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.

Cross Country Ski Trail Map
 

Cross Country/Touring Ski Rentals

Wilson Sports located in Samson Mall Lake Louise carries a wide selection of quality cross country & touring skis and boots.

Cross Country/Touring Ski Rentals
 

Why Lake Louise?

If you're a cross country skier, or are thinking about getting into this wonderful sport, you have to come to Lake Louise! Lake Louise is truly is the perfect setting for a cross country ski destination. 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 XC 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 Resort.
• 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.