What do International Dog Sled Racing Teams, The 88 USSR & East German Ski Teams, and a Bear Cub all have in common? They all laid their heads down for a rest at The Skiland Motel.
Photos like this one of the Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge, back when it was called the Skiland Motel, really show how much Canmore has changed over the years.
The Skiland Motel was purchased in 1989 by the exceedingly accomplished Mountain Guide, Ski Instructor, and Hotelier Hans Peter Stettler.
In 1991 Hans Peter also purchased the Rocky Mountain Chalet and combined the two properties under the new banner of The Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge, RMSL.
The Motel hosted members of the first and second-ranking Olympic Teams in 88. These were the USSR and East Germany teams, respectively.
At least a few of those rooms likely saw the bright gleam of Olympic Medals for a short while.
Many people living in Canmore today have never heard about the other international winter racing event hosted at the Nordic Centre, perhaps because the athletes were all four-legged.
The RMSL sponsored an International Dog Sled Race that was an annual event in Canmore throughout the ’80s and ‘90s.
Another four-legged creature caused quite a commotion one day. Front desk staff were amazed when they found a bear cub curled up and sleeping quite contently on the couch in the lobby.
The RMSL has practically been a second home for generations of Ski Racers. They offer preferred rates for junior Alpine Ski Racing Teams.
The RMSK also sponsors many community festivals and events, including The Canmore Highland Games.
If you stay there, you may notice the Lobby Door remains closed. Probably to ensure bear cubs are not getting free room and board.
The Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge is a place with great history that has gone to great lengths recently to ensure guests can stay confident in the knowledge that COVID safety is the number one priority of management and staff.
There is currently a 15% off special when you book directly to stay for three nights or more. With temperatures set to soar this week, it is a beautiful time to book a stay in Canmore. Learn more here.
This is the 1988 Phone Book ad for Skiland Motel
