Banff Lake Louise / Beginners

The best areas for beginners in Lake Louise is the base area, using Sunny T-bar, and on the main green Wiwaxy trail on the front side of the mountain. The Larch Area should not be missed as it has some easy trails like Marmot and Lookout. As every chair has an easy way down all four mountain faces, novices can enjoy a wide variety of access and the scenic vistas.

Beginners at Norquay should take the Cascade Quad lift, which gives access to a host of good trails.  Easy trails are plentiful at Lake Louise: Saddleback and Pika; the long and open Wiwaxy; and—a personal favorite—the Cameron Way, are all ideal for gentle souls. Also, as a Lake Louise bonus, some trails down the mountain are pretty easy too – so no need to take the lift down at the end of the day.

While all resorts attempt to cater to every grade of skier, Sunshine is primarily an intermediate resort. Beginners, in or out of class, will take the Wolverine chair from the center station to the more open upper slopes, or take the longish uphill haul on the Strawberry and Standish chair combination; wrap up well for the lift, it can be chilly. There are good trails all over the tops, and the nice long green run from the top of Lookout Mountain to finish off the day.