Trip report : Lake Louise

[B2L2]

Just some quick info if anyone going that area. I spent Mar 12-13 there (last Fri and Sat) and it was snowing heavily on both days. However, they had 0cm for the 2 weeks before.

Friday started with 9cm overnight and it continued snowing lightly thru out the day. However, combined with the icy packed underneath, it became pretty tricky at some areas. Place like mogul where I struggled a lot with the piled up powder following with icy patches then continue. Surprised to see so many people on a Friday too. Most I talked to were local people who skipped a work day and came see the new snow.

Saturday accumulated 34cm for the last 3 days. Not the famous champagne powder, but more like the wet Whistler powder. Obviously I suck in powder that deep but still have lots of fun (read as fun in finding my ski). Had dinner plan at Calgary that evening and I left around 3:30pm with a big smile.

I drove from Calgary to Lake Louise and it was a 2.5 hours drive. My very original plan was to visit Kicking Horse, but the highway condition was pretty bad on the way there and I decided to cut the drive short and stayed at Lake Louise. This way I could also start skiing for one more hour Friday morning as well.

One thing I learn. WestJet (domestic from Vancouver) takes my ski bag and boot bag as a single baggage. I never know that before since I always left my ski at home when visiting Alberta and I usually had my boot bag as hand carry. But maybe it is different for international flight, I donno.

- Brian

[Mike]

One thing I learn. WestJet (domestic from Vancouver) takes my ski bag and boot bag as a single baggage. I never know that before since I always left my ski at home when visiting Alberta and I usually had my boot bag as hand carry. But maybe it is different for international flight, I donno.


Well written.

Number of airlines (international flight) do stated in their baggage policy that skis and boots are treated as one piece of baggage, just have to check their policy before packing. What I did not know was that skis and boots can be stored separately (I have an Oakley ski bag (with wheels) which can put skis and boots inside) and still treated as one piece of baggage. Unfortunately, few airlines have already started charging for skis and other oversize baggage. :(

[yuwillie]

If powder is what you are looking for, check out Fernie and Kicking Horse. Fernie usually get the biggest dump. Generally speaking though, Canada had two winter with a good start but ended with little snow after January. :(

[B2L2]

From what I heard, Panorama is the best when the powder hit. However, it is really a hit or miss. The same applies to KH.

There are so many close by resorts at the Rocky and if you're for a longer trip, best is to have a bit flexible trip plan so you could move around.