Discover The Post Hotel Lake Louise: A Timeless Mountain Retreat and Culinary Inspiration, Featuring Homemade Rösti

There’s an undeniable magic in life’s simple pleasures, especially those that involve a perfect crunch. For me, that often means savoring those wonderfully crispy bits of food, like a perfectly golden potato rösti. While the idea of going out for breakfast is appealing, the reality of Calgary’s weekend morning queues often deters me. What was once a social event in my twenties has, post-40, become an unwelcome test of patience. Moreover, without the need to nurse a hangover or recover from an all-night outing, I’m rarely hungry enough for a grand breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and meat – or even a modest stack of pancakes – until it’s practically lunchtime. As a self-proclaimed grown-up, I’ve found a different kind of morning bliss: packing the car for a scenic drive to a serene destination where clean sheets, luxurious tubs, excellent coffee, and no breakfast lineups await. The ultimate luxury? The option to retreat back to bed for a post-meal snooze.

Having called Calgary home since the tender age of grade two, my childhood was deeply intertwined with the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains. Weekends often involved long drives in our orange VW van for camping adventures, or in our navy blue station wagon – complete with its charming faux wood paneling – for ski trips. I vividly recall the strategic jockeying for position in the back seat with my sisters, all to avoid the dreaded middle hump and secure a window view to gaze at the passing scenery. Sometimes, these mountain excursions included an overnight stay, often at iconic properties like the Banff Springs or Chateau Lake Louise. Occasionally, we’d find ourselves at The Post Hotel, a place that underwent a significant transformation during my teenage years. This coincided with the beginning of my relationship with Mike, my drummer boyfriend who, incidentally, couldn’t ski or drive. Family mountain trips soon gave way to evenings spent listening to U2, a testament to teenage priorities.

After a brief hiatus, my appreciation for the unparalleled beauty of the mountains has been rekindled, stronger than ever. Revisiting The Post Hotel in Lake Louise has long been high on my list. This exquisite luxury mountain resort has always been my Mom’s favorite, and her taste is impeccable. It seems to hold a special place in the hearts of many who know of it, truly earning its reputation as a beloved escape in the Alberta Rockies, offering both tranquility and exceptional service.

Many consider The Post Hotel Lake Louise to be Alberta’s best-kept secret, though its reputation for excellence is far from hidden. It is particularly renowned for its exceptional culinary program and spectacular dining experiences. Proof of its prestige lies in the numerous accolades it has received: the Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List awarded it “Best Food in the Americas,” a testament to its world-class cuisine. Furthermore, The Post is one of only four restaurants in Canada to be honored by Wine Spectator with the Grand Award – its highest distinction – recognizing its extraordinary wine list and cellar. Both achievements speak volumes about the caliber of this establishment. Beyond the elegant dining room, the hotel boasts a remarkable wine cellar, home to an inventory of over 25,500 bottles and more than 2,300 unique selections, making it one of the most comprehensive and celebrated in the entire country. This passion for wine runs deep in the family, with co-owner George Schwarz having traveled with his father on wine buying trips to regions like Châteauneuf-du-Pape since childhood, cultivating a profound understanding and appreciation for viticulture that is reflected in every bottle curated for their guests.

Chef Hans Sauter, a culinary virtuoso, honed his skills in kitchens around the globe before bringing his expertise to The Post Hotel. His menu beautifully reflects his Swiss heritage while also thoughtfully incorporating the finest ingredients sourced from every province and territory across Canada. Our dinner was a magnificent roasted caribou striploin, hailing from the Northwest Territories. It was served with a rich maple whisky sauce, a delightful nod to Canadian flavors, and accompanied by delicate, tiny fingers of schupfnudeln – light, golden potato dumplings that resembled elongated gnocchi. Each bite was a harmonious blend of regional ingredients and refined culinary technique, truly a memorable fine dining experience against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.

Adding to the hotel’s charm is the adorable side-room known as the Stübli. Unsurprisingly, this name translates to “small, cozy room,” and it perfectly encapsulates the intimate atmosphere where guests can indulge in traditional Swiss fondues. The menu offers a delightful selection, including classic cheese fondue, Bourguignonne (oil-based meat fondue), Chinoise (broth-based meat fondue), and, of course, a decadent chocolate fondue – perfect for a romantic evening or a fun family meal. For those seeking a deeper dive into the world of wine and food pairing, The Post Hotel also hosts spectacular winemakers’ dinners between February and April. Securing a seat for these highly sought-after events is a challenge, but definitely worth the effort – it’s next on my personal list, eagerly awaiting the day my son, W, is old enough to entertain himself with an iPad in the room.

Did I mention the rooms at this luxury mountain resort feature inviting wood-burning stone fireplaces? They absolutely do. Imagine curling up with a book, perhaps a glass of wine, as the crackling fire provides warmth and a soft glow – a quintessential mountain experience that transforms a simple stay into an unforgettable retreat.

Indeed, fireplaces are a pervasive and comforting element throughout the hotel, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in every corner. This includes the library, a particularly charming spot filled with engaging board games and equipped with sliding ladders that invite you to explore the extensive collection of books on the upper shelves. During my visit, I discovered the latest issue of Saveur magazine, a true treat to enjoy all to myself in such a tranquil and intellectually stimulating setting, offering a peaceful escape from the everyday.

Beyond the culinary and cozy confines, The Post Hotel offers a range of exceptional amenities designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests can take a refreshing dip in the salt water pool or indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the gorgeous spa – a personal aspiration for a future visit. In the winter months, the hotel transforms into a picturesque wonderland, with an outdoor skating rink nestled among the trees, located just outside the dining room and the inviting lobby. Here, in the afternoon, guests are treated to a charming tea service, complemented by a display case brimming with an irresistible assortment of freshly baked cakes and pies. Yes, “pie in the afternoon in the mountains” is definitely a cherished tradition at this luxurious Lake Louise destination, making every moment feel like a special occasion.

My mother always keeps a jar or two of Chef Hans Sauter’s exquisite preserves in her fridge, the plum being my absolute favorite. These jars serve as a delightful reminder, almost a gauge, of when it’s time to plan our next return to The Post Hotel. I made sure to pick up a few jars from the front desk to bring home, but what truly lingered in my memory, and what I deeply craved upon returning, was the incredible rösti I had for breakfast. This wasn’t just any potato pancake; it was a masterclass in texture and flavor – wonderfully crisp on the bottom, yet tender and soft within, generously studded with savory bits of ham. It was crowned with perfectly melted cheese, perhaps a rich raclette, and topped with two flawlessly fried eggs. Served in a hot skillet, it maintained its warmth until the very last bite, a testament to thoughtful presentation and the pure joy found in small, perfectly executed details that elevate a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary moment.

As a rule, I prefer not to ask chefs for their recipes. Not only does it put them on the spot, but the execution of a dish in a professional restaurant kitchen often differs significantly from a home setting, requiring considerable tweaking to adapt. Therefore, I didn’t press Chef Sauter for his secret rösti techniques. Instead, I returned home inspired, ready to experiment and recreate that memorable brunch dish, albeit with the understanding that part of its original appeal was undoubtedly the picturesque view of the skating rink and majestic mountains framed by the window. Nonetheless, the challenge of capturing that perfect texture and flavor was one I eagerly embraced in my own kitchen.

Crafting a delicious potato rösti isn’t overly complicated, but it’s often made easier by using cold, pre-boiled potatoes. This method helps achieve that desired crisp exterior without the potatoes falling apart, ensuring a more stable and satisfying pancake. In Switzerland, you might encounter various regional interpretations of rösti, perhaps seasoned with caraway seed or aromatic rosemary, or enriched with different cheeses, bacon, or other cured meats. Lacking ham in my fridge, I improvised with a few slices of Genoa salami, which I crisped up gently in the pan. This infused the oil with a wonderful, savory flavor before the potatoes were even introduced, adding an unexpected layer of depth and character to my homemade version, proving that creativity in the kitchen often leads to delightful discoveries.

When preparing your own rösti, feel free to personalize it with your favorite additions. Finely chopped green onions can add a fresh bite, crumbled bacon provides an extra layer of savory texture, or a hint of finely minced rosemary can elevate the aroma. You could also experiment with different types of cheese or other cured meats to truly make it your own. Even a perfectly plain rösti – just potatoes, oil, and salt – is incredibly delicious, allowing the pure potato flavor to shine. However, I personally can’t imagine serving mine without a generous blanket of melted cheese and a perfectly fried egg on top; it truly completes the experience, creating a rich and satisfying meal that tastes like pure comfort.

For the ultimate crispy rösti, ensure your pan is smoking hot before adding the potatoes. If you don’t already own one, this is the perfect excuse to invest in a cast iron skillet, which excels at achieving that desired golden, crispy crust and retains heat beautifully. A smaller one that can go directly from stove to table makes for a charming presentation and keeps your rösti wonderfully warm throughout your meal. Of course, if the thought of cooking seems like too much effort, you can always pack up your car and head to the magnificent Alberta Rockies. There, you can let someone else craft that perfect rösti for you, leaving you free to sleep, swim, ski, or skate amidst the stunning mountain scenery at a place like The Post Hotel Lake Louise. Either way, savoring those crispy bits, whether homemade or professionally prepared, is what life is truly about.

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