Your Guide to A Truly Unforgettable Lake Louise Winter Vacation

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• published: 02 Apr 2016
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If you want to have a truly unforgettable Lake Louise experience, visit in winter. The combination of snowy alpine landscapes surrounding this piercing aqua blue water mixed with the kind of deep soul soothing silence I'd never felt before is capital A Awesome in the truest (non cliché) sense of the word. Located just two hours west of Calgary, Lake Louise in Alberta is a completely different world come summer, when tourists flock by the masses to hike and stay in the park's historic lodges. But an off-season trip is a completely different experience. You'll feel like a local watching games of pick up pond ice hockey on the lake's north side, a space which is framed by conifer trees heavily dusted with snow and Victoria Glacier. And when it comes to skiing, Lake Louise Ski Resort offers some of Canada’s most challenging terrain and the crowds aren’t overwhelming. Daring skiers will find plenty of off piste trails along with glades, chutes and wide open bowls. Here, it’s some of the most challenging terrain in the Rockies. But for those of us that are looking for long and wide-open cruisers, this too is prime because there is a green run located off every chair. The best way to start the day and get your bearings is to ride the Glacier Express for a warm-up run and an introduction to the insane views that will be in sight all day. From the top, you will be able to see the Bow River and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a luxury hotel that sits steps from one of the world’s most enchanting sights. After a hard day on the mountain, I was ready for some downtime at the hotel. Luckily the property I was staying at is just a quick 15-minute drive from the ski resort. Located right at the edge of the frozen lake is the opulent, old-world luxury Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, one of the most stunning hotels in Canada. The hotel started as a summer-only resort in 1890 and was built by the general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway. But after the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, skiers and wintertime enthusiasts were quick to book rooms and the momentum has never slowed. In the back of the hotel, you will find a skating rink on a portion of frozen over Lake Louise. Here, you will be lucky enough to skate under the stars. Or, for a true Canadian experience, make sure to make it back before sunset for a game of pick up pond hockey. (Rent skates and a stick from the in house gear shop). There's no need to leave the property for dinner if you head to the Fairview Dining Room but do make sure to dress up because it’s definitely upscale. I loved the steelhead trout, which was presented artistically and tasted as good as it looked. Poppy Brasserie is the best pick for breakfast with an a la carte menu and breakfast buffet. After dinner, my bed was calling. The rooms at the Fairmont feature high ceilings and modern mountain décor, making this feel more like a castle than any place I have stayed. I fell asleep quickly that night, dreaming of the day to come and knowing I'd wake up to one of the world's most beautiful mountain landscapes and a fresh day of powder on the slopes.