Situated within the Alberta’s Banff National Park, Lake Louise boasts 4,200 skiable acres of glades, bowls and cruisers surrounded by a world-famous panorama. But like any big ski area, it helps to create a plan and bring some local knowledge with you up onto the hill.

With 3,240 vertical feet of both raw and manicured terrain, the resort might be best known as the site of Canada’s only men’s and women’s World Cup downhills. But beyond the speed course, Louise offers big-mountain lines for ambitious skiers and classic elegance for connoisseurs of the mountain lifestyle.

This shot along the ridgeline shows both sides of Lake Louise. Draping down the left are the famous “Powder Bowls,” which live up to their name in this early-December photo. Also pictured front-right, is backcountry access off the top of the Platter, which is not yet primed in these early-season conditions.

Skiers of all abilities can explore the 600-acre Larch Area, pictured back left, which couples intermediate and advanced terrain (green through double black) surrounded by backcountry touring areas and bowls.