Recommended cross-country ski trails in the Lake Louise area

On average, cross-country ski trails are groomed twice a week. The grooming frequency depends on snowfall and weather conditions. Check the trail conditions page for updates.

8.9 km one way
Elevation gain: 335 m | Elevation loss: 100 m
Double trackset with multi-use skating lane
     

Climbing steadily, this trail includes both gently rolling and hilly stretches. Tracksetting ends at a viewpoint of Consolation Valley and the Ten Peaks.

 Avalanche hazard: Beyond the viewpoint, the road crosses large avalanche paths. Travel beyond this point requires avalanche training and equipment.

4.2 km one way
Elevation gain: 80 m | Elevation loss: 110 m
Single trackset
  

A beautiful trail, the Fairview runs through sections of open clearings and snow-draped woods. It’s also possible to make a 7.5 km loop (110 m total elevation gain) using the Fairview trail, the Moraine Lake Road and the Tramline trail: the recommended direction is counter-clockwise.

Tramline (via new route)
4.3 km one way
Elevation gain: 220 m | Elevation loss: 30 m
New section not track set
     
Trailhead: Begin the Tramline from the Bow River parking lot on Sentinel Road, cross the bridge, take a left and follow the Bow River Loop Trail until the junction with the new Tramline route. Alternatively, start at the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot.

This trail includes a steep hill, sharp turns and narrow sections. Take your skis off if needed.

Tramline (via historic route)
4.8 km one way
Elevation gain: 235 m | Elevation loss: 40 m
Single trackset
     
Trailhead: Begin the Tramline from the Bow River parking lot on Sentinel Road. Alternatively, start at the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot.

This trail gently climbs from the valley bottom to the Lake Louise Lakeshore with a steady 3% grade, following the historic tramline route that once linked the train station to the Chateau Lake Louise.
Help provide wildlife with more space to move freely through the Fairview Wildlife Corridor by using the new route. Expect some steep sections and sharp turns (untracked).

4.6 km loop
Elevation gain: 230 m | Elevation loss: 230 m
Double trackset
  

This loops features a wide open ski across frozen Lake Louise, followed by a fun “up & down” trip back through the woods – just 100 metres uphill from the lakeshore walking path. Use the Fairview – Lake Louise Connector trail to ski directly from the parking lot onto the lake.

 Avalanche hazard: Beyond the back of the lake, the trail crosses large avalanche paths. Winter travel to the Plain of Six Glaciers requires avalanche training and equipment.

1.5 km one way
Elevation gain: 20 m | Elevation loss: 70 m
Single trackset
  

This trail has several steep and technically demanding hills. If you find them too imposing, they can be avoided by taking the “Hillside” bypass. Start in front of the Chateau Lake Louise as if going to Lake Agnes, then turn right onto trail #5. Once up and behind the Chateau, ski steeply down to the Great Divide and Lower Telemark trails.

9.8 km one way
Elevation gain: 115 m | Elevation loss: 205 m
Double trackset with skating lane
   

Mostly flat, but trending gently downhill, this trail takes you to the “Great Divide”, the B.C.–Alberta border. From here, you can continue into Yoho National Park another 3.5 km (grooming irregular) to the Lake O'Hara parking lot.

2.2 km one way
Elevation gain: 20 m | Elevation loss: 90 m
Single trackset
  

This trail has a tricky starting point, off the small access road to the Brewster Stables behind Deer Lodge, but it offers a more gentle downhill to the Great Divide and Lower Telemark trails than trail #5.

3 km one way
Elevation gain: To be determined | Elevation loss: To be determined
Single trackset
  

Park at Great Divide trailhead, ski 700 metres, and turn right at the #8 trail sign. After 3 km of twists and turns, exit back onto the Great Divide trail, and turn left to return to your vehicle.

7 km loop
Elevation gain: 30 m | Elevation loss: 30 m
Single trackset
    

Mostly flat, following the river. To start, park near the Station Restaurant or just past the campground kiosk, or use the connecting trail from the Post Hotel or the Samson Mall.

2 km outer loop
Elevation gain: minimal | Elevation loss: minimal
Double trackset with skating lane
   

This trail loops around and through the campground on gentle terrain. For access, park just past the campground kiosk.

Trail closed due to fire management operations.
For more information, view the winter trails map, fire protection and restoration projects page, or check parks.canada.ca/banff-bulletins.

Trail closed due to fire management operations.
For more information, view the winter trails map, fire protection and restoration projects page, or check parks.canada.ca/banff-bulletins.

Trail closed due to fire management operations.
For more information, view the winter trails map, fire protection and restoration projects page, or check parks.canada.ca/banff-bulletins.

Trail closed due to fire management operations.
For more information, view the winter trails map, fire protection and restoration projects page, or check parks.canada.ca/banff-bulletins.

3.5 km one way
Elevation gain: to be determined | Elevation loss: to be determined
Single trackset
 

This trail (labelled “#2" on-site) runs parallel to the parkway, and starts across the road from the Baker Creek Chalets.

6.4 km one way
Elevation gain: to be determined | Elevation loss: to be determined
Single trackset
 

This trail links the other two cross country ski trails on the Bow Valley Parkway. Travel this unique path to discover a new perspective on the original autoroute through Banff National Park.

8.7 km of trails
Elevation gain: to be determined | Elevation loss: to be determined
Single trackset
 

You can park for these trails (labelled #1, #2 & #3 on-site) either near the hostel, or at the Rockbound Lake or Castle Lookout trailheads.