshoeing

Anyone can try snowshoeing on the deep snow of the local Great Divide area. Book a snowshoeing excursion and after a brief introduction to the simple basics of snowshoeing you’ll head into the forest, looking out for evidence of wildlife and learning about how they deal with the tough winter conditions.

Heliskiing

TK Heliski offer helisking in the nearby Purcell Mountains, one of the most exciting experiences you’ll ever enjoy on skis, with deep powder on slopes all to yourself, riding through stunning scenery on the light fluffy snow.

RK Heliski is based in nearby Panorama just over the provincial border in British Columbia and they offer helisking excursions varying in length from a day to multi-day packages. Collections and returns to Lake Louise are available for an extra fee (making for a rather long day!) so long as at least two people book. Ensure that you have travel insurance which covers you for heliskiing!

Star Gazing

Nighttime tours of Lake Louise are well worth while on clear nights with a guide leading you to the best spots for star gazing and with snow shoes strapped to your feet so you can walk easily over the deep powder. If it’s full moonlight the area will be magically illuminated with clear moonlight shadows, or you may get lucky and see the northern lights.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is lots of fun which can be enjoyed by skiers and non—skiers alike. All kinds of snowmobiling trips are available from short easy trips to longer, more action packed trips for the more experienced and more daring riders. Highly qualified guides are employed leading small groups.

For example the Full Day Trip starts off in Banff and begins with a ride on new snowmobiles through the Canadian Rockies and through Kicking Horse Canyon on the edge of Yoho National Park. Each tour lasts four to five hours including a stop for a snack en route and a full lunch.

Those wanting something a little more thrilling still can sign up for the High Power Full Day which includes rental of a 550cc snowmobile. Participants will learn mountain riding technique and guides will take everyone on to steep terrain with deep snow. This trip also lasts four to five hours and includes a hot chocolate and cookies snack stop then a barbecue lunch at the top of the mountain. This is a private trip with a free shuttle from your hotel to the start of the excursion. Ensure that your insurance covers snowmobiling before signing up!

Race Center

Lake Louise’s Race Center isn’t just for the world’s best athletes, if you’re in a group of friends or colleagues you can take part in team building activities that will help you feel like you’re one of the best. Book a ‘Podium Club race package’ for your group and have a truly unforgettable day. Packages include training from the resort’s ski and board school pros, as well as a top notch lunch , lift passes and the big race itself.