Lake Louise Altitude: 5 High-Elevation Steps
Part of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is a high elevation destination and ski resort that captivates visitors. With Rocky Mountain elevation experience, we’ll share everything you all about Lake Louise altitude, plus proven steps to avoid altitude sickness.
Lake Louise Altitude
Lake Louise altitude sits at 5,680 feet on the water, and up to 8,650 feet at the summit of the ski resort.
Lake Louise altitude:
- Lake Louise altitude (lake) - 5,680 ft (1,731 m)
Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola altitude:
- Lake Louise Ski Resort (base) - 5,400 ft (1,646 m)
- Lake Louise Ski Resort (summit) - 8,650 ft (2,637 m)
These altitudes are comparable to Colorado destinations. Denver is similar to Lake Louise at 5,280 feet, and Vail is similar to Lake Louise Ski Resort at 8150 feet.
Is Lake Louise Considered High Altitude?
Depending on where you’re visiting, yes Lake Louise is mostly considered high altitude.
Cornell defines high altitude by anything over 4,000 feet.⁵ This put Lake Louise and the Lake Louise Ski Resort as high altitude.
Is Banff Considered High Altitude?
At an average of 4,537 feet, yes Banff is considered high altitude according to Cornell.⁵
Although this is 1,143 feet lower than Lake Louise, many destinations in Banff including Lake Louise go to altitudes much higher.
What Is The Highest Elevation In Banff?
The highest elevation in Banff is 11,851 feet, at Mount Forbes.
- Mount Forbes altitude - 11,851 ft (3,612 m)
Mount Forbes is considered to be the fifth highest peak in all of Alberta.
Can You Get Altitude Sickness At Lake Louise?
Yes, you can get altitude sickness at Lake Louise.
For comparison, many visitors of our city Denver (at 5,280 ft) experience altitude sickness, which is even lower than Lake Louise’s base altitude (at 5,680 ft).
Altitude sickness can start at 4,000 feet, according to Travel Medicine Consultants.⁶ This puts visitors of Lake Louise at a much higher risk, especially if coming from sea level and furthermore if reaching the Lake Louise ski resort elevation.
Can You Get Altitude Sickness In Canada?
Yes, you can get altitude sickness in Canada.
As reviewed, Lake Louise is one of many destinations in Banff Canada that are high in elevation with a risk of altitude sickness. Most of the high altitude locations and ski resorts in Canada are located in either Alberta or British Columbia.
Lake Louise Altitude Sickness
Lake Louise Altitude Sickness arises due to the lower oxygen levels at higher elevations, which can affect even the fittest travelers.
This causes physiological stress on your body including oxidative stress, and can lead to symptoms like headaches and nausea.
Symptoms of Lake Louise altitude sickness may include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Insomnia or sleep issues
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling ill
- Loss of appetite
Pay attention to any signs, which could develop within 6-24 upon your arrival to Lake Louise. Keep reading to find our proven steps to help combat the effects of these high altitudes.
5 Steps To Combat Lake Louise Altitude Sickness
The high climb in elevation when visiting the stunning Lake Louise can create a challenge.
As a company based in similar elevations out of Colorado, we’ll share proven steps to help you combat the issues when visiting Lake Louise.
Here’s 5 Steps To Combat Lake Louise Altitude Sickness:
1. Acclimate Slowly
When visiting Lake Louise, you should stay close to its base altitude around 5,000 feet until you feel acclimated before heading higher. This will allow your body to adjust better.
For example, spend a night or two around Lake Louise before heading out to ski or hike, which can reach elevations of 8,650 feet.
2. Hydrate Well
Most visitors underestimate hydration requirements in high altitude destinations like Lake Louise. In fact, research shows that fluid loss can increase by twofold at higher altitude compared to sea level.⁸
Hydrate well by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, at least 2-4 liters per day.
3. Limit Alcohol
Alcohol can hinder the body’s ability to function optimally and healthily, also leading to similar issues of altitude sickness including headaches and extreme fatigue.⁹
Limit or even alcoholic drinks at minimum the first day or two, at least until you feel acclimated. This will keep your body strong through the most important day to adjust and recover.
4. Supplement Antioxidants
Antioxidants can help with oxidative stress that’s caused by high elevations.¹⁰ Glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant, was found to be depleted by high altitude conditions.¹¹
All the more reason to supplement antioxidants, including glutathione which can even aid with vitamin C and E in the body.¹²
5. Get Plenty Of Rest & Sleep
Avoid strenuous activities during the first few days and ensure you get adequate rest and sleep each night. Sleep has been shown to be a major component of recovery, including increasing blood flow and oxygen.¹³
Get at least 7-9 hours of sleeping before and during your trip.
TIP: Get maximal sunlight during the day, which can support melatonin production at nighttime.
Follow these steps to improve your high-altitude Lake Louise experience!
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SOURCES:
1. Lake Louise (Alberta) Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Louise_(Alberta)
2. Elevation of Lake Louise, Alberta
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Louise,_Alberta
3. Lake Louise Ski Resort Elevation
https://www.skibig3.com/ski/resorts/lake-louise/
4. Elevation of Lake Louise Ski Resort
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Louise_Ski_Resort
5. Cornell High Altitude Definition
https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe
=true&def_id=2cf9863f85f2f25b6e5e0a2e9dacfe7b&term_occur=5&term_src=Title:
40:Chapter:I:Subchapter:C:Part:86:Subpart:S:86.1810-09
6. High Altitude Illness
https://www.travelsurenyc.com/high-altitude-illness/
7. List of communities in Canada by elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_communities_in_Canada_by_elevation
8. The Importance Of Drinking Water At High Altitude
https://summitoxygen.net/drinking-at-high-altitude/
9. Effects of Alcohol
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.HYP.29.6.1278#
10. High altitude and oxidative stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482529/
11. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
12. Oxidative Stress and Diseases Associated with High-Altitude Exposure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868315/
13. Sleep: The Secret Ingredient of Injury Recovery
https://www.orthocarolina.com/media/sleep-the-secret-ingredient-of-injury-recovery
