Pandemic, what pandemic?

Basecamp Resorts ready for Revelstoke, BC

Let’s see, two months into 2020, the travel industry was shut down by a global pandemic, but Basecamp Resorts pushed ahead with its plans to open a new resort in Revelstoke, British Columbia this month. The company’s owner and CEO, Sky McLean tells CTP the story.

You’re opening a new resort in November. I guess the obvious question is: Was it part of your plan to open it during a pandemic? Just a bit curious about that.

No – that was definitely not part of the plan!!!  That being said, we were already well under construction when the pandemic began so we just had to stay the course and now that should work out!

That said, maybe you can tell Canadian Travel Press’ readers about Basecamp Resorts. What are they all about? How long have they been around? Where are they located? What do they offer to their guests?

Basecamp Resorts offers modern hotel experiences for adventure travellers in the heart of Canadian Mountain Communities. We are dedicated to providing our guests memorable experiences along with the comfort and convenience of modern amenities, set against some of the most epic natural wonders of the world.

We have been operating since 2017. Our flagship property, Basecamp Resorts Canmore, brought a new concept of virtual check-in to the Canmore market. Here at Basecamp our guests are emailed pre-arrival check-in information including their own personal door code. This allows guests to pull into the parking lot and go directly to their unit, eliminating all contact with staff and other guests. If our guests need something while on-site, they can reach us any time via email, text or a phone call.

We have since grown to four properties in Canmore, each offering something unique and exciting to serve all of our guests’ specific needs.

Basecamp Resorts Canmore is your home away from home with all the amenities you could need.

Basecamp Lodge offers traditional cozy lodge-style hotel rooms.

Lamphouse Hotel is located directly on Canmore’s Main Street and offers a modern hotel experience.

Our newest Canmore property, Basecamp Suites, offers a uniquely private experience with full suites and located right downtown.

We are excited to open the newest addition to the Basecamp Resorts family in Revelstoke. Basecamp Revelstoke offers the home away from home amenities of Basecamp Canmore and is situated just a short walk from Downtown Revelstoke. The property is overlooking the Colombia River and only a 15-minute shuttle ride to the world-famous Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

The new resort is in Revelstoke, BC, what should people expect from the new property and has it been designed with travel in a pandemic world in mind? Are their features the Revelstoke resort will offer that are tailored to today’s world?

Basecamp Revelstoke follows the Basecamp model of the virtual check-in and offering self-contained units. That being said, we are always available for guests by whichever method they would like to reach out to us!

Basecamp Revelstoke is your home away from home with all the amenities you could need. Each apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, living room, dining area, Stearns and Foster mattresses, linens and towels, shared courtyard hot tubs and BBQ area.

Rooms are designed to be simple, clean, and modern, yet highly functional. The traditional hotel experience is elevated through high-quality beds, bedding and linens and thoughtfully considered bathroom products.

The apartments/townhomes vary in size from our Micro-Suites, which sleep up to two guests, up to Five Bedroom Apartments, which sleep up 14 guests.

Canadian Travel Press’ readers are travel agents and tour operators, so I’m wondering how Basecamp Resorts works with them? Commission programs? Training on how to sell the resorts? Educational visits? Those kinds of things.

We are always looking for partnerships with travel agents and tour operators and would be delighted to offer FAM tours for anyone interested in working with us.

There are a lot of resorts out there and I’m wondering how Basecamp Resorts is different from its competitors? What’s its unique selling proposition, so to speak?

Basecamp Revelstoke is unique because of our epic views, modern amenities, top notch service along with all of the comforts of home… and all for a reasonable price. Our virtual check-in provides comfort in today’s world, and in true Basecamp style we have some legendary hot tubs!

I understand that Basecamp Resorts is going to be opening a property in Golden, BC in 2021? Can you talk a bit about that resort?

And maybe a little bit about where the company’s plans into the future.

The hotel in Golden will not be opening in 2021; however, we have secured the land there and we will be opening it within the next five years. That site is similar to Revelstoke in that it is in a great location right on the river. The views will be amazing and it will also be 15 minutes from Kicking Horse, the ski resort in Golden.

As for the future, we would like to continue building hotels in desirable mountain towns. While specific locations have
not yet been selected, we will build in destinations that have year-round tourism.

Odd question, perhaps, but is there something that I haven’t asked you about Basecamp Resorts that you think CTP’s readers need to know about?

Basecamp Resorts does not want to be a one-off brand. While we will only have five properties by the end of 2020, we hope to build hotels in many locations and become a known and reputable brand.

Last question. Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future? Why is that the case?

I am optimistic about the future. My optimism stems from my belief that when the pandemic ends, there will be a significant pent-up demand for travel.

For agents or operators who want to get in touch with Basecamp Resorts, you can call: 1 -(855)-219-4707; email [email protected]; on the web, go to www.basecampresorts.com.

Basecamp Resorts is also on social media – Instagram: @basecampresorts and Facebook: Facebook.com/basecamp.properties.