Winter trails

Cross-Country Ski

Last updated:

A practical index of Lake Louise ski routes, with official trail checks kept visible because grooming, closures, and access can change quickly.

Tracksetting and access are managed by Parks Canada. Check the official Parks trail report for current conditions before you go.

Before you pick a track

Use the official report first, then choose by difficulty, distance, and dog access.

Verify tracksetting

The route list below is a planning aid; the Parks Canada report has current trail status.

Check the drive

Winter driving and parking friction can decide whether a ski day still makes sense.

Easy
Moraine Lake Road
16 km return 250 m

Wide former road with trackset classic-ski lanes and a skate lane when maintained. Dog access is restricted; verify current rules. Avalanche terrain begins beyond the groomed viewpoint area.

Moderate
Fairview Loop

Forested loop with moderate climbs and descents. Dog access is restricted; verify current rules.

Moderate
Lower Tramline
4.8 km one-way 235 m

Classic route following the historic tramway grade. Dog access is restricted; verify current rules. Lower section to the Bow River bridge is steep and narrow.

Moderate
Upper Tramline
4.8 km one-way 235 m

Classic route linking Lake Louise Village and the lakeshore via the historic tramway grade. Dog access is restricted; verify current rules.

Easy
Lake Louise Loop

Lake-surface and shoreline ski route when officially marked and maintained. Dog access is restricted; verify current rules.

Difficult
Upper Telemark

Technical forested ski trail with steeper turns and sustained effort. Dog access is restricted; verify current rules.

Easy
Great Divide Trail
20 km return Minimal

Old highway route to the Continental Divide; trackset classic-ski lanes and skate lane when maintained. Dog access is restricted; verify current rules.

Easy
Peyto Trail

Gentle forest connector named for Bill Peyto. Dog access is restricted; verify current rules.

Easy
Lower Telemark

Gentler Telemark option with rolling forest terrain.

Easy
Campground Loop

Flat campground-area loop with trackset classic-ski lanes and a skate lane when maintained. Dogs on leash permitted.

Easy
Bow River Loop
7.1 km loop 30–50 m

Valley-floor route along the Bow River. Dogs on leash permitted.

Moderate
Pipestone Loop

Flagship Pipestone-system circuit with rolling forest terrain. Check Parks Canada for current access and grooming.

Easy
Drummond

Pipestone-system connector suited to steady classic-ski mileage. Check Parks Canada for current access and grooming.

Easy
Hector

Quiet forested Pipestone-system loop. Check Parks Canada for current access and grooming.

Easy
Merlin

Shorter, gentle Pipestone-system loop. Check Parks Canada for current access and grooming.