Lake Louise February 25, 2026

This morning I returned to the cross country skiing trail head parking lot that I checked out on Monday. The Bow River Loop was track set late Monday after the big snowfall.  Skiing here would be ideal for me with gentle terrain, wide open spaces, along tree lined trails with gorgeous views all around.

ready to go

just need to get over this snowbank

off I cross country ski

the forecast was for cloud and snow

yet this is what I got

It is easier to point with my ski and snap a shot rather than point with my pole and take a photo. The narrow trail winds through the forest ahead.

gliding through a section of the soft side campground 

for those that camp without vehicles, this is where you store your food

the wind from yesterday blew most of the snow off the trees

This was the only section of open water.  There was no blue ice nor any other ice to see as there normally is.  The whole river was covered in snow except along here.

a very narrow snowy bridge to ski across

time to ski through the hard-side campground which was surprisingly busy with campers

As I was nearing the end of the loop, I met two other skiers just starting out.  While Monday was very busy around Lake Louise and the Village, yesterday and today were pleasingly quiet.  Before heading back to my home away from home, I picked up some storm food just in case.  Now it was time to settle in!