Enter a sparkling winter wonderland at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Nowhere on earth delivers the blend of old-world elegance and stunning natural beauty as Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, in the heart of Banff National Park. With so many things to do and see in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a challenge to choose. 

To help you enjoy this grandest of winter escapes, we’ve assembled a little Lake Louise bucket list. Just a few days in this real-life snow globe make memories to last a lifetime.

DAY ONE

The majestic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is perched at the edge of Lake Louise with iconic views onto Rocky Mountain peaks and the glittering Victoria Glacier. Fairmont Gold’s private check-in, dedicated concierge, and intimate lounges provide a cosseting hotel-within-a-hotel with services to match. With Lake Louise Ski Resort only 10 minutes away, first stop is to gear up at the hotel’s rental shop and hop on a complimentary shuttle for a day of world-class skiing. (Bonus: once you park your car you won’t need to use it at all.) With more than 100 runs and famed powdery back bowls, there’s variety for all levels: every chairlift has both an easy and a more difficult way down. Sunshine and Norquay are also nearby. After a day on the slopes, it’s time for an atmospheric apres-ski drink at the Chateau’s Ice Bar: made of 20 huge blocks of ice, each weighing 300 pounds, it’s a cool spot for warm mulled wine or decadent hot chocolate. For dinner, feed your senses with an indulgent Mediterranean feast at the new Louiza restaurant followed by an evening under the stars, cozied up next to a crackling campfire on the shores of Lake Louise. Don’t forget to save room for some toasted s’mores! 

DAY TWO

Sleep long in the clean alpine air and enjoy in-room dining breakfast in bed. Next, perhaps a few hours on the slopes or experiencing one of the magical activities on offer such as snowshoeing on frozen Lake Louise. Return in time to join an Apres Ski Stretch Down session (there’s also a morning Pre-Ski class, as well as yoga and fitness sessions included in your stay) followed by a visit to the hotel’s wellness sanctuary, the Spa. Indulge in a massage adapted specially for tired ski muscles, or plump for the special Winter Warmer’s face and body treatments, rich with organic ginger and rosehip oil. Before dinner, wander through the wondrous lakeside Light Tunnel, a magical outdoor art installation of stars and snow. Delicious gourmet comfort food is on the menu at Alpine Social before it’s time to sink into a cloud of fluffy pillows. Tomorrow’s another winter wonderland adventure.

DAY THREE

A bounty of magical winter activities awaits. Take a twirl on the natural ice-skating rink, experience a night owl snowshoe tour, or try a little Bavarian curling or cross-country skiing. Return in time for Afternoon Tea in the Fairview Bar & Restaurant, where a feast of savory and sweet treats accompanies a selection of Lot 35 teas, and perhaps a glass of Champagne. As the sun is setting, it’s a great opportunity to relish in a mindful moment with a canvas and paint set available from the concierge and create a momento to take home. Finally, winter just isn’t winter without a fondue at Walliser Stube, where the classic Swiss cheese dish is fit for a king or queen. The fitting finale to a grand escape at the Chateau.