Skiing at Lake Louise- A beginner's experience (Lake Louise)

Member Name: Chuckles1987

Product:	Lake Louise
Date:	16/05/08 (156 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing snow, beautiful location

Disadvantages: costs more than Europe

Skiing at Lake Louise was such an amazing experience for me. I went for a week at the very end of the season this year and it was the best snow I have ever seen!
This was only my second time skiing (the first was France at christmas) and has helped boost my confidence so much. The runs are very wide and there are some great long runs for beginners. From every lift there is a green run which meant i could spend a lot more time with the rest of my party who are all a lot better skiiers than me. This also meant there were non of the panic attacks I had in France when I was getting pulled onto a lift without knowing where it lead to or which runs would let me get down.

Another really noticible difference to Europe is the queues for lifts, mainly there were non existant but when there was a bit of a queue you really notice there is none of the pushing in and "every man for himself" mentality you get in Europe. I think a lot is due to the fantastic ski instructors, who don't just let anyone having a lesson push right in at the front.
As the runs were so wide they were really good for nervous beginners such as myself as there was loads of room for faster skiiers to pass without getting too close. There were plenty of times over the week where you would be on a run and feel like you had the whole mountain to yourself. It was such an amazing experience.

I stayed mainly on the green runs as I really wanted to build up my confidence after France and not do anything that would scare me too much; the best areas for beginners are the deer run which is a long run right down the front of the mountain, and the run down the back of the mountain to the larch area, and then from larch area there are two shorter very easy going runs (Marmot and look out). If you are a beginner such as myself I would avoid the ski out run from the larch area to the lodge of the ten peaks as it is so flat that unless you can start it with some serious speed it involved a lot of skating and is very hard work- by the end I had stripped down to a t-shirt I was so hot from all the extra work. However if you can build up some speed this is a beautiful run with an amazing and tranquil track through the forest.
My experience at Lake Louise has completely built up my confidence, and I just can't wait to get out on the pistes again. It was a fantastic week and I would love to go back there as soon as I can afford to.

Obviously it is a bit more costly than Europe but in my humble opinion was completely worth it!
The food on the slopes was reasonably priced, better than expected and a good choice of sandwhiches, salads and hot foods. One place I would definately recommend its The Powder Keg which is upstairs at the Lodge of the ten peaks. Try the ceaser salads and the pizzas but beware the portion sizes are HUGE, you will need the "bottomless soda" to refresh you!

Ski Hire at lake louise was another perfectly simple process that fares so much better when compared to my experience in France. There is a computer system where you enter all your details (height, weight category, capability, etc). Which you then take to pick up your boots, skis and poles. I had a problem with my boots which was resolved easily and quickly by the very capable and approachable staff. Another point I feel is worth mentioning regarding ski hire is that one of my party took ill on the last day and we returned his boots not expecting any refund but were offered a full refund for the last day.
If you have the opportunity you should definately visit Lake Louise, although spend a day at neighbouring resort Sunshine if you can too- it is also an experience not to missed!

Summary: Ski at Lake Louise, you won't regret it.