There's a commonly held belief—mostly among neophyte backpackers wandering Europe—that Switzerland has enough supplies stockpiled within its borders to keep the country going for one year if it were ever cut off from the rest of Europe… or the world. Whether state secret or worldwide urban legend, the sentiment of comfortable self-sustainability permeates Lake Louise’s Post Hotel, and the obsessive collective vision of Swiss-born owners André and George Schwarz, proprietors since they bought the property from English nobleman Sir Norman Watson when it was little more than a log cabin with a killer view in 1978. The fact that it was walking distance to the Lake Louise ski lifts didn’t hurt either.

The Post Hotel and Swiss Design

But the Post’s Swiss design is in no way traditional. A post-modern aesthetic weaves through the main building’s three stories—from the red-tin roof to a striking curved balcony that, with its rich wood illuminated by a mountain sunset, seems an almost organic extension of the structure’s clean, strong lines. It all blends seamlessly with Rocky Mountain postcard imagery of the early 20th century, complete with railcars rumbling by a hundred metres away, as if on cue.

The rooms—seemingly test-marketed on exhausted and sore ski vacationers—are appropriately equipped with whirlpool bath, fireplace (with in-room kindling), and heated slate floors. Even the Aveda products and bath salts are small but intuitive touches. The hotel’s self-sustainability is a powerful magnet that, if not for some of the planet’s most stunning scenery on the doorstep, would keep guests indoors for a lot more of their stay.

Award-Winning Post Hotel

Last year, Conde Nast Traveler magazine included it on its Gold List of the World's Best Places to Stay, and Travel + Leisure magazine named the Post the highest-rated Canadian ski resort. The hotel’s 30,500-bottle, 2,000-label list also won The Grand Award last year, the highest honour bestowed by Wine Spectator magazine.

But instead of feasting on the accolades, the owners are far from done. A new two-storey 3,200-square-foot spa and wellness centre has just opened for the summer season, and the staff is putting the finishing touches on a new wine cellar, complete with tasting room for guests craving a 360-degree wine and dine experience.

Room rates start at $250 and $395.