 |
This story is brought to you by Mountaineer Lodge.
Check out what's new at the lodge and what to do while you're in the area.
 |
The lobby of the Mountaineer Lodge in Lake Louise. |
JOANNE ELVES
LAKE LOUISE, ALTA. - The Mountaineer Lodge in the village of Lake Louise is an affordable year-round “go-to” place when making it a weekend adventure to Banff National Park and the Big 3 Ski Resorts.
The Mountaineer Lodge was built by the Biro family in 1968 and for many years it was only open for summer travellers. In the early days, it was frequented by the hiking/climbing crowd and had a tavern in the basement for tall tales to be told, but those days are long gone. The tavern sat quiet for many years, but now, like the rest of the property, improvements are in the works. New ownership has brought new ideas.
Chad Gulevich, owner of the Mount Robson Inn in Jasper says it took many tanks of gas but he eventually purchased The Mountaineer Lodge.
 |
The Mountaineer Lodge is less than a five-minute drive from Lake Louise ski resort and makes good base for any winter activities |
“I’ve been driving between Jasper and Banff for many years and can’t count how many times I’ve filled up at the gas station across the road from The Mountaineer. I’d always look at the hotel and think it would make a good sister property to our property in Jasper,” said Gulevich.
His family has owned and operated the Mount Robson Inn in Jasper since his grandfather bought it in 1973. When the Biro family suggested they were selling this spring, Gulevich eagerly took over the property.
They have a pretty good formula working at the Mount Robson Inn and plan to implement it at the Mountaineer. The first thing they did was decide to stay open all winter to cater to the skiing crowd.
“We are less than a five-minute drive to Lake Louise Ski resort so it only makes sense to attract the couples, families and ski teams looking for three star accommodations. We’ve already installed mini fridges in all the rooms along with microwaves and coffee makers. Next on the list are new beds and televisions,” said Gulevich. “We will be busy with the upgrades but I think our guests will be pleased with what is going on.”
What else you can expect:
Amenities: The hotel already includes a hot tub and steam room but what will really thrill the travellers during any season is the renovations to that famous tavern. It's been turned into a breakfast room and since last spring a deluxe continental breakfast is included with your stay. Already in the works for this ski season is a laundry room, ski lockers and a waxing room.
 |
At the end of a day out on the slopes or snowshoing through the backcountry, guests can enjoy a hot tub and steam room at The Mountaineer Lodge. |
The lodge is comprised of two buildings. The main building houses the front desk as well as the steam room and hot tub and rooms on two floors accessed by the front entrance. In the other building, those guests staying on the main floor have parking out their unit door while the second floor is easy to access. All guests enjoy free parking and free Wi-Fi.
Food and shopping: It’s a quick three-minute hike along the snowplowed path behind the hotel to the Samson Mall to power up at the coffee shops. There is also a candy store, grocery store, liquor store, souvenirs and thankfully Wilson Mountain Sports with lots of replacements for those gloves you forgot at home.
Dining: This is never a problem in Lake Louise. The Station, The Post Hotel, Deer Lodge and the dreamy Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise round out the fine dining options but there is also pizza at the Lake Louise Inn and don’t forget the healthiest and most economical choice of all – Bill Peyto’s cafe at the Hi-Lake Louise Alpine Centre.
Location: Two hours west of Calgary, or 40 minutes from Banff, the 78-room Mountaineer Lodge is obscured from view by the towering pines. As you enter the village of Lake Louise, turn left at the four way stop, and the first exit to the right and you're into the property.
Reservation and promotions: Check the web page at The Mountaineer Lodge or call 855-556-8473. Check for promotions such as the “Date Night in Lake Louise”. Or, plan a road trip up the Icefield Parkway using the Mountaineer and The Mount Robson Inn and get a discount for using both properties.