Lake Louise Cranks up Spring Skiing And Events Until May 6

Alberta’s Lake Louise has seen record snowfall this March. The snow, combined with spring events, will keep things hopping for skiers and snowboarders at Lake Louise until closing day in early May.

The resort runs full on until May 6, 2012. Skiing, snowboarding, lessons, rentals, dining, shopping, and childcare operate daily until then, and events pack the weekends.

Skiers and snowboarders meet to share beer and swap stories on the Kokanee Kabin deck in spring. Photo by Becky Lomax.

When not on the slopes, the place to be is the Kokanee Kabin. The large outdoor sun deck offers views of the surrounding peaks of Banff National Park and the lower slopes of Lake Louise. Free live music adds a beat to the beer drinking on the deck.

You never know what might happen on the Kokanee deck. Last spring, a couple of guys — perhaps bored with the same headshot snow photos — took their GoPro from the slopes to the bottom of a beer jug at Kokanee Kabin. Here’s the bubble action they shot from inside the bottom of a pitcher of beer from the tap to the glasses outside:

While Lake Louise may be famous for starting the ski season with the World Cup downhill, the annual Cardboard Box Downhill heralds the final weeks of the ski and snowboard season. Sleds must be built only with cardboard, string, tape, and glue, but they can enter for free. The race on April 7 gives prizes to the three fastest crafts and the three best designs.

The Roxy Ride Canadian Tour also hits Lake Louise on April 7. The one-day event helps snowboarding girls up their terrain park freestyle skills. Canadian coaches provide the instruction, and prizes add the fun. Lunch is included, and an after party is scheduled in Banff. Entry costs $50; lift tickets are additional. University students can get a discounted entry for $30.

The final weekend of the ski season cranks up the action May 5-6. The annual Bikinis For Breast Cancer takes place May 5 to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Closing weekend events include outdoor concerts, DJs, and snowboard contests.

For more information on Lake Louise’s spring events, check here.