Included: An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area One or two days of backcountry ski touring Not included: Technical backcountry ski touring equipment Transportation Food and snacks Accommodations Lift tickets for the lift-accessed ski tour

How fit do I need to be?

To enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to be in good physical shape. You will be on your feet for one or two full days, managing controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain. For the enjoyment and safety of everyone involved, participants must be approved to participate in advanced backcountry skiing tours either through a previous trip with the guiding service or through recommendations.

What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner-friendly, meaning anyone with a solid blue-level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.

Waiver and release of liability

Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking. Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver . During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip. Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.

What equipment do I need to bring?

For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring: Alpine touring skis, telemark skis, or splitboard with skins (can be rented) Touring boots and poles (can be rented) Three locking carabiners and two non-locking carabiners (for glaciated tours) Cord — 6mm, 4-6m (for glaciated tours) Sewn sling (for glaciated tours) Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented): Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon Lightweight snow shovel Avalanche probe Lightweight climbing harness for glacier travel (for glaciated tours) For personal items, we recommend bringing: Helmet Sunglasses and ski goggles Gloves and hat Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended) Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended) Down jacket or vest Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear, and socks Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people) Water bottle and 1L of water Thermos with a warm beverage — optional Food you can eat on-the-go First aid kit and small blister kit Sunscreen and lip balm Headlamp with fresh batteries Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 35-45L backpack) Camera — optional

Can I rent equipment?

All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent: Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel, and probe can be rented from your guide for $20 a day Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots, and poles can be rented from Wilson Mountain Sports or Ultimate Banff Sports Splitboards can be rented from Ultimate Banff Sports Ski rental locations are in Lake Louise and Banff, AB, and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: For these adventures, the max guest-to-guide ratio is 8:1. A minimum of 4 participants is required for the lift-accessed ski tour to run All prices are per person.For the standard tours, the cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows. For the private tours, the cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to ski with friends and family. Backcountry skiing in Lake Louise can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis. If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

Calgary International Airport is located around 1.5 hours from Banff and 2 hours from Lake Louise. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service providing hourly transport from the Calgary Airport to Lake Louise. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Lake Louise | Alberta

Backcountry Skiing in Lake Louise

5.00

A scenic river flowing through the Canadian Rockies

Backcountry skiers on a slope overlooking a lodge in Lake Louise

A skier, slope, and a snowy panorama in Lake Louise

Skiers descending a bumpy slope in Lake Louise

From $130 ()

Duration

1-2 days

Season

November to April

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

The legendary Lake Louise houses some of the best backcountry skiing and ski touring in Alberta. Though surrounded by some of the Rockies’ most renowned ski meccas, the area still stands out thanks to its stunning tree glades, alpine bowls, and light, dry powder. Despite the abundance of hotels and excellent lift coverage, Lake Louise manages to maintain an air of true backcountry isolation. When you’re conquering the complex alpine terrain of Surprise Pass, Chickadee Valley, or any of the area’s legendary bowls, you’ll truly find yourself at one with Canada’s vast wilderness. Whether you’re new to ski touring or are looking to cross some iconic objectives off your bucket list, you can’t go wrong with Lake Louise. Find out more about backcountry skiing in Lake Louise from Greg Hill, ACMG ski guide extraordinaire, and soon-to-be assistant rock climbing guide.

Adventure highlights

Take on Lake Louise’s world-class alpine bowls and treeline runs
Phenomenal lift access gets you to the slopes in record time
First-rate terrain variety will satisfy newcomers and experts alike

Available itineraries

Download itineraries

A Customized Day of Private Guided Backcountry Skiing

Experience some of Canada’s best backcountry skiing on this adventure in the Lake Louise area! Let your guide tailor the day to your wishes and take you to the best slopes Lake Louise has to offer. Whether you’re looking to work on your skills, learn some new tricks, or just have some fun on the untracked powder, your guide will keep you safe and show you the best and most appropriate lines.

Beginner & Intermediate Weekday Ski Tours

Discover Lake Louise’s stunning backcountry on an educational weekday ski touring trip! Join a seasoned backcountry ski guide in Lake Louise and Kananaskis County for some epic powder skiing and ski touring. Whether you’re a backcountry beginner or just looking to up your game, the Canadian Rockies’ diverse landscapes and pristine powder are sure to satisfy you!

Beginner & Intermediate Weekend Ski Tours

Looking to master the fundamentals of ski touring or upgrade your existing knowledge in the legendary Lake Louise ski area? This weekend-long ski tour is just the thing you need! An experienced ski guide will help you choose the right terrain and give you valuable backcountry ski touring instruction while keeping you safe on Lake Louise’s world-class slopes!

Advanced Tours & Ski Mountaineering

Great snow conditions and challenging terrains around Lake Louise are ideal for advanced skiers who wish to upgrade their skill and get their adrenaline pumping! Fresh champagne powder and plenty of bluebird days combined with steep slopes and unbelievable views over the lake will quench your thirst for the ultimate thrill rides. Let your guide do the planning so you can have the adventure of a lifetime!

Backcountry Skiing in Lake Louise

Adventure Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Jeff Bullock

When he first stepped foot in the mountains, Jeff knew this was home. He’s been wondering what adventures the snow capped peaks have in store since he was 12. Jeff started training for his ACMG/IFMGA mountain guide certificate in 2002 and started his own business, Alpine Air Adventures. To this day, he has yet to find a better feeling than sharing his passion for adventure you can only find high up in the alpine kingdom of the Canadian Rockies

5.00

You’re never on your own in the Banff wilderness because the experienced professionals from Alpine Air Adventures are here to guide you. While they know how to have a great time, they’re always mindful of advanced safety practices. They’re committed to showing each of their guests the best of the Rockies while protecting them every step of the way.

5.00(2 reviews)

Michael G.

|January 2024

Stephen B.

|February 2023

Stupid good powder conditions helped, of course, elevate our trip to Rogers Pass, and Emerald Lake during our Powder Warrior trip to well OVER expectations!

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - One or two days of backcountry ski touring
Not included:
- - Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
  - Transportation
  - Food and snacks
  - Accommodations
  - Lift tickets for the lift-accessed ski tour
To enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to be in good physical shape. You will be on your feet for one or two full days, managing controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.

For the enjoyment and safety of everyone involved, participants must be approved to participate in advanced backcountry skiing tours either through a previous trip with the guiding service or through recommendations.
Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner-friendly, meaning anyone with a solid blue-level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.
Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.

Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.

Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
- - Alpine touring skis, telemark skis, or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
  - Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
  - Three locking carabiners and two non-locking carabiners (for glaciated tours)
  - Cord — 6mm, 4-6m (for glaciated tours)
  - Sewn sling (for glaciated tours)
  - Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
  - Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
  - Lightweight snow shovel
  - Avalanche probe
  - Lightweight climbing harness for glacier travel (for glaciated tours)
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
- - Helmet
  - Sunglasses and ski goggles
  - Gloves and hat
  - Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
  - Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
  - Down jacket or vest
  - Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear, and socks
  - Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
  - Water bottle and 1L of water
  - Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
  - Food you can eat on-the-go
  - First aid kit and small blister kit
  - Sunscreen and lip balm
  - Headlamp with fresh batteries
  - Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 35-45L backpack)
  - Camera — optional
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
- - Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel, and probe can be rented from your guide for $20 a day
  - Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots, and poles can be rented from Wilson Mountain Sports or Ultimate Banff Sports
  - Splitboards can be rented from Ultimate Banff Sports
Ski rental locations are in Lake Louise and Banff, AB, and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Group sizes and pricing:
- - For these adventures, the max guest-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
  - A minimum of 4 participants is required for the lift-accessed ski tour to run
  - All prices are per person.For the standard tours, the cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
  - For the private tours, the cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to ski with friends and family.
Backcountry skiing in Lake Louise can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.
If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Calgary International Airport is located around 1.5 hours from Banff and 2 hours from Lake Louise. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service providing hourly transport from the Calgary Airport to Lake Louise.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.