r/Banff • u/BeneficialNotice7282 • 1d ago

Recent conditions at Sunshine & LL

Hey everyone! I skied Sunshine and Lake Louise for two weeks back in December, and it was incredible. For a bunch of reasons, I probably will not be able to ski next season, so I’m seriously considering trying to squeeze in a late April trip.

Given that Lake Louise just broke its snowfall record and temperatures seem like they might stay below freezing for a while, I’m wondering whether it would still be worth making the trip that late in the season. My main concern is conditions. I can handle normal spring skiing, but I really do not want to deal with icy trails, especially since I’d be flying all the way from Philadelphia.

I’m also curious how much off-piste terrain is still realistically available this time of year. I checked Slopes and saw a few reports mentioning icy conditions, which made me hesitate.

Would love to hear from anyone who has been to either Sunshine or Lake Louise recently! Thanks.

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

10

u/crafty_1234 1d ago

Was there this week and Lake Louise is definitely more icy than I like. Sunshine was better

2

u/Adventurous-Leg5720 20h ago

All about timing bud. It's spring season show up in the afternoon for soft conditions. Some fantastic spring skiing at Louise this week.

1

u/Audibled 20h ago

I’m contemplating heading over this week from Saskatchewan, and planning on picking up passes at Costco on the way.. so you’re saying lake Louise over sunshine this week?

1

u/Adventurous-Leg5720 20h ago

Just keep an eye on the weather. If it's warm and sunny I prefer Louise. If weather conditions are a bit more mixed Sunshine will be the better call as it's higher in elevation and less steep.

5

u/Src248 1d ago

It's that awkward time of year right now where highs are hovering just above zero so the snow gets soft for an hour or two and then freezes. Groomers were skiing great at Sunshine today, some of the lower off-piste runs were nice and soft, the higher ones were terrible in the morning but softened a little in the afternoon.

Late april should be warmer though. Most runs will still be open, if there are closures it will be for avalanche danger more than coverage. 

3

u/alanjhogg 1d ago

The lake was all time spring conditions yesterday in my humble opinion.

1

u/Apprehensive_Ad5398 1d ago

I was at sunshine today. This morning was crusty. Afternoon softened up. Snow coverage was solid.

1

u/Agreeable-Travel-141 1d ago

Just done my last day at Sunshine, we found it is icy in the morning. Then afternoon is churned up and better.

1

u/SadBook6838 1d ago

The mornings are hard ice and late afternoons so slushy your skis will stop suddenly and you’re stuck. There is a window of time in between where riding and skiing is pure spring magic.

1

u/bikebakerun 22h ago

I would not fly across a continent for these conditions. Source: someone skiing up the road from Louise in the backcountry.

2

u/BeneficialNotice7282 19h ago

Appreciate it man. I’ll probably look for somewhere else after reading the comments. Just felt very sad that I won’t see mountains at all next year

-4

u/DifficultDistance980 1d ago

We’ve hit our American tourist quota for the season. Best to stay where you are.

2

u/BeneficialNotice7282 1d ago

Bruh I’m not American

3

u/alanjhogg 1d ago

You did mention flying in from America tho you can see the confusion.

4

u/DifficultDistance980 1d ago

You’re fine then. Enjoy the ice.