Eric F.
5/5
There are a million reasons to rationalize avoidance of this experience - none of which will stand the test of reflection. A splurge? You bet.
As a Canadian, I have almost automatically chosen the annual winter respite to Caribbean Palm Trees, “new” resorts, & themes (they kind of all blend in if we are being honest). I/we have taken for granted the awe-striking beauty within our borders – Winter adventure……did not compute. Welcome to this massive pattern interrupt.
#1 – The people. From the onset of the planning and constructing of the event, we were introduced to Veronika – combine all your favorite superheroes into one package - and that would fall ridiculously short of this unicorn of a human being. On point and in advance of any - and all planning aspects & fluidly dynamic to accommodate for any surprises (we had 12 people, half of which were children by age, and some of us - juvenile by maturity 😊) …..But the biggest act of magic, is that she pulls all of this off in a completely humble and understated way, I never felt so comfortable leaving my mind on complete autopilot. Veronika, there are no words that would do justice to all the essence that is you. Thank you for shepherding and inspiring us all.
We were greeted upon entrance to this majestic chateau by the exuberant and personable Erin. If someone, somehow, could be in 3 places at once- it is Erin. She remembers your name, what you like and understands what makes you tick immediately. Erin assured that by the time you crossed the threshold, you were home.
Moira, we were introduced to our incomparable 5-star Chef at the main service island, standing behind what must have been an entire day’s work of artfully presented platters with every combination of flavors and textures that the world has seen. Moira blew the roof off the place with the first shot, and she had plenty more fire power where that came from. Jimmy had his own style, specialties, and unique personality. Both Moira and Jimmy were quick to complement the other, as they set their counterpart up for success – Great Team.
Best Supporting Cast – Hasea, Jamie, Victor & Ben. Once again, these folks knew the playbook, and were everywhere. We often wondered; how do they keep so in sync? Unflappable and more importantly completely endearing – I will miss them all.
Special Teams – Amy the Masseuse extraordinaire, after a day on the slopes, she cheerfully worked out every knot and dent assuring you were ready to play another day.
I am sure there is an incredible maintenance team behind the scenes, because everything seemed to work as planned - and somehow, magically our messes were cleaned up in an almost undetectable way; rooms were cleaned, beds turned down, legendary Revelstoke water next to the bed….. On point, always.
The Bison Lodge itself, I purposefully left to later in this review, it can shine so brightly, as a direct result of the aforementioned Team. This is an architectural and functional masterpiece, keep looking deep into the detail, it gets better. You cannot help but contemplate the thought, craftsmanship and attention to comfort that went into this home. Towel warmers, steam showers, the little things and big things - all on tact.
The mountains, they are magic, the folks who are attracted to this wonderful and somewhat hidden gem, all seem to have the same awe and respect for what is indescribable. The common thread that is woven through this magical place is how incredibly authentic and engaging all your interactions are; is it a Canadian thing….? I like to think so. On a mountain like that, everyone is a child in the best way – “we are all having a snow day” - and free from the mundanity that sometimes masquerades as our existence. The distance we were able to gain from the stuff that does not matter (which is most of it by the way), has altered our view in a way that I am sure we will all strive to retain. When cynicism creeps in, I will know it is time to return to the magic that is Bison & Revelstoke.