https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z__3XhneO0
If you haven't been to Lake Louise Ski Resort recently, you really need to check out its newest terrain - West Bowl. In 2020, Lake Louise Ski Resort opened up new in-bounds terrain for the first time in 25 years. Previously side-country and backcountry slopes, West Bowl is now accessible and in-bounds and accessible for all resort guests to enjoy. Plus, there's a brand new high-speed quad chairlift, Summit Chair, to take you to the top!
Here’s everything you need to know about how to explore West Bowl this winter.
Did you know: West Bowl was created by redistributing the resort boundaries, giving important grizzly bear habitat back to Parks Canada?
West Bowl at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Photo by Phil Forsey.
The Summit Platter previously accessing Whitehorn’s peak is now a nostalgic mental souvenir. It's been “replaced” with the brand new Summit Chair. Access this chair from the top station of Top of the World chairlift, which then drops skiers and snowboarders off at the same summit location as the old platter.
The new Summit Chair on Whitehorn Mountain. Photo courtesy of Lake Louise Ski Resort.
A four-minute ride up the ridge of Whitehorn Mountain brings both new and old terrain right to your ski tips. This includes runs previously accessed by the Summit Platter, the back bowls, and now West Bowl.
The business in the front, party in the back layout of Lake Louise Ski Resort is no more! But the new, front side West Bowl stays true to back bowl style. Wilderness skiing is emulated with nature-enhanced snow conditions, an all-natural landscape selectively maintained with areas of tree glading, and no machine grooming.
West Bowl at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Photo by Phil Forsey.
West Bowl terrain carries intermediate, advanced, and expert ratings, and is divided into zones rather than cut runs. This gives skiers and riders endless possibilities of natural routes and fall lines through steeps, powder bowls and gladed tree areas. After taking your pick, all terrain naturally funnels into a newly built egress. This two-kilometre path channels back to the junction of Men’s Downhill and Juniper Jungle on the front side. From here, it’s just a short ski down to the base.
As with the expert terrain accessed from Top of the World, Paradise, and Summit chairs, West Bowl terrain will open throughout the season as snowfall builds and conditions allow.
Although West Bowl is now considered in-bounds terrain, it is recommended that skiers and boarders ride with a buddy in West Bowl, continue to carry avalanche safety gear in this area, and acquire the training to use it correctly. LLSR Snow Safety will maintain the terrain for safe access with avalanche control, and will now be monitoring and providing safety rescue services to this area.
https://youtu.be/972boWyyo18
Avalanche Safety Training Level 1, or AST 1, is the standard entry-level avalanche skills course for beginners. Lake Louise Ski Resort is a proud partner with Avalanche Canada and offers 2-day AST 1 courses throughout the winter season taught by their very own snow safety professionals.
Avalanche gear can be rented in Canmore from Gear Up in Banff from Snowtips-Bactrax and in Lake Louise from Wilson Sports.
While “light blue” runs are accessible from the top of Summit Chair, such as Boomerang on the backside and Sunset on the front side, It’s important to keep in mind that there are no novice or low intermediate runs accessible in West Bowl. Once you’ve dropped in, you’re fully committed.
Before dipping a boot in the bowl, test out your abilities on wide-open terrain with easy-to-bail access back to a blue run - such as Boomerang (intermediate), Upper Boomerang (advanced) and Shoulder Roll (advanced) or Whitehorn 1 (advanced) on the backside.
Need to build up your ski skills first? Consider taking a lesson or two to get brush up on your technique. SkiBig3 can help you secure private guides for your group, adult and child lessons no mater your skill level. Learn with top-level CSIA certified instructors who know these mountains like the back of their hand and can quickly work to improve your on-mountain skills.
Book online
Ready to dig in to West Bowl and endless amazing terrain at SkiBig3 this season?
Call us today at 1-844-754-2443 to chat with one of our local Reservations Team members. Our team can help navigate your booking to find the right balance for your budget, style and spacing needs. Vacation packages are also available online, check out our latest deals and reserve your winter holiday today. We’re just a call or click away.
