Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hosts winter activities in Banff National Park
A weeklong trip to Alberta's Banff region in early January revealed diverse winter options beyond skiing at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Activities on frozen shores
Shaggy draft horses pulled vintage sleighs along paths hugging the frozen shores of Lake Louise. Nordic skiers glided across the snow-dusted ice while navigating around life-size snowmen in the distance. The sun glinted off an ice-sculpted castle turret near the grand hotel overlooking the wilderness. Visitors could also engage with elements through snowshoeing or soaking in an outdoor hot tub.
History of tourism development
William Cornelius Van Horne built hotels along the railway route after driving the last spike in 1885. The original Chalet was marketed for fishing and canoeing before a fire damaged it in 1925. Swiss guides taught guests to navigate mountains and partially introduced locals to the sport of skiing. The resort now features staff in lederhosen-inspired uniforms and a fondue-focused restaurant named Walliser Stube.
Location near Calgary airport
The gateway city of Calgary is surrounded by umber-hued prairies and agricultural land before the drive west. Travelers must wait forty minutes into their ninety-minute drive on the Trans-Canada Highway to reach the Rockies. This area hosted SkiBig3 resorts while most of the American West suffered a snow drought that year.
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