Then and now: The Lake Louise Ski Resort
Look back at the history of Lake Louise: in the birthplace of skiing in Canada, from yesterday’s lace-up boots to today’s high-speed lifts, the legacy of ‘The Lake’ lives on.
Back in the “old days,” as in the late 1800s, when travelling by train was the hip way for the European elite to experience the Canadian wilds, the village now known as Lake Louise was the ultimate destination.
For years people would come to stand in awe of the breathtaking scenes of giant glaciers, emerald green lakes and deep powdery snow. As the years rolled into the next century, Swiss guides introduced the hardiest travellers to ski mountaineering. Long wooden skis, leather boots and heavy woollen clothes were the gear of the day.
Skiing has always been a big part of winter at Lake Louise. / Photo by the Whyte Museum
By 1931, Skoki Lodge, some 11 kilometres from the Lake Louise Ski Resort boundary, was visited by many of the wealthiest and most refined clientele from Europe. The bountiful snow they were experiencing had to be shared.
The local Banff ski club and some of the Europeans went to work to create a Canadian version of the skiing meccas of Europe. In 1938, Temple Lodge was constructed for the ski mountaineers to use.
By the winter of 1952 the first 150 metre-long rope tow lift was installed behind Temple and replaced with a Poma lift two seasons later. Down in the front valley, a gondola operated by another company started taking guests to the top of Whitehorn Mountain in 1957.
Lifts and lodges were added to both slopes and finally amalgamated as the Lake Louise Ski Resort in 1971.
Skiing at Skoki Lodge in the early days. / Photo by the Whyte Museum
Big changes in the ‘80s
The next two decades saw big changes, including the ownership of the resort. Charlie Locke purchased the resort in 1981 and instantly increased its capacity by adding the Paradise Chair, The Friendly Giant and Top of the World detachable chairs. New runs were cut through the trees and snowmaking machines were added to fill in the rough patches.
It was good times at Lake Louise. Albertan’s flocked to the resort as did travellers from around the world. While Calgarians did the pilgrimage from home, the national and international visitors enjoyed the comforts of hotels in Lake Louise Village and the town of Banff.
Charlie Locke purchased the resort in the 80s. / Photo by Chic Scott
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Under the banner of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR), Locke’s collection of ski resorts expanded to eight across the country. In 2003, Locke thought he wanted to retire and sold the entire company. Retirement didn’t suit him and he yearned to be back in the business he loved. So, five years later he bought back Lake Louise Ski Resort to run with his two daughters.
The growth of “The Lake” continues and is still adding to the excitement.
Long winters launch with World Cup downhills
High-speed chairlifts replaced the slower chairs to almost eliminate lift lines. With four mountain faces hosting 139 marked runs and back bowls, a tube park and an adrenaline-pumping terrain park there is never a dull moment. Every level of skiing or snowboarding enthusiast can find plenty of enjoyment on over 4,200 acres of accessible terrain.
The Grizzly Express Gondola added in 2004 sweeps 1,670 people per hour from the base to the top of Ptarmigan to one of the best views in the world in the winter and summer months. It’s impossible to not just stand there and drink in that view before setting off on another adventure. Yes, it’s a “WOW” moment.
The winter ski season is one of the longest and Lake Louise kicks it off with World Cup Downhill Races at the end of November. Almost every weekend until May there are special activities, races, events but daily dustings or heaps of powder entice snow hounds daily.
The men's and women's world cup downhill races are a big attraction at the resort. / Photo by Chris Moseley
Kick back at Base Camp
Dining or grabbing a snack is easy with restaurants, cafeterias, gazebos and decks to pull up a chair. Check out the rustic charm of the old Temple Lodge on the backside for lunch. If it’s mid-winter, après ski has to be next to the fire in the Powder Keg Lounge in The Lodge of Ten Peaks.
But come springtime, the deck at the Banded Peak Base Camp is the place to work on the goggle tan while enjoying a pint and listening to live music.
Relax outdoors on the Banded Peak Base Camp Patio. / Photo by the Lake Louise Ski Resort
From the days of lace-up ski boots to today, Lake Louise Ski Resort has always been rated as one of the world’s best ski resorts. The staff and ownership appreciate being among the best and continue to improve the resort while respecting Banff National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage site in which they sit.
When you go
- Get a Lake Louise Plus card to save on lift tickets.
- Lake Louise is a two-hour drive from Calgary. Take the return shuttle bus from Calgary and save yourself the drive. Reservations required.
- Make a weekend of it and stay at the affordable Lake Louise Inn in the village on Village Road.
More Lake to love
Get out and ski Lake Louise - open as of Nov 16, 2024 for the 2024-25 season. Read on for more ways to enjoy "The Lake" life!
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