Fairview Mountain

Christy mahon on Fairview Mountain — Skinning up the southeast face of Fairview Mountain with Temple Mountain in the background

If you’re looking for a straightforward, half-day ski tour with amazing views in the Lake Louise area, then look no further than Fairview Mountain.

The 2,744-meter summit stands above Lake Louise and can be seen from Highway 1 as you drive west from Banff towards Field. It features a large southeast face that receives early sun and has easy access from the popular Lake Louise visitor area.

Skinning up to the saddle between Fairview Mountain and Saddle Mountain. — Nearing the saddle. You can see Lake Louise ski area in the background.

The route only has two parts. From the Lake Louise parking lot (try to park in the middle or upper lots), follow the popular hiking trail towards Saddle Mountain. In the spring, it will be packed down by hikers, snowshoers, and skiers, making it easy to follow. After about 2 miles, you’ll enter some more open terrain and continue to ascend, aiming for the broad saddle between Fairview and Saddle Mountains. From that saddle, you can see the upper face of Fairview to the northeast.

A view of the southeast face of Fairview Mountain from the saddle. We skinned to the ridge in the right of the photo and proceeded to the summit from there.

Take a look at the face and assess the ski options. Select a route of ascent that appears reasonable for skinning, and start up to the summit, which is approximately 1,200 feet above the saddle.

The views from the summit are incredible. Mount Temple rises tall to your south, Lake Louise is far below you to the north, and the famous backdrop of Mount Victoria, Lefroy, Aberdeen, and others is to the west.

The view from the summit of Fairview Mountain. — The view to the west was incredible. Click to enlarge.

After taking in the views, descend back down the saddle and follow the summer trail back to the parking area.

Skiing Fairview Mountain — Skiing the East Ridge of Fairview Mountain.

Consider walking over to Lake Louise, noting all the tourists admiring the surrounding mountains, and take some pleasure in knowing you were just on top of one of them.