Just returned from an excellent holiday to Banff. Everything went very smoothly from the flights, transfers, accommodation to the skiing. The resort has such wide open skiing it would be an excellent place to learn, but also caters for the more accomplshed skiier. There were no queues at the lifts except for the actual Easter weekend and then the efficiency of the lift operators meant that all chairs were full and the queues moved very quickly- very different form Europe!

It is quite pricey to eat, drink etc as tax has to be added and a 15% tip is expected for all services. However with planning and a forget about it attitude, the beauty of the place counteracts any money concerns!

Apres Ski: 3/5

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WE arrived at Brewsters after a wonderful flight and transfer arranged by Iglu Ski. and we plesenly suprised by the location of the hotel, and its general apperance from the outside.

After unloading the baggage and equipment we entered through the main doors into the large reception area, where there was plenty of seating and room for half of the party to wait whilst 1 person from each room checked in.

The check in process was easy and reasonably quick, the party leader mentioend their name and number of rooms we were asked if we wanted ski locker keys to the free ski storage area and paid a deposit for each room.

After waiting for the lift we all headed straight for the rooms to freshen up. We had all been given the same room type so there was no squabaling for the best room; each room had a small entrance area with room to hang clothes, a reasonable sized bathroom with bath/shower combo, two large queen sized beds, and a small seating area with dining table (useful on the evening we had Dominos delivered to our room).

The bedding was typical hotel affair, with a douvet, plenty of pillows, and a rug for extra cold nights (this was un used in our room as the climate control was easy to used and worked so a comfortable temperature was set and the room didn't let us down.)

After settling in we noticed that 2 of the 4 rooms had actually come with a balcony, however as it was snowing and freezing cold outside we didn't think it was an upgrade compared to the other 2 rooms, but it was useful to put smelly boots after a long day on the slopes.

The Ski storage area was easy to get to with no stairs required from reception however the room was tight if you were collecting for others, each person had a choice of Ski or Snowboard storage, this was a hole in a bench that had a sturdy chain and padlock that worked well to keep all the kit together and secure, whilst not taking up the sort of room a locker would.

The hotels location, just off the main street in downtown Banff made it easy to get around, and after a chat with the ever so friendly hotel reception staff we had sorted out the best locations for ski pass, new clothing, and a venue for eating and drinking in each night. everywhere was withing walking distance apart from the outdoor heated pool wich was a few miles away and easy to get to via a bus that left from the main street.

Each morning we had a buffet style cold breakfast selection, with muffins, pastries, toast, fruit and cereals, and fruit juice or tea/coffee, all of this was included with the booking and saved time effort and money every morning. The breakfast was open early enought to catch the first bus, and late enough for those of us after a lie in.

The coach system in Banff that services each of the 3 main resorts was a 2-5 minute walk from the hotel on a flat even surface which made things really easy for the snowboarders in the group, and relativly easy for the skiiers in boots.

The hotel also has a free gym, sauna and pool, with towels provided, this was nice after a long day out and was used regularly by the group.

All in all the Brewsters Mountain Lodge was a fantastic hotel, with good facilities and friendly staff. I would say the only thing I would change is the size of the towels in the bathroom as they are a little on the small side, however the hotel were more than happy to provide extra towels so it was no big deal.

I would also think twice before booking with another operator for my next trip, or even trying to do it all by my self as I have done in the past. Iglu had a very easy to use and informative booking system and real people on the end of the phone if I had any questions with my booking, the value was great and the hassle was very low, which made the holiday that much more enjoyable for me, where normally I stress about somthing not working. We would all stay again at this hotel and book through iglu.

Apres Ski: 5/5

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This is a highly Maintained property for comfort and Safety. Very well managed and Kudos to the Brewster family for a very enjoyable stay. You can truly tell as owners that they really care and would like all to share the splendour of the Canadian Rockies. Shadow Lake Lodge is a little bit of Heaven. The Mountview BBQ site is another very enjoyable venue and we had great times and ate great food there. I really enjoyed the open fireplace and the entertainment. I have been here for the past six years and plan to return again and again. I did not get a chance to play the Kananaskis Golf Course this year but I will next time now that I hear there are more holes open. I found it a very challenging course. I have never met a harder working family who shows this much dedication for service and value. I think your Christmas Eve tradition was very touching. It was sad to not share Christmas Eve with such a Wonderful Family this year. If you ever get a chance to go to the lodge ask for the boss and ask him if his Boss as any left over Crab-Apple Butter! The first time I received a jar of this I ate it all. Thanks to all at the Lodge for a most enjoyable stay. Once again I hope to return until then Kudos to all

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