Description:
The Lake Louise Ski Area hosts an educational interpretive program in its summer operation. The ski area is recognized as part of an active wildlife corridor in Banff National Park, as defined by Parks Canada. With an active wildlife population, and predominately strong grizzly bear population living in the Lake Louise area during the summer months, the ski area is committed to demonstrating environmental excellence through everyday practices of the operation, and providing an educational experience for summer visitors to the Gondola operation. Through these efforts, the ski area is devoted to become the leader of grizzly bear interpretation and education within the national park. The Lake Louise Ski Area’s summer operation, the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola, was established in 1959. Educational programs began in the mid ‘90s with steady development of education programs and environmental initiatives that continue to be developed to date. In 2002, the ski area initiated an Interpretative Plan that could potentially reduce the ecological effects of human use within the ski area leasehold and also provide visitors to the area a new understanding, awareness and appreciation for Banff National Park. Human use management has been of significant focus of the summer operation. Through restricted human use activities and educational services, the ski area has greatly minimized the affects, and in some areas ensured no impact or activity, in special areas on the mountain. Studies by Parks Canada indicate the ski area is traveled by nearly one third of the grizzly bears in BNP. This unique and special environment has heightened the responsibility of the ski area and the necessary steps have been taken to generate awareness, reduce bear habituation and sustain a healthy and safe environment for use of both humans and bears. Our educational offerings include a mandatory Visitor Welcome prior to the Gondola ride, designed as the foundation and introduction of the primary messages and expand on the variety of interpretive offerings that take place on the upper mountain including Guided Walking Tours, Theatre Presentations and the Wildlife Interpretation Centre. Bear education is the underlying theme of all programs, although programs also address the other primary objective of the ski area; to expand outlooks, educate behaviors, and teach the human actions upon which heritage tourism and the future of Banff National Park depends. The ski area as a whole demonstrates a commitment to these unique challenges through daily operations and these programs by: · Annual construction of an electric fence that surrounds the perimeter of the base lodges and operation during the summer season; · Respecting wildlife patterns, and recognizing wildlife corridors by not allowing hiking between the base area and upper mountain Gondola stations; · Restricting access by ski area personnel between the base area and upper mountain Gondola stations during the early season when bear activity on front slopes is predominate; · Restricting hiking to the upper mountain, and recommending groups of 6 or more people as a safety precaution for humans and bears; · Sustaining ecological integrity and reducing impact by hiking on specified trails, and closing areas for rehabilitation. The ski area employees seven full time Interpretive Guides, and eight full time presentators, to make up one of the largest Interpretive Services programs offered by a private operator within the national park. Educational and professional background is a necessity of the position for the development and delivery of all educational programs. An extensive 2-week training program includes education and training by government personnel, local recognized programs (such as MPHIA, Mountain Park Heritage Interpretation Association training) and work with an in-house Interpretive Trainer. Through the lessons taught in these valuable programs, anyone who lives, visits or enjoys the park can contribute in sustaining the heritage values and take a proactive role in protection of Banff National Park for future generations. In addition to regular program offerings the Gondola features special events in support of other local and national initiatives, such as the United Nations celebration of the international Year of Fresh Water for 2003, as well as continued promotion of successful initiatives of past years with the Year of the Great Bear in 2001, and the International Year of Mountains in 2002.

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