Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Banff

The best part was skiing at Lake Louise. It is the most beautiful place I have ever skied, and lift lines are almost nonexistent.

Quick Tips:

Do not stay in Banff or Canmore; stay in Lake Louise. Purchase the tri-area lift ticket so you don't have to wait in different lines at the places you ski. Lastly, don't ski Sunshine for very long, as there are too many out-of-control snowboarders.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get from your hotel to the ski areas is to take the shuttle

The Post Hotel, Lake louise, is owned by world renowned hotel and restaurant company Relais & Chateaux of France. The post hotel has been awarded many prestiguos accolades over the years such as in the Travel and Leisure 2004 edition of the 500 Best Hotels in the World, The Post Hotel is highlighted as the highest rated ski resort in Canada. Also Conde Nast's 2004 Gold List of the World's Best Places to Stay. Condé Nast Traveler subscribers vote in a Readers Choice poll which is the ultimate "word of mouth" for discriminating travelers. Our stay at the post was magnificent. The rooms were wonderful, and the service was spectacular. If you plan on staying there be perpared to pay a pretty penny. If you can fork up the money, try to stay on the preffered side facing the Pipestone River. This way the trains on the CPR don't inturupt your stay. My family stayed in the "M-Room" which is a two story loft suite. After we came back from skiing they would have wood next to the fireplace so we could have a fire. Also the hotel offers a free tea service in the lobby with pastrys and other great items. We were staying at the hotel on easter, and the pastry chef made delicious choclate Easter Bunnies for al the hotel guests. The Staf are very helpful and friendly, so remember to tip.

The Station is the old CPR railroad station at Lake Louise converted into a restaurant. The railroad tracks still run adjacent to the wooden structure. The food is international cuisine. They have any food you can think of. They have fresh fish and meats. They also have great Alberta steak. When trains pass by, the whole restaurant gently shakes, but don't worry, it adds a nice touch. Also, next door, on select days, you can eat in a real CPR dinning car.

Laggan's, named after Lake Louise's former name, Lake Laggan, is a great place for breakfast before you hit the slopes. They have many different breakfast choices. My favorite is the BOB (breakfast-on-a-bun.) You can either get plain egg on it, bacon, or Western egg. Also, you can get a whole breakfast for about C$6 a person.

The scenery was completely spectacular. You could see mountains and forest for miles. The snow was superb. There were 100 some trails that kept us busy all three days we skied there. Tips:
1. Eat lunch at Temple Lodge on the Larch area.
2. If snow, light, or weather conditions are bad, head to the Larch area.
3. Do not take Saddleback in flat light conditions.
4. If it is snowing and you are a beginner skier, do not take Top of The World Express.

Note: Lake Louise is not a mountain for first-time skiers. A beginner run at Louise is the equivalent to an intermediate run at neighboring Sunshine Village.

The snow was great. The scenery was better. There was enough terrain to keep you occupied for weeks. The snowboarders, however, were very obnoxious. The trails were not quite as long as those of neighboring Lake Louise