The Best Place To Stay On Your Banff National Park Trip Is A Luxury Mountain Hotel

Banff National Park (aka Canada's winter wonderland) is known around the world for its transcendental beauty. Each year, four million visitors flock to the nation's first national park for a picture-perfect getaway to enjoy the snow-capped Canadian Rockies and bright blue glacial lakes. Perched near the Continental Divide, 7,000 feet up, right in the middle of the park sits Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort, which is just about a 90-minute drive from Calgary International Airport.

With 3,300 skiable acres, an extra-long ski season, and a reputation for having Canada's best snow, it's no wonder that Sunshine Village is popular with even the most discerning powder hounds. But if you want to get the most out of your trip to Banff National Park, one of the most gorgeous mountain resorts in Canada is Sunshine Mountain Lodge –– the park's only ski-in, ski-out hotel on the mountaintop. Plus, it's so secluded from the rest of civilization that the only way to get there is by gondola.

If you're planning the perfect ski trip either for yourself or your whole family, Sunshine Mountain Lodge has a variety of accommodations from sprawling to cozy. No matter which room you choose, you'll be treated to exceptional views of the pristine mountains or breathtaking waterfalls. Many of the rooms have luxurious touches like heated floors, gas fireplaces, remote-controlled shutters, and flat-screen TVs.

All guests have access to amenities like the enormous outdoor hot tub (one of Canada's largest), the dry sauna, and the fitness center. For a little extra, you can indulge in a facial to soothe your weathered skin after a long day on the mountain or treat your sore muscles to a hot stone massage at Verde Day Spa.

Once you've worked up an appetite, you'll have several dining options to choose from. If you're looking for a quick bite for breakfast or lunch before heading out to the slopes, stop by Java Lift Coffee Bar. Want to enjoy a cozy meal by a roaring fire? The Chimney Corner is the perfect spot to take in the mountain views with a hot mug and a plate of comfort food. If you'd prefer an upscale dining experience for a romantic date night, make a reservation for a table by the window at the Eagle's Nest Canadian Bistro.

Because of its secluded location, guests who stay at Sunshine Mountain Lodge can stay busy doing the many activities at Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort. In addition to skiing and snowboarding on the mountain, guests can join in for a game of hot tub bingo on Mondays and Fridays. If the snow is sufficient enough, the hotel offers tobogganing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. After the lifts are closed for the day on Wednesdays and Sundays, guests can strap on their snowshoes for a tour of the village under a canopy of stars. Of course, offerings, timing, and pricing can vary depending on when you go.

Right next to the lodge, you'll find Mad Trapper's Saloon: a rustic pub complete with a roaring fire and cozy mountain decor. Originally built in 1928 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, this cozy spot now serves up hearty pub fare and cold beer from midday until late at night. And don't forget to talk to the concierge about the weekly Friday night shuttle into the magical town of Banff. It's a must-see. Just make sure you don't miss that last gondola at 10 p.m.