Experience Cross Country Skiing at Lake Louise

Lake Louise, located in the Banff National Park, is quickly becoming a premiere destination for cross country skiing. Aside from having incredible snow, the area offers skiers a wide variety of trails, incredible mountain scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities, world class accommodations, and dining options.

Why Lake Louise?

Here are some of the best reasons to cross country ski at Lake Louise:

Ski Trails

  • Very pretty trails in a gorgeous mountain wilderness setting
  • Many natural clearings with mountain vistas alternate with tree-lined trails
  • Traditional, narrower, more intimate XC ski trails 3 metres wide, 4 & 5 metres on hills
  • Lots of twists & turns, ups & downs to entertain the skier
  • Ski-skating on the Moraine Lake & Great Divide trails

Great Variety of Cross Country Skiing Close By

  • Trackset Trails (total 70 km)
  • Backcountry (Light) Touring on skier-set tracks (total 150 km)
  • Telemark skiing at 2 Lift-serviced areas & 3 “climb-it-yourself” areas

Incredible Snow

  • Located in Alberta’s snow belt
  • Longest ski season in Alberta – Mid November to Mid April
  • Fun & frolic in waist-deep snow by mid-February
  • Usually 1 metre of settled snow-pack beside the XC ski trails by mid-February
  • Wonderful scenery with sunshine and blue skies

Other Attractions

  • World class downhill skiing and riding at the Lake Louise Ski Area
  • Snowshoe trails & routes for all abilities
  • Ice skating on the iconic lake ice in front of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
  • Hockey Rink on the iconic lake ice
  • Sleigh rides on Lakeshore trail
  • Dog sled trips on Great Divide Trail and adjacent forest trails

Access, facilities & Services

  • Easy access from major scenic highways
  • Hotels, historic lodges, restaurants & cafes close by
  • Three full-service ski-in lodges in the backcountry close to Lake Louise
  • Two full service XC ski shops conveniently close to Lake Louise
  • National Parks Visitor Info. Centre with weather, ski trail & other info
  • Heated washrooms close to trails

Banff National Park World Heritage Site

  • An unspoiled Winter Wonderland
  • Surrounded by the "rugged Canadian Rockies"
  • Limited commercial development
  • Eco-tourism opportunities
  • Opportunities to see deer, elk & sheep – but please drive safely!

Special Events

  • Lake Louise Loppet – Oldest mass-participation race in Western Canada (since 1973)
  • Ice Sculpture Festival
  • Lake Louise to Banff XC ski relay race

If you're a cross country skier, or are thinking about getting into this wonderful sport, you have to try it here! Experience the perfect setting for a cross country ski adventure.