Where's the Best Skiing in North America Right Now??

Skier making a turn in powder on a sunny day with mountains in the background

Eric Milking those pow turns and taking in those views. PC:@philipforsey

As the self appointed Director of Snow Quality Assessment for Blackbird Mountain Guides, I ventured north to Canada in search of poutine, caesars, and pow. What I found? All of the aforementioned Canadian specialties! Most importantly, I found what is very likely the best skiing in North America right now at Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

I’ve never skied Lake Louise before. I don’t know many of the local riders and didn’t really know what to expect in terms of terrain and snow quality. I mean, they call them the Rocky Mountains for a reason. What I’ve found so far: a huge mountain (4,200 acres - larger than Palisades at Tahoe), tons of fun freeride terrain, backcountry zones in every direction, jaw dropping views, no sharks - yet, and a great crew of stoked, friendly local riders who have been more than happy to show me their favorite spots.

Skier doing a backflip off a rock with mountains in the background at Lake Louise ski resort

Getting familiar with the local diving boards. PC: @dannothomson

After a warm, dry start to the fall, the Canadian Rockies were pummeled with 32” of snow in the last 7 days. This new snow has created a solid 40” base and opened up 64/160 runs. As of this weekend all of the backside lifts - Ptarmigan, Larch, and Paradise - are open and serving up generous servings of blower pow, open glade skiing, and big iconic mountains in every direction. The early season terrain is firing and there are all kinds of powder stashes to be had.

Skier making a powder turn at Lake Louise ski resort during a Blackbird Guides Avalanche course

Laying down a slash on the backside at Lake Louise. PC: @philipforsey

The mission north has been an overwhelming success. It’s still early and every good turn in November feels like a bonus, but the season is shaping up nicely. Oh, and the poutine and caesars? I found those too. They are provided in abundance at every restaurant in Banff, and they are delicious. Next up, getting familiar with the snowpack and pushing into those tantalizing backcountry zones you can see up here in every direction.

If you’re looking for incredible early season powder skiing, Lake Louise is where to start!

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