Youth Ski Camp: The Ultimate Adventure & Skiing at Lake Louise in the Rockies
- Dare and Explore admin@dareandexplore.com
- Nov 21, 2025
- 7 min read
Youth Ski Camp in the Rockies: Experience the Adventure and the Best Skiing at Lake Louise
Hello! I am Ernesto Lozano, Director and Founder of Dare and Explore. If you are a parent, you will understand perfectly what I am about to tell you: there is nothing that fills our hearts more than seeing our children discover their own capabilities, overcome challenges, and marvel at nature.
I have spent more than 15 years exploring the Canadian Rockies and, together with my wife, we have raised our 6 children in this wild and beautiful environment. Since we arrived in Canada, the mountains became our school and our playground. I hold certifications in Avalanche Safety Training, Wilderness First Aid, and I am a Ski Instructor and Lead Climber. But beyond the titles, I am passionate about the outdoors: whether it’s rock climbing, mountain biking, backcountry camping, or a perfect powder day, I live for this.
At Dare and Explore, our company based in Calgary, Alberta, we don't sell simple tours; we design experiences. We guide our clients by the hand, adapting each adventure to their needs and abilities. Whether it is a 4-day or a 17-day trip, our goal is to show them those secret corners, forests, and waterfalls that only locals know.
Today, I want to talk to you about one of our most cherished projects: Our Youth Ski Camps.
Why a Ski Camp in the Canadian Rockies?
Adolescence is a crucial stage. Young people aged 12 to 17 are looking for independence, excitement, and a sense of belonging. Our camps are designed to give them exactly that, but in a controlled, safe, and spectacular environment.
This is not a common school trip. It is a total immersion in mountain culture. For a week, your son or daughter will not only improve their skiing technique but will also learn to respect the mountain, bond with new friends, and breathe the purest air in the world.
Our base camp is in Canmore, Alberta, an authentic and charming mountain town surrounded by dramatic peaks. From here, we travel daily to the best ski resorts in the world.
The Heart of the Adventure: 5 Days of Skiing on 4 Legendary Mountains
We have designed a perfect progression for the week. We don’t limit ourselves to just one mountain; we want the kids to experience the diversity of the Rockies. From perfectly groomed runs to the thrill of alpine terrain.
Below, I detail the gems we will visit, including technical specifications and a bit of history so you understand why they are world-class.
Warm-up Day: Family Skiing at Nakiska
We start at Nakiska, located in the heart of Kananaskis Country. It is the perfect place for the first day: wide runs, excellent grooming, and a relaxed atmosphere for the kids to warm up their legs and for our instructors to assess the group's levels. This is the epitome of family skiing at Nakiska.
History and Olympic Legacy: Nakiska isn't just any mountain; it was built specifically for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. This is where the alpine skiing events were held, and where legends like Alberto Tomba shone. Its name comes from the Cree word meaning "to meet," and that is exactly what we do here.
Nakiska Technical Sheet:
Summit Elevation: 2,260 m (7,415 ft).
Vertical Drop: 735 m (2,412 ft).
Skiable Terrain: 1,021 acres.
Number of Runs: 79 marked runs.
Distribution by Level:
13% Beginner (Green).
59% Intermediate (Blue) – Ideal for perfecting technique.
28% Advanced/Expert (Black).
Lift Capacity: 8,830 people per hour.
Here, we ensure everyone has their equipment adjusted and the confidence needed for what’s coming next.gan el equipo ajustado y la confianza necesaria para lo que viene.
Chasing the Perfect Snow: Best Runs at Sunshine Village
For the next level, we move to Sunshine Village. What makes this place special is its unique location: it sits right on the Continental Divide. This means when it snows, it really snows. Sunshine is famous for having the longest ski season in Canada (until late May!) and for its 100% natural, light, and dry snow. We will guide the group to find the best runs at Sunshine Village.
History: Sunshine has a history dating back to the 1920s. It was originally a summer camping destination, but ski enthusiasts discovered its winter potential shortly after. The old gondola, replaced years ago, used to be an adventure in itself. Today, a modern high-speed gondola takes us from the parking lot to the alpine village in minutes.
Sunshine Village Technical Sheet:
Summit Elevation: 2,730 m (8,954 ft) at Mount Lookout.
Vertical Drop: 1,070 m (3,514 ft).
Skiable Terrain: Over 3,300 acres across 3 different mountains.
Number of Runs: 137 runs.
Distribution by Level:
20% Beginner.
55% Intermediate.
25% Advanced/Expert (Including the famous Delirium Dive zone, only for experts with avalanche gear, though we stick to safe zones for the group).
Capacity: 20,000 skiers per hour thanks to its 12 lifts.
Here, the kids will enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of endless peaks. It is a place where you truly feel the vastness of the Rockies.
The Challenge: Extreme Adventure at Kicking Horse
We cross the border into British Columbia to visit Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden. This mountain is known as the "Champagne Powder Capital of Canada." It is a "big" mountain in every sense of the word, offering true extreme adventure at Kicking Horse for those ready for it.
History: Kicking Horse is relatively new as a large-scale resort (opened in 2000), but the area has a rich history linked to the railway and exploration. The Golden Eagle Express bridge (the gondola) transformed this local mountain into an international destination. It is famous for offering a "big mountain" experience with fewer crowds.
Kicking Horse Technical Sheet:
Summit Elevation: 2,450 m (8,033 ft).
Vertical Drop: 1,260 m (4,133 ft) – The fourth biggest vertical drop in North America!
Skiable Terrain: 2,800 acres.
Number of Runs: 120+.
Distribution by Level:
20% Beginner.
20% Intermediate.
45% Advanced.
15% Expert.
Fun Fact: It features over 85 "inbounds chutes" for the most adventurous.
At Kicking Horse, the youths will see different terrain—steeper and more exciting. Always under our supervision, those with a higher skill level can test their limits, while intermediates will enjoy incredibly long runs that seem to never end.
The Crown Jewel: Skiing at Lake Louise
We saved the best for last (or to repeat, because it is our favorite). Lake Louise Ski Resort needs no introduction; it is a global icon. When we talk about skiing at Lake Louise, we are talking about skiing with one of the most photographed views on the planet: the Victoria Glacier and the frozen lake in the background.
History: Skiing in this area began in the 1920s. What started with a small wooden lodge is today one of the most important venues for the Alpine Ski World Cup. Every year, the best athletes in the world descend these slopes. Skiing here is skiing on pure history.
Lake Louise Technical Sheet:
Summit Elevation: 2,637 m (8,650 ft).
Vertical Drop: 991 m (3,250 ft).
Skiable Terrain: 4,200 acres – One of the largest in North America.
Number of Runs: 145 marked runs plus countless "bowls".
Distribution by Level:
25% Beginner.
45% Intermediate.
30% Advanced/Expert.
Capacity: It can move thousands of people without feeling crowded thanks to its vastness.
The incredible thing about Lake Louise is that there is a green run (easy) coming down from almost every chairlift. This means the group can go up to the summit together, enjoy the view, and each person can descend via a route that suits their level, meeting back at the base.
Beyond the Slopes: Integral Adventure in the Rockies
At Dare and Explore, we know that a memorable trip is built on details and variety. It's not all about alpine skiing; we want your children to connect with winter in different ways.
Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking
We will take them to explore silent and magical forests using snowshoes. This activity allows us to go where skis cannot reach. In addition, we will do a spectacular Ice Walk visiting canyons and frozen waterfalls. Seeing a wall of blue ice suspended in time is something they will never forget.
Tobogganing and Classic Fun
Sometimes, the simplest fun is the best. We will head to secret local hills for some tobogganing. No matter the age, sliding downhill laughing with friends is pure therapy.
Shopping and Culture in Banff
We will dedicate time to visit the town of Banff. Walking down Banff Avenue is iconic. Here, the kids will have supervised time to buy souvenirs, try the famous BeaverTails (a local pastry), or look for gifts to take home to their loved ones.
Safety, Logistics, and Total Peace of Mind (All-Inclusive)
As a father of 6 children, safety is my number one priority; it is non-negotiable.
24/7 Supervision: Your child will never be alone. Our team of guides and monitors is present at all times, both on the mountain and at the base camp.
Certifications: We are trained in Wilderness First Aid and Avalanche Safety Training (AST). We know how to read the mountain and the weather.
Private Transport: We travel in our own vehicles, insured and prepared for winter, with drivers who are experts on snowy roads.
Nutrition: Nutrition is key when burning so much energy. We provide nutritious breakfasts, mountain lunches, and comforting dinners to recharge batteries.
Accommodation: Our base camp in Canmore offers comfortable and safe facilities where the kids can rest and socialize after a day of action.
The package is All-Inclusive. Once they arrive at Calgary Airport (YYC), we take care of everything. You just worry about packing their thermal wear and their thirst for adventure.
Why Choose Dare and Explore?
There are many operators, but few with the personal touch of a local family.
We are not a faceless corporation. When you call, you speak with us. When your children travel, they travel with Ernesto and his trusted team. We treat every participant as if they were one of our own children: with care, respect, and affection.
Planning each trip according to the client's needs and capabilities is our trademark. In this camp, although it is a group, we are attentive to the individuality of each young person. If someone needs more support on the slopes, they get it. If someone wants to learn more about local geography, we teach them.
Book Your Spot!
Spots for our ski camps are very limited because we like to keep groups small to ensure quality and personalized attention.
If you want your child to live the experience of skiing at Lake Louise, feel the adrenaline of Kicking Horse, and discover the magic of the Canadian winter, contact us today.
See you on the mountain.
Ernesto Lozano Director, Dare and Explore
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