Trail Update for Upper Lake Louise
Trip date: Sunday Dec 11, 2022
Submitted by SkierRoger
Particpants:
Discussion:
I was delighted to receive a groomers update from Berke McClintock, Resort Activities Manager of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise:
Fairview Loop (#2): Sled packed, and skier set, Dec. 7. Poor condition with rocks and stumps lingering just under the snow and in a lot of cases above it. We cannot drag equipment safely until more snow covers the hazards. It is skiable but a fall wouldn’t be fun, and your skis might take some damage. Use caution.
Shoreline (#4): Double trackset, Dec. 9. Fair condition, like the Fairview there are A LOT of rocks just under the snowpack that our equipment was constantly hitting. The drainage located 400m from the North entrance (Chateau side) is rough and covered in branches to allow snow to accumulate instead of melt, go slow or walk here. Your skis will take some damage if you are not careful.
Lake Trail (#4): Double trackset with a separate walking path, Dec. 8. Good condition!
Upper Telemark and Peyto Trails (#5): Skier set, poor condition. We will start working on it this weekend, but it is expected to be as rough as the Fairview.
Notes:
Trails with heavy forest cover have very little snow (see photo) and will need at least 15cm+ of snow to be trackset.
Anytime we get a new snow fall the weight of that snow forces the ice down enough for water to pool on top of it, regardless of the ice thickness (it's safe!). It will not freeze until it is exposed to cold air, so this will always be an ongoing issue and something to keep in mind anytime you cross a lake.