Talus Lodge x BSM: a Partnership Made in Heaven

With the fresh winds of summer in the air, we’d like to take a moment to re-introduce you to our partners at Talus Lodge. Talus Lodge is a backcountry alpine retreat nested in remote Ktunaxa Territory in the East Kootenays among the Rocky Mountains. It’s a place where guests can disconnect from the digital world in exchange for a rich and embodied natural experience. We’ve been working with Talus to create a bespoke, back-to-basics stay for their guests since November 2018. 

A sleep study taken by Explore Journal showed participants in the group who were present in nature decreased in mean sleep scores more than the urban group, indicating that sleep quality of the nature group improved more than the “urban” group on average. Adventurers in search of an off-the-beaten-path experience are rewarded for their challenges with stunning views and the luxury of true peace and quiet among the firs and spruce. Hikes at Talus are guided and include meadows, high plateau walking, and occasional ridge walking.

The beauty of Talus is in its simplicity. At the end of each day, you return to the lodge for a meal of mountain comfort food made from scratch by their talented chefs and a well-made Black Sheep Devon mattress. Spending much-needed time and renewing your sleep hygiene practices make a huge impact on the quality of your sleep. Studies have shown that practicing sleep in nature, also known as “forest bathing,” significantly decreases systolic blood pressure and reduces anxiety scores (Explore Journal).

Beautiful getaways can be found all around in the Rockies; what sets Talus apart is the mental and physical restoration and empowerment their stays imbue. 

Working with the Talus team has been a dream. They are the black sheep of the retreat industry,  dedicated to creating genuine experiences for their guests that contribute to the quality of their everyday life. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Thomas Grandi, Co-Founder of Talus, about our partnership, their origin story and their client experience.

Why did you engage in a partnership?

I met Christian, the Owner and CEO of Black Sheep while teaching him and his friends an avalanche course. I was immediately interested in his business, because being local and using all-natural fibres aligns with our values at Talus.

Where did the inspiration for your business start?

My wife grew up at Assiniboine Lodge - her parents ran the lodge for 30 years! She is a mountain girl at heart, I was more of an urban cat until Sara introduced me to backcountry hut magic. I was immediately hooked and progressed to become a ski and hiking guide. When the opportunity to purchase Talus Lodge came up, it was a really natural step for us.

What do adventurers love most about Talus?

People are inspired by the dramatic setting. Situated at tree line with big views of the Talon and Mount Assiniboine in the distance, it truly is a wild place. Combine that with invigorating hikes, incredible food and a cozy lodge, most people leave with a smile on their face.

Where are people coming from?

Most people are coming from Calgary, Edmonton and British Columbia. Of course, we do have guests arriving from abroad, but 75% plus are regional.

Love what you’re hearing? A stay in the mountains might be just what you need to step into the next season well rested and restored. Peruse all that they have to offer here.