A Question for the Skiers

[kn]

I haven't been skiing in years and want to get back into it this winter.

I'm looking to get some friends together for a few weekends in Louise once the snow starts falling. The problem is that price is an issue to some of them and I know they won't be comfortable having me pay for them outright or even having me pay and paying me back.

Are there some inexpensive lodges close to Louise that aren't total dives?

If anyone has stayed in any of these places, would you recommend them?
http://www.skilouise.com/vacations/accommsearch.aspx

Thanks!

[Flames0910]

also remember that most places will throw in lift passes with each night that you stay. a lift pass to lake louise for an adult is worth ~80 dollars so it definitely makes the price more attractive.

[Claeren]

You can usually stay in Banff for less than Lake Louise?

And it is usually cheaper to book direct with the hotel than it is through the Lake Louise website (you might know that?)


I like Inns of Banff for a cheaper place in Banff, average interior but big rooms and huge rooftop hottub. Mount Royal Hotel is usually like $109/night and has a great central location.

I have only stayed at Chateau Lake Louise in Lake Louise proper, but it may have been the cheapest option when I did as they have some fantastic last minute rates sometimes.




Claeren.

[millhouse11]

go to whitefish. Better snow, no insane lineups, no jacka$$ europeans (sorry for generalizing, but from my experience, they're pricks and have no problem running your kid over because they need to race down the hill to get to the chair. They don't enjoy when you catch them and let them know that if they do that again, you'll kick their ass...I have ski rage when it comes to my kids).

You can get ski passes at costco...last year they were selling 4 day passes for $172, or you pay $61 for a full day without a card. Good hotels are cheap, Good meals are quite reasonable. Go to the tupelo...Keenan likes to go there. Must be the bread pudding.
Beer is cheap ($18 for a 24 of kokanee at the safeway in the 'imported' section). The bars are good, and if you have kids, they can go in with you. Downside is, gas costs a fortune, until you hit Eureka.

[The Ditch]

Originally Posted by millhouse11

go to whitefish. Better snow, no insane lineups, no jacka$$ europeans (sorry for generalizing, but from my experience, they're pricks and have no problem running your kid over because they need to race down the hill to get to the chair. They don't enjoy when you catch them and let them know that if they do that again, you'll kick their ass...I have ski rage when it comes to my kids).

You can get ski passes at costco...last year they were selling 4 day passes for $172, or you pay $61 for a full day without a card. Good hotels are cheap, Good meals are quite reasonable. Go to the tupelo...Keenan likes to go there. Must be the bread pudding.
Beer is cheap ($18 for a 24 of kokanee at the safeway in the 'imported' section). The bars are good, and if you have kids, they can go in with you. Downside is, gas costs a fortune, until you hit Eureka.

This is some good information, I know you were talking about not staying in a dive, and I don't know how many days you are going for but could you potentially stay in a hostel for x amount of days for cheap than the remaining x days stay in the lodge? I'm usually not one for bad digs but when I'm out skiing I compromise because I'm up early and in late.

I've stayed in the Fairmont multiple times and it is quite nice.