Ski Touring at Skoki Lodge

9th November 2011 | Becky Lomax, Western Editor

Resorts in this article: Lake Louise

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A pair of skis is required to reach historic Skoki Lodge, tucked behind Lake Louise Ski Area in Banff National Park. The lodge, the oldest commercial lodge to cater to skiing tourists in Canada, is a place to forget the modern rat race and relax into the warmth of a rustic log cabin as snowflakes descend outside.

Even without electricity, the staff cooks up gourmet meals. Ski on an 11-kilometer trail from Lake Louise Ski Area across a frozen lake and over two passes. Arrive at the lodge to tea and cookies. Dine on a buffet dinner with bread baked fresh that morning.
Sleep snuggled under down comforters in a small main lodge room or in one of the surrounding cabins. Rise to a rousing breakfast buffet, and pack your lunch to tour routes in one of the five adjoining valleys filled with ridges, lakes and slopes for ski touring or telemarking.

Skoki Lodge: Built in 1931 by Ski Club of the Canadian Rockies

Main lodge: Living room decorated with historic photos and ski memorabilia, dining room, kitchen, and several small sleeping rooms upstairs

Cabins: Three for families or couples surround the main lodge

Architecture: Built using local logs with saddle-notched corners

Renovated: 2003-04

Level of rusticity: No electricity, running water or flush toilets

Amenities: Wood stove heat, kerosene lanterns for lights, outhouses, down comforters, flannel sheets, towels, wash basins with warm water available

What you have to live without: Cell phone, internet, television

Entertainment: Scrabble, cards, reading

Capacity: 22 guests

Rooms: Combos of single, bunk, double, queen and king beds

Meals: Home-style gourmet dinners and breakfasts, self-packed lunches made from homemade breads, deli meats and cheeses, fruit, veggies, fresh baked cookies, and GORP.

Libations: Lemonade, tea, coffee; beer and wine for an additional charge

Winter access: 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) ski from Temple Lodge at Lake Louise Ski Area to Skoki Lodge

Trail difficulty: Route crosses two passes—Boulder and Deception—with 500 meters (1,600 feet) of elevation gain and 300 meters (980 feet) of descent

Route markings: Stakes and sometimes a snowmobile track

Terrain: Flat lakes, gentle uphill grades, steeper uphill ascents over passes

Equipment needed: Cross country, AT/randonee or telemark skis

Elevation of lodge: 2,164 meters (7,100 feet)

Winter operational dates: Dec. 23- April 14, 2012

Cost: $139-244 per person, per night

Minimum stay: Two nights, unless only one is available

Operator: Lake Louise Ski Area

Reservations: 888-99-SKOKI (888-997-5654), 403-522-1347

For more information