Fairmont Chateau Lake LouiseLake Louise, AB

Surrounded with snow-frosted Rocky Mountain peaks and showcased by a majestic glacier, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise awaits your arrival. And with three fabulous ski areas to choose from discover why snow worshippers call this Chateau 'The Diamond in the Wilderness.'

Breathe the crisp mountain air and marvel at some of nature's most inspiring handiwork. Four of the finest ski areas in the Rocky Mountains are just a short drive away, so pick your favorite, or ski different terrain everyday. With a ski season that typically runs from mid-November to mid-May, the area offers some of the best skiing in North America.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Glide along heavenly cross-country ski paths in our mountain wilderness. You'll discover several well-groomed trails just outside the doors of The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Rental equipment is available from Monod Sports Shop in the hotel, and lessons are offered at the Chateau's lakeside Nordic Stop

HELI-SKIING
For those who crave extreme adventure, there are local companies which can arrange a day of heli-skiing on glacier slopes that you'll never forget. You'll be taken to some of the most majestic peaks in the Rockies where a mountain guide will lead you on three descents. You'll be treated to a picnic-style lunch on the mountain and cap off the day with a souvenir pin and certificate. Reservations are required and can be arranged through the Concierge.

RENTAL SHOP
Whatever your taste in recreation, Monod's Sport Shop in the hotel can outfit you for any winter adventure. Rental equipment for ice skating, skiing as well as overnight minor ski repairs are offered.

Lake Louise is one of Canada's largest ski areas with a 3,250 ft. vertical drop spread over four mountain faces. With over 1,000 skiable acres and 113 named runs to choose from, this alpine terrain offers the perfect variety for all abilities. Every chair lift has both an easy and a more difficult way down, allowing everyone from novice to expert to enjoy and explore the whole mountain, including the famed back bowls.

General Information

• Five minute drive from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Free shuttle service is provided from the hotel
• Voted ''Best Scenery'' and ''Best Steeps'' by Ski Canada magazine, 2002
• Tel: (403) 522-3555

Mountain Statistics

• Vertical: 3,250 ft. (1,000 m)
• Base elevation 5,400 ft. (1, 645 m)
• Peak: 8,650 ft. (2,637 m)
• Snowmaking: 20% of designated runs (over 400 acres)
• Average snowfall: 142 in. (360 cm)
• Trails: 113 named runs
• Acreage: 4,000 acres (1,620 hectares)
• Terrain: advanced 30 % - intermediate 45% - novice 25%
• Longest run: 5 miles (8 km)
• Cumulative length of runs: Over 62 miles (100 km)
• Three quad-chair lifts
• Two triple-chair lifts
• Three double-chair lifts
• One lower-mountain t-bar
• One upper-mountain platter
• One isolated children's tow
• Lift capacity: approximately 16,400 people per hour

Sunshine Village is a vast bowl of deep snow with an average of 30 ft of powder from November to June - the longest ski season in Canada. Throughout Sunshine's history, all development, including $11 million in resort improvements, has been carefully designed to harmonize with the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. Still standing is the original 1928 ski cabin known as Old Sunshine Lodge.

General Information

• 40 minute scenic drive from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Shuttle from Lake Louise to Sunshine.Regular schedule service to begin in late December. Call for details (403) 760-5280
• Open from mid-November to the end of May
• Tel. (403) 762-6500

Mountain Statistics

• Vertical: 3,514 ft. (1,070 m)
• Base elevation 5,440 ft. (1,658 m)
• Peak: 8,954 ft. (2,730 m)
• Village elevation: 8,954 ft. (2,273 m)
• Average snowfall: 360 in. (914 cm)
• Snowmaking: 100% natural snow
• Trails: 92 named runs
• Terrain: expert 5% - advanced 42% - intermediate 31% - novice 22%
• Longest run: 5 miles (8 km)
• Cumulative length of runs: Approximately 52 miles (82 km)
• Five high-speed quad-chair lifts
• One triple-chair lifts
• Two double-chair lifts
• One t-bar
• Two double-chair lifts
• One high-speed eight passenger gondola - World's Fastest 13 million vertical transport feet per hour
• Approximately 17,000 people per hour

Quick Facts

• Sunshine Village has installed an entirely NEW eight passenger gondola - the world's fastest single stand gondola.
• Sunshine Village received four Gold Medals from Ski Magazine for the categories: Snow, Scenery, Challenge and Value.
• Sunshine Village received one Silver Medal from Ski Magazine for Dining in the Eagles Nest dining room.
• Snow making isn't required thanks to 33 feet of snow annually.

Ski Banff at Norquay Banff's Mount Norquay, located above the town of Banff, offers the rare experience of night skiing several times a week, until the end of March. Located only minutes from downtown Banff, Mount Norquay offers a wide range of ski terrain. Mount Norquay has 90% snowmaking capacity and offers some of the best grooming in the Rockies.

General Information

• 60 minute drive from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Shuttle service provided from the hotel on Wednesday and Saturday only.
• Tel: (403) 762-4421

Mountain Statistics

• Vertical: 1,650 ft. (503 m)
• Base elevation 5,350 ft. (1,636 m)
• Peak: 7,000 ft. (2,133 m)
• Average snowfall: 120 in. (300 cm)
• Snowmaking: 90% of skiable terrain
• Trails: 28 runs Longest run: 3,828 ft. (1,167 m)
• Cumulative length of runs: 10.2 miles (16.4 km)
• Terrain: expert 16% - advanced 28 % - intermediate 36% - novice 20%
• One high-speed quad-chair lift
• Two quad-chair lifts
• One double chair lift
• One surface lift
• Capacity approximately 6,300 people per hour
• Average of 120 inches (50 cm) of snow per year
• The new 24,000 sq. ft. Cascade Lodge offers breathtaking alpine views

Snowshoeing Along the Great DivideWinter is king along the peaks of the Great Divide. With an average annual snowfall of around 4 m / 12 ft this area is superb to try this ancient and efficient mode of travel. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! After gearing up and having a brief introduction on the basics, we will venture into the forest and look for signs of creatures that have adapted to the harsh winter conditions. Learn how to read the tracks of different animals and discover how they have adapted to survive the harsh conditions. Trips Daily at 1:30 pm Time: 3 hrs Distance: varies Adults: $54. Child 8 - 12 $34

The Icefalls of Johnston Canyon Discover a hidden and mysterious frozen world. Marvel at stilled waterfalls and dazzling pillars of blue and explore the surprising magic of this winter wonderland.Our day begins with a 30 min. drive to the trail head located on the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. After donning special 'ice cleats' we journey up the lower canyon on numerous suspended catwalks to reach the Lower Falls. We continue our trek onward and upward with numerous photo opportunities until we arrive at the grotto of the spectacular Upper Falls. Transportation and ice cleats included. Trips Daily at 8:30 am Time: 4 hrs Distance: 5.4 km/ 3.4mi Gain: 135m/ 440 ft Adults: $54. Child 8 - 12 $34

Lake Louise by Moonlight Secret spots and unique discoveries await us after dark. Journey into the woods on snowshoes and enter a world of stillness and mystery. If the skies are clear, we will take the time to explore some of the great constellations that wheel overhead: Cassiopeia, the Great Bear and Orion the Hunter. On special nights we may be treated to one of the most amazing sights in nature, the spectacular northern lights. Tuesday and Friday Evenings Time: 2hrs Adults: $39. Child 8 - 12 $24

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS & TOURS

1.5 hour Lessons daily 10:00 a.m., 12:00p.m. Imagine yourself skiing along a quiet forest trail surrounded by mountains blanketed in snow and ice. But before you hit the trails take a lesson to fine tune your skiing abilities. Tailored to those who have never been on cross country skis or advanced skiers seeking to improve their technique. We have something for skiers of all ages, our instructors are certified through Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors and are here daily to teach you how to stride & glide. Group lesson: Adults $49 Children 8 - 12 $34 Private lesson: Adults $59 Children 8 - 12 $44

3 hour Tours daily at 2pm Enjoy endless trails and fresh mountain air as you glide with a guide along some of the most spectacular ski trails in North America. The tour provides a perfect opportunity to improve your technique to bolster your confidence while you explore our surroundings. Adults: $54 Children 8 - 12 $34

Enjoy both activities in one day and save! $75 plus GST for Both

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides 'Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?' Brewster Barn offers old-fashioned sleigh rides along the shores of Lake Louise. An authentic Belgian sleigh glides behind massive but gentle horses arriving to greet you. Cozy blankets are handed out as your new friends whinny softly. Then you're off on a magical ride. Gather the family or make it just the two of you. This is a great way to get close to each other and live the traditions of the Old West. And there are plenty of opportunities to snap great photos before you jingle your way back to the Chateau. Activity Cost: from $20

Ice-Skating Parties The massive Victoria Glacier and snow-frosted Rocky Mountains provide a backdrop worthy of Broadway for the Chateau's weekend skating parties. Daily from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., the scene is set with steaming cups of hot chocolate to sip, music to glide to and a crackling outdoor fire to warm fingers and toes. For even more sparkle, each year Executive Chef Dominique Guyton creates an intricate Ice Castle from huge blocks of ice to highlight the world's most spectacular rink. Skate rentals available at Monad's Sports in The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Dog Sledding Never been mushing over the snow? Enjoy the opportunity to race in an authentic Inuit sled pulled by Alaskan Huskies. Your musher sled guide shouts ''Go,'' and your dogs are off scampering over the pure white snow. With the fresh air on your face and the Rockies soaring skyward ahead, you'll soon feel like the boldest of northern explorers. Then, with your cheeks pink and sense of adventure complete, you can head back to the Chateau for a hot drink - with plenty of stories to tell. Blankets are provided.

Snowmobile Adventures Experience the excitement of driving a Ski-doo through the mountains. Each guest will operate their own machine as you follow trails through he forest. Guides, snowmobile suits, boots, helmets and hotel pick all included. Hotel departures at 8:30 & 11:45 am daily, six hour return trip. Passengers ride for half price. Activity Cost: from $159

The Lake Shore Stroll Ever wanted to walk into a postcard? This is your chance! Stroll into the picture perfect image of Lake Louise. Quiz your guide on 'Why is the lake that colour?', 'Where are the bears?' and 'How old is the hotel?' Once at the end of the lake we may spot rock climbers, ground squirrels, marmots or even spot a mountain goat high on the sheer cliffs of Mt. Fairview. This walk is suitable for all ages and abilities.Time: 2:30 - 4:30 pm Mondays & Thursdays Distance: 4km/ 2.4mi Gain: Level

Fairview Lookout Join us for this short but moderately steep walk though a sub-alpine forest of spruce and fir to beautiful views looking down on the Chateau, Lake Louise and mountains beyond. After our ascent we can sit at the viewpoint and chat about how a five star hotel ended up in this magnificent six star landscape. Time: 2:30 - 4:30 pm Tuesdays & Saturdays Distance: 2.3 km/ 1.4mi Gain: 106m/ 350 ft

Adults: $29 Child 8 - 12: $14 Children 7 & under free

HALF DAY HIKES

Adults: $49 Child 8 - 12: $24 Children 7 & under not recommended

Lake Agnes & the Tea House This lovely walk is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park for good reason. Our first switchback lets us look down on the turquoise waters of Lake Louise. Continuing upward, we pass Mirror Lake tucked under the shear cliffs of the Big Beehive. At the Tea House we will 'tarry-a-while' and enjoy the breath-taking backdrop. Time: 8:45 - 1:00 pm Tuesdays & Saturdays Distance: 7km/ 4.4mi Gain: 385m/1,260 ft

Saddleback Pass Starting from the shore of Lake Louise the trail climbs moderately to steeply at times, aiming for a pass between Mt. Fairview and Saddle Peak. Once at the pass, a short walk away is the hidden 'Guides View Point' where we stop and enjoy the most spectacular view of our journey: the awesome north face of Mt. Temple. Above average fitness required. Time: 8:45 - 1:00 pm Mondays & Thursdays Distance: 7.4km/ 4.6mi Gain: 610m/2,000 ft

FULL DAY HIKES

Adults: $69 Child 8 - 12: $34 Children 7 & under not recommended

The Plain of Six Glaciers If you only had time for one hike in the Canadian Rockies, this would be it. This spectacular hike can be turned into a loop that includes walking up to Mirror Lake then traversing across the rarely traveled 'Highline Trail'. After conquering the ascent, we arrive at the Tea House and lunch*. Time: 8:45 - 4:00 pm Wednesdays Distance: 11 km/ 7mi Gain: 335m/ 1,100 ft

The Big Beehive Standing on the shore of Lake Louise, we can see our destination high above us. We start with a journey up the Lake Agnes area. The trail begins to switch back steeply upwards towards a saddle. Once at the saddle, most of our work is behind us and our lunch* spot beckons us towards the edge. From the top, the turquoise gem of Lake Louise shimmers far below. Time: 8:45 - 4:00 pm Fridays Distance: 10km/ 6.4mi Gain: 550m/ 1,800 ft

ALPINE HIKES & CLIMBS All mountaineering programs are full day and lead by our Certified Mountain Guides. Reasonable fitness and the ability to hike on trails as well as irregular terrain required. Children 7 & under not recommended

On the Rock Enthusiasm and technique, not strength, are stressed in this exciting first taste of rock climbing. Already experienced? You will progress with advanced climbing techniques on excellent quartzite rock faces at the 'Back of Lake Louise' climbing area. This is also a great way to spend a day with the whole family.Time: 10:00 am Tuesday, Thursday & Saturdays Distance: 4 km/ 2.4 mi Adults: $125 Child 8 - 12: $75

Reach Your Peak Experience what it feels like to reach a real summit. Stunning views of glaciers, lakes and peaks will reward your efforts. This event offers a number of options to reach different peaks in the Lake Louise area. Time: 8:30 am WednesdaysDistance: Varies depending on destination. Adults: $99 Child 8 - 12: $49

Victoria Glacier Hike Hike off the beaten path to the toe of the lower Victoria glacier, where you can see the origin of the waters feeding Lake Louise coming from an ice cave. Watch for impressive avalanches off the surrounding peaks from a safe vantage point. On our return we visit the historic Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse.Time: 8:30 am Fridays Distance: 12 km/ 7.5 mi. Gain: 330m/ 1,100 ft Adults: $99 Child 8 - 12: $49