@albertanskigirl Just looking at airfare costs To Calgary it is a serious option.
Is lake Louise the only ski area open during that time period?
Do you recommend any specific place to check for lodging?
Is it still winter at that time or more spring like conditions?
Hi
@Ohioskier - You'll have a choice of 3 resorts in the immediate vicinity. Lake Louise (
https://www.skilouise.com/), Sunshine Village (
http://www.skibanff.com/) and Norquay (
http://winter.banffnorquay.com/) will all be open at that time.
Remember, it's still winter in Alberta at that time - we're quite a bit further north
Most years, you will have spring conditions at Norquay (much lower elevation), but it will definitely be winter at Sunshine and Lake Louise. Of course, it may vary year to year...nothing is a guarantee with weather. But early April is dry winter snow. Mid-late April, snow will get more humid. But daytime temps don't go above freezing usually until early May. And some years, it's not until mid-May. Of those three resorts, Sunshine will have the best snow, due to its elevation and snow preservation. Sunshine also doesn't have really have snowmaking, so natural snow tends to ski better (in my opinion) even if it hasn't snowed in a few days. My favourite time of year to ski is March and April - it's usually also when we get the most snowfall.
I love the terrain at Lake Louise the most, but the snow at Sunshine Village is incredible! You will love it.
I would say that, in today's changing world, Alberta in April is about as snow-sure as you can get.
As for lodging - I would say it depends. One of the main factors about lodging is whether you want to rent a car or not.
If you do not rent a car, I would suggest that you stay in Banff. It's a great little town, lots of shops, restaurants, hiking, skating etc in town. And it's completely walkable, you don't need a car in town. Definitely entertaining for a week. If you have either Mountain Collective, or you buy tri-area lift tickets from online (
https://www.skibig3.com/lift-tickets/), the shuttle to any of the resorts is free from Banff. The shuttles have a number of pick ups from anywhere in town. If you are looking for lodging suggestions, I would say stay on the shuttle line - where you can step out of your hotel and catch a shuttle no problem. Banff has lodging of all budget. But most of Banff is middle-of-the-road hotels, that are nicer than motels but pretty simple. Some include breakfast. I can recommend some depending on your budget. Mid-range and on the shuttle line would be: Banff Aspen Lodge, Ptarmigan Inn, High Country Inn, Brewster's Mountain Inn, Banff Park Lodge. I would recommend those because they are all close to the shuttle, and mid-range. High Country Inn I believe also has a kitchenette option -so if you want to make some breakfast or lunches in the room, that would be a good place (if the rooms are available). A more expensive option on the shuttle line would be the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (very fancy!), with afternoon tea and an amazing outdoor hot pool that looks onto the beautiful mountains. And it has the BEST spa on the planet, and baths. They usually have an amazing winter mid-week deal for $129 CAD for a 45 minute massage and an all-day pass to the baths (AMAZING!). It's totally the best thing ever - I do it a couple of times every winter. For really budget options, but on or close to the shuttle route, there is the YWCA (a bit of a walk, but not too bad), Banff Inn, Red Roof Inn.
If you do rent a car, I would suggest to spend a couple of days in Banff, and a couple of days in Lake Louise. If you have a car, you can really explore a bit -spend a day not skiing and go to the actual Lake Louise, Emerald Lake - it's an amazing area to drive around in. If you want to rent a car, more possibilities for accommodation open up. You don't need to take the shuttle, but you will have to go early to get a parking spot. If you want budget accommodation to offset the rent-a-car rate, you could look at Canmore. Most of the hotels are apartment/condo-style hotels, with full kitchens and bedrooms. Really beautiful. Places like Falcon Crest Lodge, Silver Creek Lodge, Solara, Mystic Springs etc are great. You're in the town of Canmore (which I love) and which has, in my opinion, some of the best food in the Bow Valley. I'm happy to give restaurant suggestions. With a car, you can stay in Banff, but you will want to make sure that the hotel you stay in has
parking available and that it is free! With a car, it's easier to stay in the Tunnel Mountain area - somehwere like the Douglas Fir, or the Hidden Ridge Resort, or, if you're on a budget, the Banff HI Hostel (which has a couple of wonderful family cabins too). If you're feeling splurgy, there is always the Rimrock, which is also a drive into town.
If you do rent a car, you can always stay a few days in Lake Louise proper - the mid-range option that I like the most there is the Mountaineer Lodge (ask for a room in the newly renovated part of the hotel), and they include breakfast. The best budget option is the HI Hostel, and the expensive option is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. And the food at Deer Lodge (caribou!), the Station Restaurant and Bill Peyto's, the hostel pub is delicious. With a car at Lake Louise, I would definitely suggest exploring the area. All the hotels still have free shuttles to Lake Louise Ski Resort -and I recommend that (even if you have a car), because its 5-10 minutes and gets rid of the parking hassle.
feel free to write or PM me if you have any questions. And if I'm around in April - I'd definitely love to show you the mountains!
