The cross country ski trail into Lake O'Hara is on the road that the buses travel on in the summer. From the parking lot, the road heads up a long hill before flattening out around the midway point. After that there are a number of additional hills to climb before reaching the Lake at the top. On a clear days, the views are magnificent all the way in. If you are heading to the Elizabeth Parker hut, there is a trail that heads off to the right at the Le Relais day use area which is just before the lake. Depending on your fitness level and skiing ability it could take from 2.5 - 5 hours to ski in, and normally takes around 1.5 hours to ski out.
Directions:
The trail head is easily found as it is just off the Trans Canada highway on the south side. Look for signs on the highway for the Lake O'Hara parking lot. It is just across the Alberta / BC border, on the BC side - no more than a 15 minute drive from Lake Louise.
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ByPosted By: ChrisMarry
- Tue Jan 22 03:30:02 UTC 2019
UpsideNot too busy, stunning views, tracks were in good conditions most of the time. DownsideN/A CommentFirst time we ski this year and first visit to Lake OâHara in winter. Stunning views passed half point when it opens up on surrounding peaks and glaciers, some steeper slopes towards the end and a great long descent on the way back. Weâre new to XC skiing but from some of the reports Iâve read it is probably considered as intermediate (more difficult).
ByPosted By: Trevbo
- Wed Feb 21 05:49:13 UTC 2007
Not Rated
CommentGorgeous trip, had to add a few pix to this posting! When skiing up the valley this past Feb. long wkend (Family day wkend in AB), we heard 4-5 big avalanches... the sound would crash down the mountains on one side of the valley, then echo off the mountains on the other side. Closest town is Lake Louise, AB.
ByPosted By: baldgrizzly
- Sun Jun 05 00:58:50 UTC 2005
UpsideOnce you get there there is lots to ski. DownsideSome of the terrain once you are at O'Hara is avalanche prone. Speak to the people at Lake O'Hara Lodge for info and carry full gear, i.e. transceivers, shovels, avalanche poles CommentDuring the week the Elizabeth Parker huts tend to be quite empty.
ByPosted By: tmac
- Mon May 02 23:31:11 UTC 2005
Not Rated
CommentGolden is not the closest town - Field B.C. is and the next furthest away town in Lake Louise