The upper mountain is a freerider’s Mecca. The above tree-line bowls range from intermediate to “if you fall, you die,” and the lower mountain holds an interesting blend of glade areas and crusie groomers.

If the visibility is somewhat clear, hop on the Summit Platter to the ridge and hold on. This surface lift is almost as challenging as some of the terrain it accesses. Depending on snow conditions and wind direction the snow will vary from the front and backside of the mountain. On a powder day, taking a few laps on the Summit Platter is a quick, easy way to get in a lot of turns. If you’re looking for a steeper, more exhilarating run, hike up the ridge to Mount Whitehorn and the “Ultimate Steeps.” These runs off the peak disappear as the slope rolls over into the 45-degree and steeper range. Scoping these lines first from other areas may be smart, as there is no turning back after the first few turns. Eight distinctive chutes meander down the north side of the ridge into a giant apron and a flat run-out. Scoring these fresh would be as good as heli runs. A little skating is needed to get through a flat spot in the drainage, but is well worth it.

Down the ridge on the other side of the saddle, the Paradise triple chair leads to the other freeride challenge of Lake Louise. The “Wall” and Eagle Ridge (a.k.a ER chutes) has more double black diamond runs that empty out onto the Pika trail. The beginner-rated Saddleback trail has lured novice riders into an area that many would not call easy. If the visibility is foggy, this run immediately turns into a challenging blue run at best, so ride on carefully. On the rider’s right of the triple chair the spaced-out Larch trees look like a dead, petrified forest, which is a great option when vertigo sets in around the mountain.

As the trail on the backside flows down the canyon, the Ptarmigan quad climbs up a fairly decent pitch for 1,300 vertical feet. When a storm is dumping and white-out conditions persist, this is where the locals are riding.

Across the valley from this area the Larch Express quad is a great option for all levels of riders. Two long beginner runs, a number of intermediate cruisers, and some advanced glade runs are hidden from the crowds on the front side. From here the “Ski Out” run wraps around the main mountain to the resort base area. This run is not suggested for snowboarders, since a large part of it is flat and requires skating or walking. Instead, take the Ptarmigan quad up and over to the front side.

While on the front side of the resort, the Grizzly Gondola is a comfortable ride when the wind picks up and the snow is flying. Visibility is usually pretty good off of the gondola, where the many trees provide contrast in white-out conditions.

At the bottom, the Glacier Express quad is the spot for beginners. The two long green trails may get boring after awhile, but the pickings are slim for beginner terrain at Lake Louise.

Parks and pipes

At one time the Lake Louise terrain park was on the cutting edge of super-pipe and park development, but due to public safety concerns, the resort has done away with the half-pipe and man-made kickers. A small rail park sits at the bottom of the Glacier Express and has a few rails and boxes. To enter the park a “park pass” is required. The pass costs $5 for the season and is offered to anyone who reads and signs the lengthy waiver. A gate keeper stands guard at the entrance to the mini park and checks every person that wants to come in.