Lake Louise & Santa Fe – Under-the-Radar Ski Destinations
It’s not too late to book a ski getaway for this winter or spring.
While there’s always a lot of attention to Colorado and Utah, we wanted to highlight two under-the-radar ski destinations which offer spectacular skiing, first-class accommodations, tons of aprés-ski and off the mountain activities, and a lot of value.
Lake Louise, Alberta
Ski Lake Louise is the 2nd largest ski resort in Canada, and its 164 runs offer ample terrain for skiers of all levels, and a large learning area with conveyors and a chairlift for kids and other beginners. The 360-degree views from the top of the mountain rival any other. And with single day lift tickets maxing out at USD ≈$118, beginner tickets for $35, and free lift tickets for children 5 and under - plus reasonably priced ski lessons - the value is hard to beat.
As good as the skiing is, local accommodations – particularly the five-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – are even better! Nestled on the shore of the lake, the Fairmont is like stepping into a real-life snow globe. Lake view rooms have a picturesque views of the iconic lake; and right outside the door guests have access to ice skating, curling lessons, cross-country skiing, show-shoeing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Inside the hotel, you could take a cocktail-making class, visit the newly renovated spa and wellness center, and dine at any of the seven restaurants, while younger visitors could complete the hotel’s scavenger hunt. During a recent stay, we particularly enjoyed dinner and the cheese (and chocolate!) fondue at Walliser Stube, the hotel’s Swiss-style restaurant.
Marc with his three favorite fellow travelers on a frozen Lake Louise.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, a city rich in culture, fine arts, Native American heritage, and Southwestern and Mexican cuisines, isn’t typically thought of as a ski destination, but the city has access to great skiing in the Sangre de Cristo range.
Ski Santa Fe is a family-friendly mountain about 15 miles outside of downtown, and has a base elevation of 10,350’, which makes for some reliably good snow. The mountain has diverse terrain over 87 runs (20% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 40% advanced), and single-day lift tickets maxing out at $116. The mountain is known to be friendly and not too crowded.
Bishop’s Lodge, an Auberge Resorts property, offers a true New Mexico feel with its adobe architecture, Native American styling and sensibilities, and large and comfortable rooms.
The hotel opened in 2021 after a $75M renovation. While the hotel is fairly new, the property is not – it was settled ≈150 years ago and has a real sense of place and history. At the lodge, you could take in a Native American storytelling dinner, a post-ski massage, or just hang out in your room next to a kiva fireplace. Activities outside the hotel – besides for skiing – include checking out Santa Fe’s distinctive architecture, the vibrant restaurant (and chocolate!) scene, art gallery hopping, and hiking in Bandolier National Monument.
Key Takeaways
Lake Louise and Santa Fe are not typically at the top of people’s lists when it comes to winter vacations. But both destinations offer top skiing, tons of aprés-ski and off-mountain options, smaller crowds, and a lot of value compared to other mountain destinations.
Our team is happy to help book your hotel stay, or construct a complete itinerary to these or other great ski properties. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Bishop’s Lodge are Key Advisors preferred hotel partners - our bookings at these properties come with complimentary perks including a room category upgrade (subject to availability), breakfast for two, a $100 hotel credit, early check-in, and late check-out.
To start planning your trip schedule a consultation, complete our online form (for hotel only), or email hello@keytraveladvisors.com.
Key Tip: Free lift ticket
If you’re headed to Lake Louise and looking for a new ski parka, consider Helly Hansen. Their Ski Free with Helly Hansen program offers a free lift ticket (or a 2-for-1 ticket) at 50 ski resorts, including Ski Lake Louise, with the purchase of a qualifying jacket. See here for details.
