Spring Skiing in Banff/Lake Louise

An April 2005 trip to Lake Louise by DrewD

Sunshine Village BaseMore Photos

What do you do when your Aussie partner wants to ski in April? Well, much of Colorado/New Mexico/Utah is already closed, so you head to the Great White North to Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta in the Banff National Park.

  • 5 reviews
  • 5 photos
Chateau Lake Louise View
Originally part of the iconic Canadian Pacific brand and built during the turn of the 20th century along the Canadian railways, the resort is one of the finest in North America. The attached photo shows the absolute exquisite view outside our fifth-floor window. Located right on Lake Louise in the middle of the Banff National Park, it is a short 5-minute drive from the Lake Louise ski resort. There is plenty of on-site shopping and dining, which is helpful, since Banff is a 45-minute drive and the only other option is a strip center on the highway. Chateau Lake Louise can make the perfect mountain getaway.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by DrewD on April 23, 2005

Chateau Lake Louise
111 Lake Louise Dr. Lake Louise, Alberta
(403) 522-3511

Laggan'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is a great place to go for coffee and breakfast before you hit the slopes. My Aussie partner absolutely loved it, as the Australian staff featured meat pies and sausage rolls, Aussie favs. They had a very nice "Breakfast on a Bun - BOB" to fill you up before the first run.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by DrewD on April 23, 2005

Laggan's
Samson Mall, P.O. Box 28 Lake Louise, Alberta T0L 1E0
(403) 522-2017

Maple Leaf GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Maple Leaf"

You can get a nice taste of "Canadian cuisine" - again, who knew? I highly recommend the Alberta beef, as well as the surprisingly pleasant British Columbian whites. They also feature bison and other Canadian carnivores. It is right off the main drag in town and provides a tasty getaway from the usual burgers and beers.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by DrewD on April 23, 2005

Maple Leaf Grill
137 Banff ave Banff, Alberta T1L
(403) 760-7680

Rose & Crown Restaurant & PubBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Rose & Crown"

This is a great place to stop for a pint. Try the local (or I guess regional) beers, such as Kokanee from BC and Big Rock from nearby Calgary. It's a nice chance from the mass-produced Labatt's or Molson. Requisite Warren Miller ski movies play on the TVs to remind you you're in ski country.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by DrewD on April 23, 2005

Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub
202 Banff Ave Lake Louise, Alberta
403-762-2121

Lake Louise Banff - Sunshine VillageBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Lake Louise and Sunshine Village"

Sunshine Village Base
There are three major resorts in Banff National Park (Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Norquay). Only Lake Louise and Sunshine Village were open this late in the season, but boy was it worth it. We spent two days at Lake Louise and one in Sunshine Village, and probably would have reversed it if we could. Crowds were almost non-existant, and for this American, not another Yank in site. The weekend we were there it was "Canadian Celebity Weekend" - didn't know there was such a thing. Snow was good, very nice weather, and absolutely beautiful surroundings. Because of the liberal Commonweath work visa requirements, nearly every worker at the resorts were either Australian or English, which made my Aussie partner very happy. So if you're single and have a thing for an accent, I highly recommend him.

I suggest renting skis the first day, then storing them at the resort or taking them with you - don't mess with renting at your hotel. Sunshine Village has fewer amentities, but better for the "true skiier" - more challenging and only natural snow. Lake Louise is more a resort in the typical Vail Valley tradition - more plush, better food, and groomed trails.

In spring, it's best to ski higher up the mountain or on the Back Bowls/Larch areas. Fewer people and much better snow. There's a good mix of green, blue, and black, and plenty of acreage to keep you content.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by DrewD on April 22, 2005

Lake Louise Banff - Sunshine Village
225 Banff Avenue Lake Louise, Alberta
403-762-4561

About the Writer

DrewD
DrewD
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

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