Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka 

A ski resort with a view Let’s start with Lake Louise, the most sprawling and scenic of the three. A 45-minute drive from the town of Banff, this stretch of snowcapped Canadian Rockies is epic on every level, with 4,200 skiable acres, four peaks, 145 trails plus backside bowls blanketed in powder and a vertical drop of 3,250 feet. No wonder it’s the first stop on the Alpine World Cup tour, and Lindsey Vonn’s fave (there’s a run named after her). But the stats mean nothing when you see the views. Ah, the views, pinch-me panoramas you won’t think twice about sacrificing cold hands to snap pics—of the mountain vistas, the glaciers, the frozen lakes and the iconic Chateau Lake Louise in the distance. It might just be the most gorgeous place to ski on the planet.

Insider tip: The resort can be vast. Hop on a complimentary mountain tour with Lake Louise’s Ski Friends daily at 10 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Lunch at Whitehorn Bistro for insane views and fondue for two.

Apres ski at Kokanee Kabin at the base of the Glacier lift. Chill on the fire-pitted patio with a local pint.

Bragging rights: Stay at the swanky Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies.”