Lake Louise Ski Elopement
Banff Ski Elopement on the Slopes of Lake Louise
One of Francis and Simone’s favourite things to do together is ski, so they knew a Lake Louise ski elopement was perfect for them. Simone lived in Canmore during covid and the mountains captured her heart and always dreamed of returning. They both love to do everything together, and pick up on a whim and just go on and adventure. That was also the case for their elopement. They reached out about 4 months beforehand with their idea to elope on the ski hill at Lake Louise and get some fun pictures as they skied down the slopes. Now, keep in mind, they chose February to elope which is notorious for being -30c here! I made sure they knew the weather possibilities, but since they lived in Montreal I knew they understood the possible winter conditions.
A Bluebird Day
We met for their ski elopement at the base camp of Lake Louise ski hill and started with some portraits inside and a first look out on the balcony. They also chose to do their personal vows here to keep the ceremony on the hill a bit shorter. At -25°C, the air was crisp and biting, but the sunlight cast a perfect warmth that kept everyone from freezing. Simone and Francis embraced the chill in style, staying down to earth and smiling the whole day.
We found a quiet spot at the top of the gondola so they could enjoy an intimate ceremony with their two closest friends as witnesses. Surrounded by towering peaks and bright fresh snow, they exchanged vows, skis at their sides, with the hilarious Cole Hofstra as their officiant. It was quiet, personal, and exactly what they’d hoped for. No pressure, just a moment to take in where they were and what they were doing.
Ski Laps and Chalet Breaks
The snow was perfect on this bluebird day, but the wind made each lift ride and the ski down a challenge. Simone’s bare skin quickly became very cold, so between laps, we ducked into a chalet to warm up. Our faces were frozen, fingers stiff, but everyone was still laughing and appreciative that the views were incredible. When we had done a few runs, we headed inside for some base camp pictures and celebratory drinks. Once thawed, we headed to one last lookout nearby to capture some sunset photos.
Not Perfect, But Exactly Right
When we arrived at the lookout, the wind was actually worse than during their ski elopement, and we didn’t have the direct sun keeping us warm anymore. They bravely fought through the biting cold and we kept jogging back to the car between shots just to stay warm. It was unpolished, real, and kind of perfect in its own way. Their elopement wasn’t about a flawless day — it was about doing something that felt right for them. And even in that bitter cold, it really was.
If you love the magic and beauty of winter weddings, check out this Winter heli elopement or this snowshoeing elopement for more inspiration!
