Banff 
This winter, nestle yourself way back in the Banff backcountry for an unforgettable and unique experience. Beyond the tall peaks that surround the Lake Louise Ski Resort is a historic and maintained ski-in/hike-in lodge tucked away about 11km from town.
Credit: Skoki Lodge
The Skoki Lodge is a year-round accommodation that offers one of the comfiest ways to get closer to the nature of the Rockies.
While this backcountry experience will feel rustic, the Skoki Lodge is equipped with several homey comforts, along with bar and food service!
What Makes Skoki Lodge Unique?
A trip to the lodge is a full, multi-day adventure into Banff National Park’s gorgeous alpine backcountry. And while there are other ski-in/ski-out accommodations in the Alberta Rockies, none are quite as remote as The Skoki Lodge. Getting to the Skoki Lodge requires an 11km ski, hike, or snowshoe adventure into the backcountry and away from the crowds of the Resort. The Lodge is also open in the summer as a hike-in backcountry lodge. Once at the Lodge, skiers and hikers can explore the area more via various trails.
Beyond the Skoki Lodge’s location, the accommodations also have a rich and long history. The Lodge has served as a backcountry haven for skiers and hikers since 1931 and underwent significant renovations in 2003-04.
A Stay with Skoki Lodge
After the scenic 11km ski into the Skoki Lodge area, the staff are there to welcome you with open arms, coffee or tea, charcuterie, and homemade soup! An overnight stay here also includes breakfast the next day, and a packed lunch to take on the trail. Muli-night stays get guests access to a lovely three-course dinner and optional wine or beer additions.
Guests have the option between lodge rooms, or full cabins to rent. The Skoki Lodge’s three cabin options sleep either two people, or up to five people. All guests receive flannel sheets, down comforters, wood stoves, or coal stoves to keep warm and cozy.
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Winter Fun at Lake Louise Ski Resort
If time permits during a Skoki Lodge adventure, be sure to enjoy all that the Lake Louise Ski Resort has to offer. This includes something for all ages, athletic abilities, and winter interests.
- Lake Louise and the surrounding mountain peaks provide visitors with some of Canada’s best skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The runs include everything from green to double black diamond difficulty ratings. Plus, the Resort recently installed a brand-new heated chairlift for added comfort on your ride.
- Snowtubing is available, too, for anyone looking to get a different kind of thrilling downhill experience.
- The resort operates a year-round sightseeing gondola which provides expansive views of the ski area, a distant Lake Louise, glaciers, and mountain peaks.
Exploring Lake Louise & the Village
Aside from sports, the Lake Louise Ski Resort is also a great source of dining, entertainment, and additional accommodation (for those who want to stay beyond the Skoki Lodge experience).
- The ski resort alone hosts 10 different places for food or drinks, with a handful of those located slopeside and up the chairlifts.
- Within the village of Lake Louise are several more places to dine including cozy cafes and dessert spots, casual family dining, pubs and bars, or upscale experiences.
- For the ultimate winter dining experience around the area, visit the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which offers multiple different restaurant options.
- Lake Louise is also a hub of winter activities on and around the gorgeous lake. Activities available through the Fairmont resort, along with rentals, include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, and ice skating on the frozen surface of Lake Louise.
Planning your Trip – Skoki Lodge Winter Trip
What: The Skoki Lodge is a backcountry lodge and cabin resort in Banff National Park’s Lake Louise Ski area. The lodge is only accessible by ski or snowshoes in the winter, or by hiking in the summer. Accommodations include dining packages and welcome treats for your arrival at the Lodge.
Designated as a national historic site in 1992, Skoki Ski Lodge exemplifies the Rustic Design tradition and early ski tourism in Banff National Park. Built by the Ski Club of the Canadian Rockies, it remains a rare, well-preserved representation of the region’s early visual identity. Its six log buildings — the main lodge (1930-6), the Honeymoon cabin (1932), the Wolverine cabin (1932), the Creek cabin (1936), the bunkhouse (1936), and the former bathhouse (1936) — constructed with local materials, reflect Banff’s architectural heritage.
Location and how to get there: 11km from the Lake Louise Ski Area
Use Ptarmigan Chairlift or shuttle van to access Temple Lodge; from here, the trail continues north most of the way toward Skoki Lodge.
Cost: lodge rates vary by date, room type, and number of guests
Best time to go: open year-round; December to April for winter experiences
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