The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola

What The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola does

The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola is a privately held, family-operated year-round mountain resort located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, at 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise. Founded in 1971 and operated by the Locke family (with Charlie Locke as long-standing owner/operator), the resort operates on 4,200+ acres of skiable terrain with 10+ lifts, two terrain parks (Boulevard, Easy Street), a tube park, 13+ dining outlets, on-site ski/snowboard rentals, retail, childcare, and a repair shop. Winter operations run from early November through early May, anchored by Full Season Passes, single-day lift tickets, the Spring Pass, the Plus+ Card, and reciprocal access through five multi-resort pass programs (IKON, Big 3, Mountain Collective, Rocky Mountain Passport, Super Pass). Summer operations center on the Sightseeing Gondola, lakeshore shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, wildlife viewing, the Wildlife Interpretive Centre, and hiking trails.

The resort's core technology stack is operational rather than software-native: real-time snowfall reporting via automated weather stations monitored from 4:30 AM daily with manual verification, high-precision weather forecasting via a partnership with RWDI, and live webcams. No mobile app, public API, or proprietary software platform is disclosed. Distribution runs primarily through the resort's own e-commerce sites (skilouise.com, passes.skilouise.com, llsa.shop.skilouise.com), on-site ticket offices, Costco ticket resale, and partner pass networks. Marketing is concentrated on owned digital channels — website, daily email newsletters, SMS snowfall alerts, Instagram, Facebook, and a podcast — supplemented by PR tied to consecutive World Ski Awards wins (Canada's Best Ski Resort, 9 wins in 11 years including 2023 and 2025).

The business model is multi-stream consumer resort revenue: lift-access fees (one-time tickets and annual subscriptions), equipment rentals (usage-based), ski and snowboard lessons (one-time and multi-week programs), food and beverage across on-mountain and base-area outlets, retail merchandise, summer gondola sightseeing and lakeshore shuttles, ancillary services (childcare, lockers, parking, repairs, lift-assisted backcountry tours), and groups/weddings/corporate events. Pricing is tiered by age, timing, and channel — pre-season pass savings up to $720, 10% advance gondola discount, up to 21% combo savings, with complimentary and discounted access for pass holders and Bow Valley locals. Customer segments span winter outdoor recreation enthusiasts, summer nature and adventure visitors, families and youth groups, weddings/corporate events, and local residents/pass holders — none of which represent a dominant revenue concentration.

Name

The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola

Legal name

The Lake Louise Ski Resort

Website

https://skilouise.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola is a privately held, year-round mountain resort in Banff National Park, Alberta, offering winter skiing on 4,200+ acres and summer sightseeing via its gondola and lakeshore shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. It serves destination skiers, summer tourists, families, and event clients through lift tickets, season passes, rentals, lessons, dining, and retail.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ski Resort and Mountain Recreation

NAICS

Skiing Facilities (713920), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation (487)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Ski Areas & Lift Operations (Independent Mountains) (THAAAJAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Integrated Ski & Mountain Resorts (Lift-Served Skiing/Riding) (THAAAJAA), Mountain, Glacier & Alpine Nature Tours (THAJAIAF), Snow Tubing, Sledding & Winter Fun Parks (THAAAJAG)

Keywords

• Ski resort operations
• Mountain recreation services
• Gondola sightseeing
• Ski equipment rentals
• Snowboard instruction

Headquarters

HQ city

Lake Louise

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Lift Tickets & Season Passes: Revenue from single-day lift tickets, multi-day tickets, sightseeing gondola tickets, season passes (Full Season Pass, Spring Pass), Plus+ Cards, and partner pass programs (IKON, Big 3, Mountain Collective, Rocky Mountain Passport, Super Pass). Tickets sold online in advance and at on-site ticket offices.
2. Equipment Rentals: Ski rentals, snowboard rentals, and clothing rentals offered on-site. Repair and tuning services also available for a fee.
3. Ski & Snowboard Lessons: Revenue from adult and kids ski/snowboard lessons, multi-week programs (Bow Valley Kids, Ladies Day, Adult Freeride, Adult Intro to Park), private lessons, and instructor training programs.
4. Food & Beverage: Multiple dining venues including Lodge of Ten Peaks Cafeteria, Slopeside Coffee, Banded Peak Base Camp, Powder Keg Lounge, Bier Stube, Kuma Yama, Polar Ice Palace, Northface Bistro, Whiskyjack Café, Whitehorn Bistro (on-mountain), Temple Market Cafeteria, Sawyer's Nook, Temple Cantina, and catering for groups/weddings.
5. Retail & Merchandise: Sports Boutique offering gear and souvenirs. Shopping section on website and on-site retail store.
6. Summer Gondola & Shuttles: Summer gondola sightseeing tickets and lakeshore shuttle services to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Gondola + Lakeshore Shuttle combo packages. Village-to-gondola free shuttle.
7. Other On-Site Services: Daycare centre, storage lockers (day and season), priority parking/VIP parking passes, ski & snowboard repairs/tuning, gift cards, lift-assisted backcountry ski tours, and tube park tickets.
8. Groups, Weddings & Events: Revenue from group bookings, winter and summer wedding packages, meeting room rentals, and school group programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola operates a year-round mountain resort in Banff National Park, Alberta. In winter (November–May) it runs a ski resort with 4,200+ acres of terrain, 10+ ski lifts including a high-speed gondola, terrain parks, a tube park, ski/snowboard lessons, rentals, dining, and retail. In summer it operates a sightseeing gondola with panoramic Canadian Rockies views, wildlife viewing, and lakeshore shuttle access to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Revenue is generated from lift tickets, season passes, lessons, rentals, dining, retail, events, and group/wedding bookings.

Product overview

The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola is a year-round mountain resort in Alberta, Canada, operating primarily as a ski resort during winter (November–May) and a sightseeing gondola and outdoor activity destination during summer. The core winter product is the Full Season Pass, complemented by single-day lift tickets, the Spring Pass, and a range of partner multi-resort passes (IKON, Big 3, Mountain Collective). On-mountain offerings include terrain parks (Boulevard Park, Easy Street Park), ski and snowboard lessons (adults and kids, group and private), equipment rentals, dining at over a dozen venues, and private/free guided mountain tours. The summer operation centers on the Sightseeing Gondola, combined with lakeshore shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, wildlife viewing, the Wildlife Interpretive Centre, and hiking. Supporting services include childcare, repair shop, storage lockers, retail shopping, and snowfall/alert notifications via email and SMS. The resort also supports partner passes and ski instructor training programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Full Season Pass Annual subscription product offering unlimited skiing and riding for the entire winter season (November 6 to May 2 in the 2026/27 season), with exclusive passholder perks and benefits; pre-season sale pricing available until October 15 with savings up to $720.
• Spring Pass Subscription season pass providing unlimited skiing and riding access during the spring season from March through May.
• Single-Day Lift Tickets One-time transactional lift tickets for skiing and snowboarding access across the resort's terrain, available at varying rates with online advance purchase discounts.
• Summer Sightseeing Gondola Tickets Ticketed gondola rides offering panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies with wildlife spotting opportunities including grizzly bears; 10% discount for online advance purchase; open daily during summer season.
• Winter Sightseeing Gondola Tickets Ticketed winter gondola sightseeing rides providing views of the mountain landscape during the ski season.
• Lake Louise Plus+ Card Reloadable stored-value card offering savings on lift tickets, food, and retail, with benefits such as 30% Spring Value Days discounts.
• Lakeshore Shuttles Ticketed shuttle service connecting to Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake, available as a standalone ticket or combined with gondola tickets; addresses vehicle access restrictions to those destinations.
• Gondola and Lakeshore Shuttle Combo Bundled ticket package combining the Summer Gondola ride and access to Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake shuttles, saving up to 21% versus separate purchases.
• Sunny Tube Park Tickets Ticketed tube sliding activity for family-friendly winter fun on designated tube runs at the resort.
• Ski and Snowboard Equipment Rentals On-site equipment rental service providing skis, snowboards, and clothing for guests, with available discounts and usage-based pricing.
• Ski and Snowboard Lessons Professional instruction for adults and children including group lessons, private lessons, and multi-week programs such as Bow Valley Kids, Ladies' Day, Adult Freeride, and Adult Intro to Park.
• Wildlife Interpretive Centre Summer interpretive center providing wildlife education and viewing opportunities, accessible via the gondola shuttle.
• On-Mountain Dining Food and beverage venues including Lodge of Ten Peaks Cafeteria, Slopeside Coffee, Banded Peak Base Camp, Powder Keg Lounge, Bier Stube, Kuma Yama, Polar Ice Palace, Northface Bistro, Whiskyjack Café, Whitehorn Bistro, Temple Market Cafeteria, Sawyer's Nook, and Temple Cantina, with catering for groups and weddings.
• Daycare Centre Daycare services for children available at the resort, with rates and booking available online.
• Sports Boutique Retail On-site gift shop and sports boutique located in the lower level of the Lodge of Ten Peaks, offering gear, apparel, and souvenirs.
• Private Ski and Ride Tours Private guided tours of the mountain terrain, led by resort instructors, for guests seeking personalized mountain guidance.
• Snow School Instructor Training Programs Training programs for aspiring ski and snowboard instructors, delivered in partnership with Basecamp Group, EA Ski and Snowboard Training, and Timberline Academy for instructor certification.
• Lift-Assisted Backcountry Ski Tours Guided backcountry ski touring experiences using resort lifts for uphill access to lift-assisted terrain.
• Ski and Snowboard Repair and Tuning Shop On-site ski and snowboard repair, tuning, and maintenance service available at the resort.
• Gift Cards Gift cards available for purchase and redeemable for use at resort tickets, dining, and retail.
• Storage Lockers Day and season locker rentals available for guest equipment storage at the resort.
• Partner Multi-Resort Passes (IKON, Big 3, Mountain Collective, Rocky Mountain Passport, Super Pass) Third-party multi-resort ski passes accepted at Lake Louise (IKON, Big 3, Mountain Collective, Rocky Mountain Passport, Super Pass) providing reciprocal skiing and riding privileges for pass holders.
• Terrain Parks (Boulevard Park and Easy Street Park) Multiple freestyle terrain parks including Boulevard Park (24 medium and large features) and Easy Street Park (15 large and extra-large features) for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
• Weddings, Groups and Corporate Events Winter and summer wedding packages, corporate meeting room rentals, group activity bookings, and school group programs across multiple on-site meeting rooms and wedding venues.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million votes cast worldwide in World Ski Awards
• +7 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• IKON PasscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIKON Pass provides multi-resort ski access to Lake Louise Ski Resort as part of its global multi-resort pass network. IKON pass holders receive reciprocal skiing privileges at Lake Louise.
• Big 3 PasscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBig 3 pass provides access to Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine, and Mt. Norquay. Pass holders receive reciprocal access to Lake Louise terrain.
• Mountain CollectiveminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMountain Collective pass provides 2 free days and discounted additional days at Lake Louise as part of its multi-resort network.
• Rocky Mountain PassportminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRocky Mountain Passport provides reciprocal access to Lake Louise and other regional resorts.
• Super PassminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSuper Pass provides access to Lake Louise and partner resorts in the Bow Valley region.
• Banff AirporterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShuttle service from Calgary International Airport to Lake Louise area. Listed as preferred provider for staff and guest transportation. Staff discount available with proof of employment.
• Explore Banff Tours and Transfers Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrivate shuttle and bus service operating routes between Banff, Canmore, Calgary, and Lake Louise. Listed as a getting-here transportation option on the resort website.
• BlackLaneminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBlack car/chauffeur service available as a private shuttle option to Lake Louise Ski Resort. Listed as a getting-here option on the resort website.
• Mountain Park TransportationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrivate shuttle service to Lake Louise Ski Resort. Listed as a getting-here option on the resort website.
• SunDog TransportationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShuttle service to Lake Louise Ski Resort. Listed as a getting-here option on the resort website. Preferred staff transportation provider.
• Vivo GreenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorElectric vehicle and sustainable transportation option to Lake Louise. Listed as a getting-here option on the resort website.
• Brewster ExpressminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBus service from Calgary to Lake Louise. Staff discount available. Listed as a getting-here option on the resort website.
• Lake Louise Ski BusminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSki-focused bus service from Calgary to Lake Louise. Listed as a getting-here option on the resort website.
• Rider ExpressminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBus service from Calgary to Lake Louise. Listed as a getting-here option on the resort website.
• Roam TransitminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublic transit service in Banff and Lake Louise area. Banff-to-Lake Louise bus route listed as a getting-here option on the resort website.
• National Car RentalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCar rental partner with on-site location at Lake Louise (at Samson Mall). Listed as a getting-here option on the resort website.
• The Working Holiday ClubminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe only third-party company Lake Louise Ski Resort partners with for international applicants. Facilitates work visa programs for international seasonal employees.
• Basecamp GroupminorOthersInstructor training partner program for ski and snowboard instructor certification training at Lake Louise.
• EA Ski and Snowboard TrainingminorOthersInstructor training partner for ski and snowboard instructor certification at Lake Louise.
• Timberline AcademyminorOthersInstructor training partner for ski and snowboard instructor certification at Lake Louise.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mt. Norquay: Third member of the Big 3 pass with Lake Louise and Sunshine. Local Banff ski hill competing for the same Bow Valley day-pass and season-pass skiers, with a smaller but more family-oriented offering.
• Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: Independent Western Canadian ski resort in the Powder Highway corridor. Comparable in scale, infrastructure ambition, and operating model to Lake Louise, competing for destination skiers from Calgary and beyond.
• Revelstoke Mountain Resort: Independent Canadian ski resort with similar lift-served terrain, heli/cat skiing operations, and a comparable mix of destination and regional skiers. Competes for Western Canadian and international destination skiers.
• Banff Sunshine Meadows: Direct competitor ski resort located in Banff National Park, also accessible via the Big 3 pass alongside Lake Louise. Operates high-alpine skiing terrain at similar elevation and competes for the same Calgary/Alberta destination market.
• Fernie Alpine Resort: Independent Canadian ski resort in southeastern BC. Comparable mid-sized full-service resort with snowcat/heli-access offerings and a destination-skier customer profile similar to Lake Louise.
• Panorama Mountain Resort: Independent ski resort in British Columbia's Interior. Similar mid-sized full-service independent resort profile competing for destination and regional Albertan skiers.
• Marmot Basin (Jasper): Independent ski resort in another Canadian National Park (Jasper). Operates under similar federal concession constraints and competes for Alberta-based skiers and park tourism visitors.

Emerging players

• Red Mountain Resort: Independent Western Canadian ski resort adding new lifts and real estate. Smaller footprint but similar independent operator model targeting destination skiers within the broader Canadian market.

Broad incumbents

• Whistler Blackcomb: Largest ski resort in North America and IKON Pass partner. Operates the benchmark Canadian destination ski experience and competes with Lake Louise for international destination skiers, especially during the same winter season.

Regional players

• Nakiska: Alberta ski resort in Kananaskis Country, closest geographically to Calgary. Competes for Alberta day-skier traffic on the same drive corridor and is a regional alternative to Lake Louise.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SkiLouise
• Instagraminstagram.com/skilouise
• Xx.com/skilouise
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lake-louise-ski-area

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola