Unearth Extraordinary Hidden Trails at Lake Louise: An Insider's Guide for Expert Skiers
A jewel nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is renowned for its imposing beauty and exceptional advanced terrain. While the resort offers extensive options for skiers of all levels, its bowls are renowned as an expert’s paradise.
With great adventure comes great responsibility. Understanding the area and the potential risks is paramount for getting the most out of your visit. This insider's guide will take you on a journey through some of the most thrilling and challenging runs at Lake Louise, offering safety notes and other insights to help you plan an incredible freeskiing adventure.
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Lake Louise’s Best Expert Terrain
Expert skiers from all over the world visit to try their hand at Lake Louise. The variety and quality of exhilarating terrain is unparalleled, offering cliffs, steep chutes, natural airs, tight tree runs, rock rides and more—all topped with the mountain’s signature champagne powder. Add stunning alpine vistas and pristine rocky mountain wilderness, and you have an experience that’s impossible to find anywhere else.
While you don’t have to pass a beacon test to access these runs, a partner, plus respect for the rules, terrain, and your own limits are highly recommended. Let’s explore the most extraordinary trails at the magnificent Lake Louise.
Hiker’s Paradise
For expert skiers seeking a mix of terrain, Hiker’s Paradise is a must-visit. Adventurous spirits are spoiled for choice here. You can survey all the lines from the top of the run and pick your perfect descent: sweeping open bowls, narrow lines, tight chutes, cliffs, and more.
To get to Hiker’s Paradise, take the Summit Chair and then follow Boomerang to the backside. A 15-minute hike will bring you to the top of Hiker’s Paradise (the name isn’t a clever moniker). The hike itself is a rewarding challenge, offering panoramic views that are as invigorating as the ski down.
Special Features
Special Features
Each line off Hiker’s Paradise offers a unique challenge. Which will you choose? Boomerang Bowl is ideal for anyone who enjoys wide, powdery turns, while Wild Gully and Ghostly Gully provide a more technical descent with steep chutes. North Cornice offers endless opportunities for those looking to catch some air.
Safety Notes
Hiker’s Paradise is demanding and can be dangerous. Ensure you have the necessary equipment and skills before attempting these runs. Always be aware of the weather conditions and avalanche risks. The area is remote, so always ski with a partner and make sure someone knows your route and expected return time.
Eagle Ridge
Eagle Ridge, also known as the ERs, is the backbone of Lake Louise’s expert terrain. It features seven main faces, each with its own flavour and exciting surprises. The ridge’s diversity and complexity make it a veritable playground for advanced skiers looking for variety and the toughest runs on the mountain.
You can access Eagle Ridge via the Paradise Chair on the backside of the mountain. The approach is straightforward, but things start to get interesting as soon as you choose your route.
Special Features
Special Features
East Bowl: This cornice will get your adrenaline pumping. The steep initial drop is followed by a wide, open bowl, allowing for fast, free runs to the bottom.
Crow Bowl: This area features a natural quarter pipe and cliffs for big jumps. Crow Bowl is ideal for skiers who appreciate playtime in snowy natural features.
ER3: Often used for the Freeride World Qualifier event, ER3 is a favorite among competitive skiers. The run offers a mix of steep pitches and technical sections that test even the best skiers.
Paradise Bowl: This long fall-line runs right under the chair, offering consistent pitch and wide-open skiing. It’s pure joy to carve out.
ER6 and ER7: These runs are at the far end of the ridge and are rarely crowded. ER6 and ER7 are your best bet for fresh tracks, even late in the date. You’ll find numerous natural features for jumps, steep narrow chutes, and secret stashes of extra soft snow.
Safety Notes
Pay close attention to signage and never attempt to ski if the run is closed. The runs vary significantly in difficulty and terrain, so assess each line carefully and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
West Bowl
West Bowl is one of North America’s most sought-after freeride zones, celebrated for the quality of fresh snow and endless terrain—an astonishing 480 acres. For years, this area wasn’t officially on the map, but now it’s patrolled and avalanche controlled for a true backcountry feel with a few safety measures. Revel in the deep powder, vast open spaces, and let go.
Take the Summit Chair and head to the front side of the mountain, where you’ll find West Bowl. For your best chance at untouched snow, hike to the stairs at the top of the bowl. The hike requires some effort, but you’re rewarded with pristine snow and potentially untracked lines.
Special Features
Special Features
Despite being inbounds and patrolled, West Bowl feels like the middle of nowhere. It offers an abundance of powder and plenty of glades, along with several challenging gullies. The terrain is varied, with open bowls transitioning into tight trees and gullies, providing limitless opportunities for adventure.
Safety Notes
The openness of West Bowl makes it easy to get off track. Keep sight of landmarks and reorient yourself regularly to avoid getting lost. It’s also important to be prepared for any weather, as it can change unexpectedly.
Whitehorn 2
Formerly the Summit Platter, Whitehorn 2 has long been famous for the steepest runs, deepest snow, and best views in skiing. Home to the infamous “Alphabet Gullies'', skiers race to beat the crowds for first tracks on these steep, technical descents. Although this run has more visitors since the addition of a quad chair, it’s still a haven for technical skiers chasing the toughest descents.
Whitehorn 2 lies directly off the Summit Chair on the back side of the mountain. While the area is easily accessible (ask a veteran skier about the T-bar that used to get you here), the runs are anything but.
Special Features
Special Features
Whitehorn 2 features 9 gullies and spines. Named A through I, from looker’s left to right, these runs are affectionately known as the alphabet gullies. On a good day the gullies offer some of the deepest and most heavenly powder turns in the Rockies, the kind you remember forever. If pure adrenaline is more your style, attempt the rocky spines that separate the gullies. You’ll find yourself up against a maze of rocks and cliffs, occasionally interrupted by sheer patches of snow.
Safety Notes
Due to the high elevation and exposure, the weather on Whitehorn 2 can be severe. Be well-prepared for shifting weather and potential whiteout conditions.
Lipalian Chutes
A family of richly-treed protected lines, The Lipalian Chutes are known for their consistent snow fall and ability to hold the fresh powder better than any spot on the mountain. The chutes offer a mix of steep pitch and tight trees, which require a high level of precision and skill. Will you accept the challenge?
Access Lipalian Chutes from the Larch Express. You can see the chutes on your ride up, giving you time to plan your descent. Once you reach the top, head into the trees on the black diamond track and the chutes will reveal themselves below you.
Special Features
Special Features
While most runs off the Larch Express cater to beginner and intermediate skiers, the Lipalian Chutes stand out for their fresh snow and defined lines, which remain skiable even in low light. Put your technical skills to the test navigating quick, short turns in soft, deep snow.
Safety Notes
Everyone loves to play in the trees, but the cover here is particularly heavy. Navigate carefully to avoid collisions, hidden surprises, and tree wells. We recommend skiing with a partner and maintaining visual contact, especially in areas with limited visibility.
Larch Express
Larch Express is a mellow area with something for all skiers. But if you veer off the main areas you’ll find wild challenges like the Extreme Elevator Shaft, Lake Louise’s most feared out-of-bounds run. This 40-degree, 1,300 foot fall line is lined by massive rock walls and car-sized boulders on either side. If you’re able to look up while speeding down the shaft, the scenery is particularly lovely.
You can reach Larch Express from either the Top of the World Express or the Summit Lift. The area is well-connected, making it easy to explore multiple runs in a single day.
Special Features
Special Features
This area provides access to the backcountry zones of Wolverine Ridge and Purple Bowl (which require avalanche training, a beacon, probe, and shovel) along with the infamous moguls that run under Ptarmigan chair. If you’re brave enough to attempt the Extreme Elevator Shaft, it requires a 45+ minute hike up Lipalian Mountain to the crux of the run. Take a break before you make your descent, there’s no stopping until you hit the bottom.
Safety Notes
Be mindful of the trees and the varying terrain. Always check conditions before skiing. The area can be busy, so be aware of other skiers and avoid crowded runs if possible.
Upper North Cornice
Sitting directly above North Cornice, UNC (pronounced un-ck) starts with a steep, tight turn around rock that reveals the chute below. It’s a challenge even for terrain lovers, but finding your flow is incredibly rewarding. Is the name a little nondescript? Yes, but we think it helps keep the masses away.
Getting to UNC requires a skate, a traverse, and a hike. After you get off the Summit Chair, follow the boundary line until you get to Upper Boomerang. From here you’ll need to find your way through the Brown Cows and into Boundary Bowl, where you’ll find the entrance to UNC.
Special Features
Special Features
UNC is a steep, narrow chute surrounded by rocky outcroppings. Even at its widest part, this run is a rock-laden obstacle course where your turns matter. Technical skiers will delight in the challenge.
Safety Notes
The complexity of the terrain and abundance of rocks requires incredible technical skills. While flow is always the goal, navigate carefully to avoid dangerous collisions.
Safety Tips for Expert Skiers
Always Wear a Helmet
Regardless of your skill level, a helmet is always a must. Head injuries account for 20% of skiing and snowboarding injuries, especially in challenging, varied terrain. You should also ensure it’s a proper ski helmet for maximum protection.
Don’t Ski Alone
Skiing alone can be risky, especially on remote runs that are less frequently patrolled. Always ski with a buddy and inform someone of your plans before heading out.
Carry the Right Equipment
Never venture onto avalanche terrain without essential safety equipment, including an avalanche receiver, probe, and shovel. Make sure you know how to use all your gear and that it’s working properly before you head down the mountain.
Know Your Limits
Don’t let the allure of fresh powder or the desire to impress push you beyond your limits. Skiing terrain outside your comfort zone can lead to serious injury.
Check the Weather and Avalanche Warnings
Stay informed about weather conditions and avalanche warnings. Most deadly avalanches occur at level 3, so always exercise caution. Pay attention to any caution or closed signs on the mountain.
Obey the Signs
Weather events can create dangerous conditions, leading to temporary closures of certain areas for safety. Ski Patrol at Lake Louise never close runs without a good reason, so it’s best to stay away until they give the green light. Entering closed areas can also result in the suspension of your skiing privileges.
Unleash a Thrilling Ski Adventure
Some of the world’s best expert terrain is right here in Lake Louise. Book your Post Hotel & Spa stay now for unparalleled access to these remarkable trails and the adventure of a lifetime. Please reach out to our reservations team at (403) 522-3989 or info@posthotel.com with questions, requests, or help planning your visit.
