Our Story

Where Timeless Elegance Meets Alpine Serenity

A Journey Through Time

Honestly, we didn't plan on becoming what we are today. Back in 1988, it was just a crazy dream that probably shouldn't have worked.

1988

Helena Glaivorn had this wild idea - turn an old logging lodge into something folks would actually wanna visit. Everyone thought she'd lost it, but she saw something we couldn't.

1995

The spa wing opened up and honestly changed everything. We went from being just another mountain hotel to a place people came to actually decompress and reset their whole vibe.

2003

Got our first big recognition - Forbes Travel Guide gave us four stars. Helena cried. We all cried. It meant someone beyond our regulars saw what we'd been building here.

2012

We went all-in on sustainability before it was the trendy thing to do. Solar panels, geothermal heating, the works. Some investors freaked out about costs, but it was the right call.

2019

Complete renovation of the east wing brought us into modern times without losing that old-world charm Helena fought so hard to preserve. It's still her vision, just elevated.

2025

Still family-run, still dedicated to that original vision. We've got 87 rooms now, but we haven't forgotten what made us special when we only had 22.

Glaivorncronos exterior
Spa interior
Mountain view
Hotel lobby
Restaurant
Suite view
Outdoor amenities
Conference facilities

Helena's Vision

"Look, I wasn't trying to build some fancy resort that'd win awards. I just wanted a place where people could come up, breathe properly for once, and leave feeling like themselves again. Somewhere real, y'know? Not all that fake luxury nonsense where everyone's pretending to be someone they're not."

- Helena Glaivorn, Founder (1952-2021)

Helena Glaivorn

Helena grew up in these mountains, and honestly, she never really left - not in spirit anyway. Her dad worked the lumber mills, and she'd spend summers hiking trails that most folks didn't even know existed. When the old Timberline Lodge went up for sale in '87, everyone thought it was done for.

But Helena saw past the peeling paint and busted windows. She took out loans she probably shouldn't have, called in every favor she'd ever earned, and spent two years basically rebuilding the place with her own hands (and yeah, a construction crew, but she was out there swinging hammers too).

What made her different? She actually gave a damn. Not in that corporate "customer service excellence" way, but genuinely. She'd remember your name, your kid's birthday, how you liked your coffee. That's what this place was built on, and it's what we're still trying to live up to every single day.

Recognition & Certifications

We're proud of these, but honestly, the best award is when guests come back year after year.

Forbes Travel Guide

Four-Star Rating

2003, 2015, 2023
Green Key Global

Gold Level Certification

Renewed Annually
AAA/CAA

Four Diamond Award

Since 2008
Conde Nast Traveler

Readers' Choice

Top 50 Canada Resorts

Meet The Team

The folks who make this place run (and keep it from falling apart)

Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

General Manager

Been here 12 years, started as front desk. Still gets nervous during VIP check-ins. Makes the best staff meeting donuts though.

Marcus Belliveau
Marcus Belliveau

Executive Chef

Trained in Paris, came for a season, stayed for 8 years. Temperamental about his mushrooms but worth it. Just don't ask him about molecular gastronomy.

Annika Sorensen
Annika Sorensen

Spa & Wellness Director

Swedish massage therapist turned spa guru. Somehow convinced us to add sound healing. Guests love it. We're still confused but she knows her stuff.

James O'Reilly
James O'Reilly

Chief Concierge

Knows literally everyone in Whistler. Got us lift tickets during sold-out weekends twice. We don't ask how. Les Clefs d'Or member since 2011.

Rebecca Torres
Rebecca Torres

Adventure & Activities Coordinator

Former Olympic skier. Absolutely fearless. Takes guests on hikes we're pretty sure aren't on maps. Everyone comes back happy though, so we let it slide.

David Kowalski
David Kowalski

Head of Engineering & Sustainability

The genius behind our green systems. Can fix anything with duct tape and stubbornness. Talks to the boiler like it's his friend. Maybe it is.

Our Commitment to the Planet

Not just talking green - actually doing it since 2012

Solar Power

45% of our energy comes from solar panels installed in 2012. They're kinda ugly on the roof but they work like crazy. Cut our grid dependency by almost half.

320 Panels

Geothermal Heating

Ground-source heat pumps handle most of our heating and cooling. The installation was a nightmare but it's paid for itself three times over. No regrets.

70% Efficiency Gain

Water Conservation

Rainwater harvesting for landscaping, low-flow everything in rooms, greywater recycling system. We've reduced water use by 40% since 2015 without anyone noticing.

2.2M Gallons Saved/Year