For its second season on the hill the Winston Lodge and Saloon is open for business. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort’s coolest night time hangout is bringing back some old favourites, and introducing a few new things as well.
“The whole premise with the place is to have a story,” said owner Bill Braisher. “This place is named after my grandfather Winston Wolfenden. His father, Archie Wolfenden came to the valley in 1912 from England, and they opened the Brisco General Store.”
On the other side of the family, Braisher’s great grandfather Alfred came to the area in 1909 and ran the stage coach in between Golden and Cranbrook.
“My grandfather Winston would have been tickled pink to have this place named after him,” said Braisher.
The Winston, which has little pieces of Golden and Columbia Valley history all over the walls, consists of the saloon, the lodge, the spa, as well as the conference centre. They offer people full resort experience, and also help visitors set up things like heli-skiing. They are being dubbed the resort within the resort.
Since last season they have undergone some renovations, added a games room and the convention centre for things like weddings and Christmas parties.
“Last winter was very busy, the summer was moderately busy, but of course things do slow down because it is a ski resort,” said Braisher. And already this year things have been busy.
The saloon, known for it’s life size Jenga, mugs with bugs, and “shot in the pocket” shirts, has a few new features this year.
“Anyone with a season’s pass, we deputize them, and they get 12 per cent off in the pub. It’s just a silver deputy badge that goes on their season’s pass. So you flash your badge and you get a discount,” said Braisher.
Also new this year is their signature Nuclear Monster Bomb.
The new twist on the Jager Bomb (which uses Redbull), the Nuclear Monster Bomb has a shot of Jager dropped in a glass of Monster energy drink, and then it’s capped up with a drop of tonic water. The Monster and the tonic water glow in the bar’s black light, giving the drink a nuclear edge.
The saloon is also filled with other board games, checker board tables, and cowboy hats hanging on the walls.
“I go to the thrift stores every chance I get to buy more hats, and at the end of the night every one of these hats is on somebody’s head. And when they steal them I just go get more,” said Braisher.
So if you’re a season’s pass holder, go on up to the Winston and get “deputized.” To see more about the lodge, go to www.winstonlodge.com.
