Lake Louise has a cold climate at high altitude and thus makes the most of its modest 169 inch average snowfall. Snow density in Alberta is as light as it gets. Powder on Louise's steep north side can accumulate over several days of light snowfalls due to vast terrain, limited lift access and low skier density.

Accumulation and Preservation

Louise's snowfall is consistent, so it averages about 3/4 open at Christmas and is less than half open at Christmas in about 20% of seasons. Nonetheless Louise is liberal with opening terrain on a thin base and the best skiing is usually in the mid and late season. Louise's steepest terrain faces north, and thus preserves winter packed powder surfaces well into the spring. The south facing front side often has melt/freeze conditions by March. Louise usually stays open to late April and occasionally a week or two into May.