DOC POW
 Sunshine Mountain Lodge BRANDON BOUCHER/SnowSeekers |
BANFF, AB — I would suggest it’s one of this country’s coolest accommodation options. There is nothing like the arrival to the Sunshine Mountain Lodge. Picture it – it’s night, it’s snowing and you arrive pretty much to a deserted parking lot.
There’s a valet waiting to take your luggage and your vehicle, while you prepare for a 17 minute gondola ride which will whisk you into the wintery abyss and up to your new home. Minutes later the doors of the gondola open and you’ve arrived – across the village base, the lights of the Sunshine Mountain Lodge beckon.
Expansion in the works
This home-away-from-home not only offers some outstanding accommodations options, but one of the biggest hot tubs in North America. During the summer of 2009, more renovations are scheduled for the Lodge to increase the number of rooms, including the addition of new loft and executive suites – perfect for families.
Sunshine Village offers a host of potentials, not only some exceptional ski and snowboard opportunities but several dining options. For Executive Chef Martin Brenner, just trying to raise bread is interesting. “The village is at 7,000 feet above sea level, which can create some challenges when baking.”
But for Chef Martin, this is just one small challenge for working in such an impressive office.
Mountain visits changed his life
“This destination, with its outstanding views has kept me here for years,” said Chef Martin, who has called this office his home for five years. “I had been coming from Germany for many years on a personal holiday, but after many years of coming here to visit, and then heading back home, it was time to make a sizeable change and I made the move.”
 Succulent pork tenderloin is just one of the many dishes served at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge. BRANDON BOUCHER/SnowSeekers |
With five restaurants, three cafeterias and two coffee shops, Chef Martin employs a sizable army of staff.
“We include chefs from all over the world. I have hired some from Germany and other parts of Europe, Japan and Australia and of course, North America. One of the things I have concentrated on is to ensure the staff is engaged, that they get some input into the menus which change every year. In the past few years we have stepped up our menu offerings so they encourage culinary talents of the staff.”
Recommendation right on the money
I have had the fortunate pleasure of being to Sunshine many times, but being a creature of habit, I had always hit up dinner at Trappers’ Saloon or in the Chimney Corner Restaurant located in the hotel. On a recent trip I made a new discovery, one which came highly recommended and upon arrival, it was easy to see why.
Located on the third floor of the Day Lodge, The Lookout Bar & Grill is a stellar venue with floor-to-ceiling windows, a beautiful bar, an excellent menu and a view that will keep anyone smiling.
Great sleeps just a few feet from the lifts paired up with some outstanding food is just what the doctor ordered for another massive day on the slopes. Checking into this mountain lodge leaves you with a village all to your own, so enjoy!
For more information on Sunshine Village or to book your ski, snowboard, or winter getaway to Banff, Sunshine Village, or Lake Louise, check out Banff Tourism’s “Ski the Rockies” website by clicking here