Cookies help us to understand how you use our website so that we can provide you with the best experience when you are on our site. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy.
A cookie is information stored on your computer by a website you visit. Cookies often store your settings for a website, such as your preferred language or location. This allows the site to present you with information customized to fit your needs. As per the GDPR law, companies need to get your explicit approval to collect your data. Some of these cookies are ‘strictly necessary’ to provide the basic functions of the website and can not be turned off, while others if present, have the option of being turned off. Learn more about our Privacy and Cookie policies. These can be managed also from our cookie policy page.
The proposed Long-Range Plan for the Lake Louise Ski Area will direct our development and environmental protection and education strategies for the next 10 to 15 years. The ski area would be smaller in size, with a reduced leasehold and permanent limits to growth established. Plans follow the 2015 Lake Louise Ski Area Site Guidelines for Development and Use. Developed by Parks Canada, these guidelines describe the nature and scope of projects allowed for consideration, and set strict environmental protection parameters. These are comprehensively outlined in the accompanying Strategic Environmental Assessment. Any activities we undertake – from new chairlifts and lodges to parking lot improvements – must be done in accordance with these two documents and in ways that protect valued ecological resources and minimize environmental impacts.
As a key part of the Long-Range Plan, Golder and Associates prepared a Detailed Impact Analysis (DIA). A Detailed Impact Analysis is the most comprehensive level of impact assessment in the Parks Canada framework. This extensive document evaluates valued components and the impact of each of our proposed projects and environmental management strategies on cultural and natural resources and visitor experience. The scope and topics to be covered by the DIA were set out by Parks Canada in a Terms of Reference that was issued on August 1, 2018 following public consultation. As we finalize the Long-Range Plan and seek approval from Parks Canada, the DIA is an important tool to inform Parks Canada’s decision-making and to keep environmental protection at the forefront of any ski area changes.
We are committed to being responsible environmental stewards and a world-leading centre for natural and cultural education and interpretation. That’s why documents such as Parks Canada’s Site Guidelines, the Strategic Environmental Assessment and the DIA are important to our planning – they give us clear direction in terms of allowable future commercial development and visitor opportunities.
The Lake Louise Ski Area Site Area Guidelines contain four key proposals that can be considered substantial environmental gains. These are listed below and more information about each topic can be found on this website.
Following the conclusion of our engagement program, we will submit our final Long-Range Plan and Detailed Impact Analysis to Parks Canada for approval in spring 2019.
Consultation has concluded