Your Distinctive Trailside Lodgings

A glass of cognac and a roaring fire. Fluffy eiderdown bedding. A soothing massage followed by a hot sauna. A plate of hand-made tagliatelle with truffles, or Canadian prime-cut steak, or fluffy Slovenian smorn pancakes hot off the griddle. After a day on the trail you deserve a little TLC, and you’ll find it at VBT’s fine lodgings. As with our bike and walking tours, we hand pick smaller, distinctive accommodations that reflect the local character, while offering the amenities you need and easy access to the trailhead.

This classic mountain lodge is located in Banff National Park, just a five-minute walk to Lake Louise. Built in 1921, the lodge has an eclectic mix of rustic and modern décor, with contemporary furnishings and traditional touches like hand-hewn timbers, cast iron radiators, and brass fittings. Look forward to hearty Rocky Mountain cuisine at the Mount Fairview Dining Room, noted for its creative game dishes and extensive wine list. The Deer Lodge is the perfect place to enjoy a sip of cognac in front of the rustic stone fireplace, unwind in the cedar sauna, or soak in a state-of-the-art rooftop hot tub with amazing views of the Victoria Glacier. 

 

The Braito family have managed this chalet-style Dolomite retreat for more than 30 years, winning generations of guests

with their legendary hospitality and attention to detail. Hotel Maria’s interior has been designed with natural woods and stone. After a day on the trail you can indulge in a host of spa amenities like an indoor pool and Turkish bath. When it’s time to eat, there is a renovated formal restaurant as well as the delightful 1700s-style Stube kitchen. Enjoy bountiful Trentino cuisine, including hearty breakfast buffets with homemade jams and pastries, and 3-course dinners with healthy and vegetarian options. 

 

 

With only 15 guest rooms, this intimate hotel offers a warm and personal village stay in the heart of Podkoren in Slovenia’s unspoiled Upper Sava Valley. The popular Kranjska-Gora ski resort is just one mile away, and the world’s biggest ski jump in Planica is only a few miles farther. Village living affords you a wonderful chance to meet the locals, many of whom patronize the hotel’s popular restaurant for regional specialties like cheese and nut dumplings and the flaky layered gibanica cake. Afterwards, relax over a glass of slivovica in the Pajzl bar, or in the sauna.