Discover 480 acres of new terrainExplore even more endless glades, steep trees and tasty powder pockets.
West Bowl is a vast area capped by the summit of Whitehorn Mountain, on the front face of the resort. It offers breathtaking views of the majestic Canadian Rockies, overlooking the Bow Valley and the scenic backdrop of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. Located west of the ski resort’s base, this new area of wilderness ski and snowboard terrain will carry-on the reputation of Lake Louise’s back bowls, but in this case on the front side. To facilitate this grand opening, a two-kilometre long ski-out has been constructed from the bottom of the various chutes, gullies and bowls comprising West Bowl, to the junction of Men’s Downhill and Juniper Jungle. A new quad chairlift has also been installed, which starts from the saddle below the top station of the Top of the World chairlift. In just four minutes, the new Summit Chair can whisk skiers and riders up the ridge of Whitehorn Mountain, giving easy access to the new West Bowl terrain as well as the back bowls, and the existing runs previously accessed by the Summit Platter.
The natural landscape of West Bowl lends itself well to some of the best advanced-intermediate through expert terrain in Banff National Park. Many would consider the newly opened terrain as “side-country,” with naturally gladed ski routes giving endless options of fall lines. Sections of West Bowl are divided into zones, with no precise runs, letting skiers and snowboarders chart their course and explore the bowl and newly gladed terrain in their own way. This authentic wilderness skiing and snowboarding experience is enhanced with natural snow conditions and no machine grooming. However, since West Bowl is now in-bounds terrain, this allows us to provide snow control, avalanche safety and ski patrol services. This is wilderness skiing at its best, and areas will open in stages throughout the season as Mother Nature allows. Skiers and boarders are advised to carry avalanche safety gear and know how to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
West Bowl is a vast area filled with open powder bowls, endless gladded ski areas, steep trees, tasty powder pockets and, of course, the Rockies’ famous champagne powder.
However, there are a lot of unmarked hazards such as: steep and remote terrain, rocks, cliffs, trees and tree wells, variable snow conditions, avalanches, severe weather, reduced visibility and risk of getting lost. Make sure you familiarize yourself with these hazards and are skiing with a buddy.
If you run into a problem in West Bowl please call Ski Patrol Dispatch at 1 (403) 522-1311.
West Bowl now resides in an “Avalanche Control Area”. Avalanche risk will be managed through the use of explosives and other mitigation methods, this means this terrain may be closed at any given time in periods of elevated avalanche hazard or when avalanche control work is being performed. When the gates are closed and signs are in the “closed” position, do not enter this area.
There are strategically placed gates that allow skiers to access the skiable lines. There is never a time where you should go under a rope line to enter this terrain.
Avalanche gear is not required but strongly recommended. We recommend carrying an avalanche transceiver, a probe, and a shovel. We also encourage people to not go into the area alone, always bring a friend.
Reasonable access is permitted when it is safe to do so. Lake Louise has an open area boundary. You may enter the backcountry from any point along these lines. However, you may not travel through closed avalanche control areas to access these boundary lines.
Outside the Lake Louise Ski Resort boundary lies dangerous, unpatrolled areas and the backcountry of Banff National Park. Traveling in these areas is hazardous, and those leaving the Ski Resort boundary do so at their own risk and must be prepared to travel on their own terms. The backcountry is not patrolled and receives no avalanche control, and includes other hazards such as cliffs, rocks, trees, and becoming lost. Backcountry travelers must rely on themselves in case of emergency, as rescue may take considerable time to come to your aid. Make sure you check the daily avalanche bulletin on avalanche.ca and Parks Canada’s website to familiarize yourself with the daily avalanche forecast.
There is no uphill traffic permitted on the Egress. Uphill traffic is only permitted on the ski out (opposite side of the resort).
If you are planning a day in the backcountry and are hoping to use the ski resort as a way back to the bottom of the mountain, make sure you know where the terrain you will be skiing and riding down is open. Make sure you are checking our Run Report in the morning before you go. Do not enter closed areas, runs, or terrain.
West Bowl closes at 3:00pm daily but may close earlier due to elevated avalanche hazard/environmental challenges, such as reduced visibility.
Yes! There is cell service on the front side of the resort, including West Bowl.
West Bowl Trail Map Includes Front Side and Larch
Discover 480 acres of some of the best advanced-intermediate through expert terrain in Banff National Park.