Mt. Rundle from Vermilion Lakes, Banff National Park (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
The Canadian Rockies provide a dramatic backdrop for downtown Banff. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Pedestrians stroll through downtown Banff at twilight. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Sunshine Mountain Lodge at Sunshine Village, Banff. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Banff Y Mountain Lodge - a budget accommodation. It’ll soon be renamed the YWCA Banff Hotel. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Lake Louise Ski Resort. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Boarders and skiers prepare for their first run of day at Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Larry Stein works for the Ski Friend program at Lake Louise Ski Resort. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
A snowboarder smokes a cigarette while carving his way downhill. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Sunshine Village Ski Area, Banff. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
A thin ice warning sign is posted near Lake Louise. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Banff’s Upper Springs -- 102-degree water ... in the snow. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)