Our Journey
How It All Started
Back in '87, my grandparents Viktor and Elena Drakaa were on a ski trip when they stumbled upon this old lodge that'd seen better days. Most folks saw a fixer-upper that'd drain your savings. They saw potential - a place where mountain magic could happen if you just put in the work and really cared about the guests.
Viktor always said the best hotels feel like home, just with better views and someone else doing the dishes. That philosophy stuck. They spent two years gutting the place, rebuilding it from the ground up while keeping the original stone fireplace and timber beams - the soul of the building, as Elena called it.
Opening day was chaos. Half the plumbing didn't work, the chef quit, and a snowstorm knocked out power for six hours. But somehow, those first guests still left with smiles. Maybe it was Elena's homemade strudel she whipped up on a camp stove, or Viktor skiing folks down the mountain himself when the lifts froze. That's when they knew they'd built something real.
What We're Actually About
Look, we could throw around fancy words about "elevated experiences" and "curated journeys," but that's not really us. We're about making sure you wake up to mountain views that take your breath away, then serving you coffee that's actually good - not just hotel lobby swill.
We've got the luxury stuff, sure. Our spa'll work out knots you didn't know you had, and our restaurant sources ingredients from farms you can practically see from your window. But what matters more is whether our staff remembers you like extra pillows, or that you're celebrating an anniversary, or that you prefer trail recommendations over ski slopes.
This place has hosted honeymoons, family reunions, corporate retreats, and probably a few marriage proposals we don't know about. Each time, we try to make it memorable - not because some hospitality manual says so, but because we genuinely give a damn.
Genuine Hospitality
We're not robots reading scripts. Every team member's empowered to actually help you, whether that's arranging a last-minute dinner reservation or finding your kid's lost stuffed bear.
Mountain Soul
These peaks aren't just our backdrop - they're why we're here. We respect the environment, support local communities, and help guests connect with nature in real ways.
Attention to Detail
From thread count to turndown service, from wine selection to WiFi speed - we sweat the small stuff so you don't have to think about it.
Family Legacy
Three generations have shaped this place. We're building for the fourth. That long-term thinking means we never cut corners or chase quick trends.
Where We're Headed
The mountain resort industry's changing fast. Apps, automation, influencer culture - it's a different world from when Viktor and Elena started. But some things shouldn't change, y'know?
We're investing in sustainability big time. Solar panels, geothermal heating, composting programs - not because it's trendy but because we want our grandkids' grandkids to see these mountains like we do. We've also expanded our year-round programming since Whistler's not just a winter destination anymore.
That said, the core mission stays simple: be the kind of place where memories happen. Where proposals get said yes to, where families actually talk at dinner instead of staring at phones, where you leave feeling like you've truly gotten away from it all.
If you've stayed with us before, thanks for being part of our story. If you haven't yet, we've got a room with your name on it - metaphorically speaking, unless you call ahead and ask real nice.