Calm crystal waters, the ruggedness of towering mountains and forests animated by wildlife, The Rocky Mountains are a sight sure to take your breath away.  More commonly known as ‘The Rockies’ this mountain range is located in the western part of North America and runs through Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.  Extending over 3,000 miles, The Rocky Mountains cover a distance from the Liard River in British Columbia to the Rio Grande, New Mexico and are often frequented by those seeking an escape into absolute tranquillity. 
 
With hundreds of designated hiking trails, a large selection of accommodation types, and available transport ranging from horseback to canoe rides and helicopter tours to mountain bikes, lose yourself in a resort so stunningly pure it supplies over a quarter of the United States’ water.
 
Activities in the Rocky Mountains
 
Popular among outdoor enthusiasts, activities available across this destination are assorted to suit all weather and climate types.  With activities on offer such as golfing, horseback riding, skiing and mountain biking to name a few,  visitors will find that experiences are catered to their individual interests, abilities, ages and group sizes meaning that despite the extensiveness of the mountains, there are experiences ready to be enjoyed by all.
 
The Great Divide Trail- Guided Hike 
 
Set against a backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, The Great Divide Trail invites you to indulge in the beauty of your surroundings whilst on foot.  Revolved around Lake Louise, ‘The hiking capital of Canada’, and Moraine Lake, this guided tour offers walkers a choice of either a half day hike lasting four-five hours or a full day hike of  six-eight hours.  Run by enthusiastic, qualified guides, hikers will be slowly exposed to the history of the mountains and their inhabitants such as the grizzly bear and mountain goat.  With over 200 kilometres of trails, the guided hikes are available Wednesday to Sunday and take the form of group walks of up to eight people; although private hikes are bookable.  Themed hikes are also on offer, with snowshoe tours becoming increasingly popular in the winter.  Chocoholics and potential hikers may also be interested by the fire-look out site, where award-winning Belgian chocolate from chocolatier Bernard Callebaut is available.  Dip fresh cherries, strawberries and other sweet delicacies into a warm chocolate fondue whilst admiring the view as a well deserved reward after a long day of walking.  Whilst the hikes run in all seasons, reservations are required so book prior to arrival to avoid missing out.
 
Banff Gondola
 
For those who prefer to simply sit back and take in the views, the Banff Gondola is the perfect choice of activity whilst visiting the Rocky Mountains.  With a bird’s eye view of the mountains, the glass panelled Banff Gondolas have a four person capacity and offer passengers a 360 degree view as it ascends the Sulphur Mountain; ensuring maximum viewing of the six mountain ranges nearby.  Further experiences are also accessible, with observational decks supplying awe-inducing sights from all directions, a SummitWalk leading to a national historic site, and various wildlife forms being located on the mountaintop.  The Summit Complex also houses a gift shop, snack bar, Brunch bar, and eateries ‘The Panorama Restaurant’ and ‘Altitude 1583 Patio’ where visitors can enjoy hot meals, wines, beers and other refreshments.
 
Banff Gondolas are available to book with a series of package deals including the Canadian Rockies Explorer Combo Packages, which allows the pairing of the Banff Gondola with other popular Banff-based activities such as the Lake Cruise and the Glacier Adventure.  Gondola experiences can also be purchased alongside reservations for The Mount Royal Hotel, where guests can enjoy an Alberta Beef Prime Rib dinner whilst enjoying the views from the top of Sulphur Mountain. 
 
White Water Rafting with Wild Water Adventures
 
With over 90,000 rafters enjoying the experience since it’s opening in 1992, white water rafting with Wild Water Adventures is one of Rocky Mountains most popular experiences.  Providing trips determined by personal ability and comfort, award winning Wild Water Adventures strive to provide a service that caters for all.
 
Operated with the mindset that the customer’s comfort is of maximum concern, rafters who engage in this exhilarating activity can choose a package suited to their ability, meaning that whether you’re a beginner or an expert, rafting is an experience open to all.  Occurring along Canada’s Kicking Horse River, rafters are provided with lifejackets, helmets, paddle jackets and wetsuits, as well as wetsuit booties, fleece sweaters and gloves to protect them from the cold waters.  The only required items are a swimsuit, towel and some warm clothes to change into after.  A maximum of eight people per raft, relax before or after with a hot tea or coffee, pastries and fresh fruit available from the Operations Hub.  Additionally the Tradition Trip and Maximum Horse Power option includes a delicious barbeque lunch suitable for both meat eaters and vegetarians.  With so much on offer, White Water Rafting is perfect for those wanting to make lifelong memories.
 
Accommodation
 
The Rocky Mountains are home to a wide variety of accommodation types ranging from boutique hotel rooms and suites to isolated log cabins and lodges.  Defined by outstanding service and dedication to their guests Moraine Lake Lodge, Cathedral Mountain Lodge and The Sebastian all strive to create unbeatable standards of luxury and comfort unlike any other. 
 
Moraine Lake Lodge
 
Created with the vision of ultimate escapism and hidden away in a Rocky Mountains valley, these luxury Banff lodges and cabins are ones that declare themselves as “free from the intrusion of telephones and TV.” Despite allowing the presence of Wi-Fi, Moraine Lake Lodge prefer a more basic way of life from their nature inspired interior and handcrafted log furniture right down to the fresh tap water sourced directly from the mountains.  Lodgers here however will find their experience far from basic. 
 
Surrounded by fresh alpine air and spectacular views of the aqua blue lake, guests of Moraine Lake Lodge can truly be at one with nature.  Possessing an intimately serene atmosphere, choose from deluxe cabins, lodge rooms, queen size rooms or large suite all equipped with private balconies and baths, king or queen sized beds with down duvets, and sunken seating areas heated by wood burning fireplaces.  All rates include complimentary buffet breakfast, afternoon tea situated in the library, Moraine Lake canoe equipment and hiking services.  Moraine Lake Lodge also have two restaurants serving continental breakfast and gourmet evening meal options, whilst boxed lunches are also available upon request.  Run by friendly, eager to assist staff well trained in the art of excellent service, Moraine Lake Lodge is the ultimate getaway for travellers.
 
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
 
The sister resort of Moraine Lake Lodge, Cathedral Mountain Lodge sits hidden by thick forests in the community of Field.  With 31 luxuriously authentic  log cabins positioned on the edge of the Kicking Horse River, Cathedral Mountain Lodge is just 15 minutes away from Lake Louise and central to all activities and hiking spots; making it the perfect choice for those seeking adventure. 
 
Sharing Moraine Lake Lodge’s policy of no telephones or televisions, Cathedral Mountain Lodge is a secluded sanctuary of relaxation and revival.  Sheltered by soaring trees, embrace the ruggedness of the mountains and diverse wildlife including moose, bears and wolves whilst sat on your own private deck in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.  Close to Yoho National Park and Banff, these invitingly warm wooden cabins are the ideal retreat after a long day of activities and all rooms come withcustom made pine beds, plush down duvets and deep soaking bathtubs, with additional services of market-fresh breakfasts and cookies, complimentary canoeing and hiking, and bathroom amenities exclusively supplied by Aveda.  The home of regional cuisine with celebrated chefs sourcing ingredients from local farms and markets, guests can enjoy gourmet dishes and accompanying wine beside the large stone fireplace.  For luxurious comfort set against the splendour of the great outdoors, Cathedral Mountain Lodge is the optimum accommodation.
 
The Sebastian, Vail
 
This stylish boutique hotel and residence club in the heart of Vail Village, Colorado allows guests to define their own level of luxury before their arrival to ensure an experience that is absolutely exceptional.  With its cobblestone atrium, velvet textures, and roaring fires, The Sebastian prides itself on its incomparable attention to detail and outstanding service to guests. 
 
Prior to arrival The Sebastian’s concierge service ensure that individual needs are accounted for and strive to guarantee that all requirements and requests are met.  With packages available for all group types whether familial, romantic, business or friendship based, The Sebastian cater for their guests with welcome gifts, drinks and spa treatments, as well as additional services of tickets, rentals and private valets for those hoping to ski, hike or golf during their vacation.  Rooms at The Sebastian are also open to tailoring and customisation allowing guests to create a home from home whilst mini-refrigerators stocked with water and fresh fruits, iPod docking stations and HDLCD TV’s can be located in each of the rooms, with a nightly turndown service also being available upon request.  As a hotel surrounded by boutiques and galleries, with an on-site Alpine bistro and tapas bar, The Sebastian presents its guests with unlimited experiences and accommodation styles suitable to their individual tastes.

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