About Us - Pyrest Halquinth Hotel | Luxury Mountain Resort & Spa

How We Got Here

Truth is, Pyrest Halquinth didn't start as some grand vision. Back in 1987, it was just a weathered cabin and a whole lot of optimism.

Margaret and Thomas Halquinth bought this land when everyone thought they'd lost their minds - too remote, too rugged, too everything. But they saw what others couldn't: mountains that heal, air that clears your head, and a community that needed a gathering place that respected the wilderness instead of just exploiting it.

The first guests? Mostly friends who didn't mind roughing it a bit. No spa back then, just honest shelter and Margaret's cooking that made you feel like family. Over the years, we've grown - added the spa wing in '03, rebuilt the main lodge after that crazy storm in 2010, and yeah, we've gotten fancier. But here's what hasn't changed: we still think mountains deserve respect, guests deserve authenticity, and luxury shouldn't cost the earth.

"We're not trying to tame these mountains. We're just lucky enough to live among them." - Margaret Halquinth, 1992

What We Actually Stand For

Look, sustainability's become a buzzword that gets thrown around way too easily. For us? It's just common sense mixed with accountability.

We run on 87% renewable energy because our mountains give us wind and sun - why wouldn't we use it? Our restaurant sources from local farms not because it sounds good in marketing, but because Fraser Valley produce tastes better and doesn't need to travel 2,000 miles to get here.

Every year we partner with the Whistler Conservation Alliance to restore hiking trails. Our staff gets paid fairly, gets actual benefits, and yeah, they actually want to work here. Radical concept, we know.

The Folks Who Make It Happen

No corporate suits here - just mountain people who genuinely care

Elena Marchetti

Resort Director

Started as a seasonal housekeeper in 2005, worked every position you can imagine. Now she runs the place. Elena grew up in Pemberton and can't imagine living anywhere that doesn't have mountains in every direction. She's annoyingly good at skiing and makes the best espresso this side of Vancouver.

Marcus Chen

Executive Chef

Trained in Toronto, got tired of the city noise. Moved here in 2012 and never looked back. Marcus forages for mushrooms on his days off and has strong opinions about proper poutine. He's transformed our restaurant into something special while keeping it real - no foam or tweezers in his kitchen.

Aria Blackwood

Wellness Director

Came here for a yoga retreat in 2008, ended up staying. Aria's built our spa program from the ground up with treatments that actually make sense - no crystals promising miracles, just skilled therapists and quality products. She trail runs at 5am year-round and somehow always looks refreshed.

James "Jamie" Northbrook

Adventure Coordinator

Local through and through - his family's been in Whistler for three generations. Jamie knows every trail within 50 clicks and has probably rescued more lost hikers than he'll admit. He's certified in wilderness first aid, avalanche safety, and telling really bad dad jokes even though he doesn't have kids.

Our Commitment's Pretty Simple

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Respect the Land

We're guests here too. Leave no trace isn't just a slogan - it's how we operate every single day.

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Support Local

From the coffee beans to the bed linens, we source from BC suppliers whenever humanly possible. Good for our economy, better for our conscience.

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Keep It Real

No fake promises, no manufactured experiences. What you see is what you get - and we think that's enough.

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Give Back

5% of our annual profits go straight to conservation efforts. Not to some random charity - to local projects we can actually see making a difference.

Recognition We're Kinda Proud Of

We don't chase awards, but when they come from organizations doing real work? Yeah, we'll take it.

2023

Green Key Global Eco-Rating (Gold Level)

2022

BC Sustainable Tourism Award

2021

Whistler's Best Employer Recognition

Our Story Runs Deep