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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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 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.
We're proud of these, but honestly, the best award is when guests come back year after year.
Four-Star Rating
2003, 2015, 2023Gold Level Certification
Renewed AnnuallyFour Diamond Award
Since 2008Readers' Choice
Top 50 Canada ResortsThe folks who make this place run (and keep it from falling apart)
General Manager
Been here 12 years, started as front desk. Still gets nervous during VIP check-ins. Makes the best staff meeting donuts though.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not just talking green - actually doing it since 2012
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.
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.
Rainwater harvesting for landscaping, low-flow everything in rooms, greywater recycling system. We've reduced water use by 40% since 2015 without anyone noticing.