Our Story

Forged in Nature, Refined in Comfort

Honestly, we didn't set out to build just another luxury hotel. What started as a love letter to Whistler's rugged beauty and Nordic wellness traditions turned into something way more personal. This place? It's equal parts mountain refuge and modern sanctuary—where you can actually disconnect without feeling like you're roughing it.

1923

The original property was home to a working blacksmith forge. Local craftsmen would gather here, hammering out tools and equipment for the logging camps scattered throughout these mountains. That forge—still standing on our grounds—inspired everything we've built since.

1987

After decades of abandonment, the old forge caught the eye of preservationists who recognized its historical significance. The building was designated a heritage site, but honestly, it just sat there collecting moss for another couple decades. Beautiful, but forgotten.

2016

Our founder, Elara Thornhill, stumbled upon the property during a backcountry ski trip. She'd spent years working at wellness retreats across Scandinavia and kept thinking, "Why doesn't Canada have anything like this?" That question wouldn't leave her alone. Within six months, she'd purchased the land.

2019

Construction began with one rule: honor the land, don't fight it. We worked with Indigenous consultants, environmental architects, and Nordic wellness experts to design something that felt like it'd always been here. Every timber, every stone—placed with intention.

2022

Thalorien Forge opened its doors in May. The name? It's a nod to that original blacksmith forge—"thalor" means "steadfast" in Old Norse. We wanted to capture that spirit of craftsmanship, of creating something that lasts. First guests arrived, and honestly, their reactions told us we'd gotten it right.

2024

Expanded our Nordic spa facilities and launched the artisan workshop series. Turns out people really do want to learn traditional crafts while soaking in mountain views. We've hosted everyone from burnt-out tech executives to artists looking for inspiration. Each group leaves their mark.

2025

Today, we're still that same weird blend of wilderness retreat and luxury escape. We've added corporate packages, upgraded our farm-to-table program with local partnerships, and somehow managed to keep things feeling intimate. The forge is still here, reminding us why we started.

The Woman Behind It All

Elara Thornhill doesn't fit the typical hotelier mold, and that's probably why this place works. She spent her twenties bouncing between wellness retreats in Iceland, Finland, and Norway—learning everything from traditional sauna rituals to forest bathing practices. Got certified in about a dozen different holistic therapies, but what really stuck was this belief that nature doesn't need to be "improved"—you just gotta create space for people to experience it properly.

When she found this property, she saw past the crumbling forge and overgrown trails. She envisioned something that'd honor the site's industrial heritage while bringing in those Scandinavian wellness philosophies she'd fallen for. "We're not trying to be Iceland," she'll tell you over a glass of local wine. "We're taking what works there and translating it for the Coast Mountains. Different landscape, different story."

You'll often find her leading morning hikes or chatting with guests in the spa's relaxation lounge. She's hands-on in a way that keeps the place feeling authentic. Her philosophy? "Luxury shouldn't mean being separated from nature. It should mean experiencing nature without the usual discomforts." Can't argue with that.

— Elara Thornhill, Founder & Creative Director

What We Stand For

Authentic Connection

No fake smiles, no corporate script. We're real people creating real experiences. If something's not right, we'll tell you. If we think you'd love the sunrise hike, we'll bug you about it. That's just how we roll.

Environmental Respect

We're not perfect, but we're trying. Solar panels, geothermal heating, partnership with local conservation groups. The mountains gave us this space—least we can do is take care of them.

Craft & Quality

From the handmade furniture in your room to the small-batch spirits at the bar, we're obsessed with things done right. Takes longer, costs more, totally worth it.

Meaningful Rest

There's a difference between collapsing from exhaustion and actually restoring yourself. We're after the second one. It's not about filling every minute—it's about making space for the kind of rest that sticks with you.

Ready to Experience It Yourself?

We've got rooms available, trails waiting to be hiked, and a sauna with your name on it. Come see what we've built here in the mountains.

Get In Touch