January 31, 2012 · Personal ♥ Storm Mountain Lodge ♥
I
t was a hard secret to keep. I wanted to do something special to celebrate Kevin's birthday. I surprised Kevin this Sunday with a card telling him to pack the pups, our snowshoes and a camera because we were heading to Storm Mountain Lodge! It's hard to believe we've never been there before this week-end after hearing so many of our friends express how much they love the place.
Kevin has been learning a lot about photography and has been creating some stunning images. I'm so inspired by what he's been creating and excited to see him so passionate about photography. Our week-end was the perfect time and place to just play with our cameras and enjoying taking photographs together.
Storm Mountain Lodge is only a 25 minute drive away from Banff. I was surprised to see just how much snow they have there compared to Banff. It was a gorgeous winter wonderland and we were really lucky to arrive on Sunday afternoon when it was warm out and big fluffy snowflakes were falling.
One of the things I love about the rustic cabins at Storm Mountain Lodge is that they don't have telephones, tvs or internet in the rooms so it's a kind of relaxation you just can't get in your everyday life. Even though we were only there for 2 nights we felt relaxed immediately.
The food was incredible, the service informal and friendly and the quiet heavenly.
I asked about weddings at Storm Mountain Lodge and they do offer intimate weddings in the winter monthes only, for weddings with up to 40 people. The ceremony often takes place in front of the fireplace in the main lodge and they bring together all the tables in the lodge to make one big cozy table for everyone to eat together. I think it would be a perfect winter wedding location.
This little shed had a collection of random snowshoes that you could borrow at anytime and return when you were finished exploring for other guests to use. The snowshoeing trails were incredible, LOTS of deep fluffy snow to play around in and stunning forests filled with birds. Now that we know about the trails it will be well worth the 25 minute drive when we want to get out snowshoeing.
Something about a good key really sets the mood for me when you check in.
Our sweet cozy romantic cabin.
Our friends had warned us that the rustic cabins can be chilly but with Kevin's fire skills and the other heater in the room we were toasty. Next time I'll bring slippers, I was tempted to buy some really cushy slippers they had in the gift shop.
Our sweet little cabin inside.
The main lodge at night.
We both LOVED the main lodge. It was cozy and inviting. The food was incredible. I also loved that one of the nights we were there the owner's daughter had her sweet minature poodle in a little basket with a red blanket all curled up, the most mellow dog I've met.
We had a wine & cheese plate included in our stay. I'm not a big wine drinker myself so I asked if we could switch out the wine for beer and they happily accommodated our request complete with frosty beer mugs and an invitation to enjoy our cheese by the fire in the main lodge. Our table was a huge vintage sled.
I really loved the way the cabins looked at night.
Happy Birthday Kevin! Thank you for inspiring me with your kind heart, your creativity and your perfect love. I am incredibly blessed to be your wife. I can't wait to head back for another romantic quiet getaway.
