obxxtreme

I'm hoping to take my family skiing the last week of March next year, and I understand that Banff/Lake Louise has excellent conditions at that time. Is that true? My concern is that I cannot seem to find accomodations such as condos that will accommodate my large family. Am I missing something? Any suggestions regarding the best places for spring skiing... and places to stay... would be very much appreciated.

ShelliDawn

Yes, skiing is good in March, often all through April and into early May.

A quick internet search with the terms "banff condo rental" came up over 100,00 results.

obxxtreme

How accessible to Lake Louise is Banff? Is it a teen/family friendly area? I'm sure I sound daft, but I know nothing about that area and don't personally know anyone who has been. We went to Aspen a few weeks ago, and - aside from the predictable pretense - it was wonderful for all of us. Then we went to Alta and Snowbird. The skiing was great, but there was absolutely nothing for the teens to do in the evening. Nevertheless, they still had a great time, and I can't wait to go back to Alta; it is killer. We did stay in a condo that was very family-friendly and ski-in ski-out (in Snowbird), so that was a big bonus. I'm just curious to know what the environments are like at Lake Louise and Banff... especially since all of the accommodations at LL seem to be either ultra-glam or hostel... opposite ends of the spectrum - and neither appeals to me with four kids in tow. Is Banff different?... and what is the transportation like to the various mountains?

tom22

Lake Louise is no ski-in ski-out skiresort. You have o access the base of the slopes with your own car or with a skibus. The trip from Banff towards Lake Louise by bus (included within the tri-skipass) will take one hours.

You can find all relevant information via
www.banfflakelouise.com

The skipass information is available via
www.skibig3.com

Please keep in mind, that Banff-accommodation prices for foreign visitors increased due to changed tax regulations (new Banff muncipal tax + GST refund cancellation for foreign visitors).

ShelliDawn

I don't have a lot of hostel experience, but I've heard the Lake Louise Hostel referred to as the Taj Mahal of hostels. I have stayed there a number of times for weekend ski trips and recommend it. I've always stayed in the shared rooms, but I do know they have family rooms available. There's a good restaurant in the hostel (as well as two kitchens) a really nice common room with a fireplace and comfy couches and a wax room (more important for cross country skiing).

Lake Louise Village is just that, a village. It's mostly hotels. They have a small mall with some stores. For food, Laggans Bakery is wonderful for breakfast/lunch and there's plenty of restaurants in the hotels. There's also The Station restaurant that is in an old train station. Good food, great atmosphere but a little on the pricey side.

It's about a half hour drive between Banff and Lake Louise so going to Banff for evening entertainment is easy (assuming you have a car). You might want to take in the hot springs.

Of course you'll want to drive up to the lake (it's beautiful) and also see the Chateau. There's some shopping and restaurants in the Chateau as well.

ltt

check out http://www.douglasfir.com/ - i like this place for family accommodations. we stayed with 7 adults in their suite that had 3 bedrooms and we were all comfortable. had a couple of pools and a water slide which is fun. the end of march is a busy time so you should book soon.