Rate a Ski Lodge

[billski]

How do you rank a lodge in terms of aesthetics as well as operational efficiency?

I was reading the Crotched Mountain updates last night and they described all their improvements to the Lodge this year. I have to give you this: CM has one of the best operational lodges I've ever seen. From space to traffic flow, to capacity, it all works very well. All the improvements this year revolve again around operational efficiencies, safety and convenience. My kudos for that. Where it really fails is aesthetics. The steel framed building is simply fugly, inside and out. Drive by and you'd think it was a factory. Inside, it feels like a warehouse. Well, the new fireplace and the flags help to soften it a bit inside, but that's about it.

Bottom line is, I'm there to ski, so I'm all with them on their priorities outside, but I am always struck by how brutally utilitarian the lodge is.

Other lodges that are memorable in a sentence:

Stowe/Spruce Peak Base - gorgeous, great rental layout, reminds me of western resorts (i.e., Vail mid-mountain). Mt. Mansfield base - 1940s retro, can't help but trip over the UVM racers, don't change it.
Wachusett - Attractive and functional, everything on one level
Sugarbush - attractive, functional
Suicide 6 - Livin' in the 70's
Dartmouth Skiway - Pretty attractive building inside and out, for a college operation!
MRG Basebox - uber-retro, narrow stair and doorways, not much room -. It's actually inexpensively attractive: you go there for the experience. Birdcage- A big warm room, with a killer staircase to the bathroom!
Bolton - it works, it's tight on a weekend, food service needs a tad more room.
Waterville - it's not the lodge, it's the downslope parking that's a problem!

 

[4aprice]

I'll add to your list from a more southern perspective.

Best lodge in the Pocono's: Camelback - Lots of room even on the most crowded days. One of the best bars in ski country.

Best lodge in the Catskills: Hunter Mt. At least at the base. Never been a fan of the bunker they have at the top of the mountain.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[snowmonster]

Of the big three ski resorts in ME (Loaf/River/'Back):

1. Saddleback has the best lodge - tickets, cafeteria and fireplace on one level, lockers and restroom in the basement and the bar on the second level. I like the open and airy feel it has in the room by the fireplace.

2. Sugarloaf's main lodge reminds me too much of Killington Base Lodge in terms of layout. Not a fan of split levels. I thought it was a great idea to move the rental area from the basement to the same floor as the Widowmaker. It's functional though and I have better things to do at the Loaf than sit around the lodge.

3. The same person who designed the Loaf's lodge and KBL probably drew up South Ridge, except the latter is a bit more confusing and cramped. Although it fills up easily, Barker is the pick of the lot. It's simple and it works. White Cap needs work. 'Nuff said. The hotel at Jordan is the most Stowe-like experience. Unfortunately, you can't boot up in the lobby and there's no place to store stuff (unless, you're creative).

 

[deadheadskier]

I think Ragged's lodge is quite nice. It could definitely use a furniture upgrade. It's not that the furniture isn't functionable, it's just pretty dated and ugly. The building itself is a nice post and beam structure; nicer furnishings would make a difference aesthetically. If they dress it up a bit, they'd probably be able to book a lot more private functions in the off season as well.

 

[2knees]

Best lodge i've been in is Magic's. Tons of room, you have the place to yourself. Nice bar, nice deck, easy access to the red chair. Awesome view of Blackline. Most friendly staff in vermont.

and the best terrain in southern vermont only seconds away.

what more could you want.

 

[WWF-VT]

Mt Ellen Base Lodge : retro, basic , classic, casual – gotta love a base lodge with a fireplace and an upstairs bar with a deck that looks out on the mountain

 

[Skimaine]

Of the big three ski resorts in ME (Loaf/River/'Back):

1. Saddleback has the best lodge - tickets, cafeteria and fireplace on one level, lockers and restroom in the basement and the bar on the second level. I like the open and airy feel it has in the room by the fireplace.

2. Sugarloaf's main lodge reminds me too much of Killington Base Lodge in terms of layout. Not a fan of split levels. I thought it was a great idea to move the rental area from the basement to the same floor as the Widowmaker. It's functional though and I have better things to do at the Loaf than sit around the lodge.

3. The same person who designed the Loaf's lodge and KBL probably drew up South Ridge, except the latter is a bit more confusing and cramped. Although it fills up easily, Barker is the pick of the lot. It's simple and it works. White Cap needs work. 'Nuff said. The hotel at Jordan is the most Stowe-like experience. Unfortunately, you can't boot up in the lobby and there's no place to store stuff (unless, you're creative).

Saddleback has built a great lodge. Good design all around. They have become a victim of their own success and on busy week-ends there is just not enough room.

Whoever designed the split levels at the Loaf should be beat with a stick.

Agree with your assessment of SR. Barker is the place to be.

Last Xmas I had a chance to ski at Holiday Valley in Western New York. They have great lodges and many of them. They have a lodge about every 1/2 mile on the ridge that comprises the "mountain". Well designed. Clean. Functional. Lots of outlets for crock pots.

However, nothing beats the lodge at Big Squaw. The ultimate in retro (no improvements in 40 years) and two great fireplaces.

 

[dl]

my kids race in the mw valley and have at least one race at bretton woods every year. i don't have much to say for the mountain challenge-wise but the lodge is one of the best i get to go to. it's multi-level - the first level gets the most crowded but the second and third levels are nice, the bar/restaurant is great.

 

[hammer]

Why are there so many ski lodges with restrooms and the main area on different floors?

Stairs and ski boots don't mix well...

 

[4aprice]

my kids race in the mw valley and have at least one race at bretton woods every year. i don't have much to say for the mountain challenge-wise but the lodge is one of the best i get to go to. it's multi-level - the first level gets the most crowded but the second and third levels are nice, the bar/restaurant is great.

I was going to mention the Bretton Woods lodge. The upstairs was a wonderful place to sit back and have a cocktail. Still have this image in my mind with that drink in my hand and the snow falling gently outside. It was just a beautiful scene. The mountain may not have the challange of others but it's gotta be one prettiest places to be.


Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[billski]

Why are there so many ski lodges with restrooms and the main area on different floors?

Stairs and ski boots don't mix well...

This is why when we ski at Stowe, we use the john at the top of the quad. Shortest number steps to the slopes, it's right next do the door which is right next to the unload ramp. Plus, they play classical music :-?

The only men's room WORTH going downstairs for is at MRG Basebox. (Don't drown!) The most dangerous bathroom commute is at MRG Birdland.

 

[snowmonster]

This is why when we ski at Stowe, we use the john at the top of the quad. Shortest number steps to the slopes, it's right next do the door which is right next to the unload ramp. Plus, they play classical music :-?

The only men's room WORTH going downstairs for is at MRG Basebox. (Don't drown!) The most dangerous bathroom commute is at MRG Birdland.

Octagon john - I don't know about the classical music. It's always windy when I'm there, I don't hear anything else.

MRG Birdland - a legitimate double black diamond staircase. I remember some joker once tied a rope down to it so you could lower yourself down.

MRG Basebox - No diving!

 

[billski]

MRG Basebox - No diving!

Hey, I thought pics of MRG basebox facilities were off limits from posting! Kinda like discussing stashes online. It removes all the mystique. delete-delete-delete-delete-

Birdland/Birdcage - "rappelling" comes to mind...

 

[Smellytele]

How do you rank a lodge in terms of aesthetics as well as operational efficiency?

I was reading the Crotched Mountain updates last night and they described all their improvements to the Lodge this year. I have to give you this: CM has one of the best operational lodges I've ever seen. From space to traffic flow, to capacity, it all works very well. All the improvements this year revolve again around operational efficiencies, safety and convenience. My kudos for that. Where it really fails is aesthetics. The steel framed building is simply fugly, inside and out. Drive by and you'd think it was a factory. Inside, it feels like a warehouse. Well, the new fireplace and the flags help to soften it a bit inside, but that's about it.

Bottom line is, I'm there to ski, so I'm all with them on their priorities outside, but I am always struck by how brutally utilitarian the lodge is.

Other lodges that are memorable in a sentence:

Stowe/Spruce Peak Base - gorgeous, great rental layout, reminds me of western resorts (i.e., Vail mid-mountain). Mt. Mansfield base - 1940s retro, can't help but trip over the UVM racers, don't change it.
Wachusett - Attractive and functional, everything on one level
Sugarbush - attractive, functional
Suicide 6 - Livin' in the 70's
Dartmouth Skiway - Pretty attractive building inside and out, for a college operation!
MRG Basebox - uber-retro, narrow stair and doorways, not much room -. It's actually inexpensively attractive: you go there for the experience. Birdcage- A big warm room, with a killer staircase to the bathroom!
Bolton - it works, it's tight on a weekend, food service needs a tad more room.
Waterville - it's not the lodge, it's the downslope parking that's a problem!

The birdcage? It has character but big and warm I would not call it. Dark and cave like when I have been there.

In general I usually try to saty away from lodges. Boot up in the parking lot buy a ticket and head to the lift. With kids it is 100% easier than trying to get all of their crap into the lodge. I also hate dealing with people. At our local hill the kids put their boots on at home and then we drive the 10 minutes to the hill and head right to the lift.

Sugarbush's new lodge is nice but the stairs to get to it suck!!!

And why do all ski area bathrooms smell the same???

 

[Sky]

Okemo...I like the bar facing the slope on the ground floor. It's been a while, but I think the bathroom is downstairs. I'm with Hammer....bathrooms in the basement, stairs and boots...just stupid. The lodge @ the bottom of Jackson Gore is pretty nice. Again, can't remember where that bathroom is...but I seem to recall an elevator?

Stratton...the giant cafeteria room...meh. The bathroom downstairs. :< The bar upstairs overlooking the slopes I like.

Wildcat. Ooof! I love being able to take my beer out on the back deck. And the music on the deck is a nice touch. But you need a shoe-horn to get in and out of the lodge....and again with the bathroom dwnstairs.

 

[deadheadskier]

while I agree, ski boots and stairs don't mix; it does make some sense to have the bathrooms on the lower level. It maximizes seating and food service areas.

Kinda makes sense to have the lockers, ski patrol, bathrooms, ski shop on the basement level.

 

[billski]

Kinda makes sense to have the lockers, ski patrol, bathrooms, ski shop on the basement level.

I would go for everything but the johns, especially if you need to make a mad dash inside for one of those very short breaks.

 

[Smellytele]

Okemo...I like the bar facing the slope on the ground floor. It's been a while, but I think the bathroom is downstairs. I'm with Hammer....bathrooms in the basement, stairs and boots...just stupid. The lodge @ the bottom of Jackson Gore is pretty nice. Again, can't remember where that bathroom is...but I seem to recall an elevator?

Stratton...the giant cafeteria room...meh. The bathroom downstairs. :< The bar upstairs overlooking the slopes I like.

Wildcat. Ooof! I love being able to take my beer out on the back deck. And the music on the deck is a nice touch. But you need a shoe-horn to get in and out of the lodge....and again with the bathroom dwnstairs.

Wildcat does have a bathroom on the 3rd floor where the bar is.

 

[snowmonster]

Hey, I thought pics of MRG basebox facilities were off limits from posting! Kinda like discussing stashes online. It removes all the mystique. delete-delete-delete-delete-

Birdland/Birdcage - "rappelling" comes to mind...

I apologize for giving away the secret stash. I'll get you a Single Chair Ale to make amends.

Wildcat. Ooof! I love being able to take my beer out on the back deck. And the music on the deck is a nice touch. But you need a shoe-horn to get in and out of the lodge....and again with the bathroom dwnstairs.

I love the fact that they serve Tuckerman Pale Ale at the bar. Great views of the mountain too through the windows. Does the Joe Dodge Lodge fit the criteria of a ski lodge?

while I agree, ski boots and stairs don't mix; it does make some sense to have the bathrooms on the lower level. It maximizes seating and food service areas.

Speaking of lousy treks to go down to the bathroom. I hate the stairs to the bathroom in the TramSide base lodge at Jay. The steps were made of stone and always slippery -- and dark.

 

[riverc0il]

Maybe I am not remembering correctly, but I thought the no diving at MRG was removed when they renovated the bathrooms? Hopefully someone will correct me if I am wrong, it may just have been a very bad lucid dream.

Saddleback has one of the best lodges around but as someone else noted above, they have become a victim of their own success and it can be a little tight when they are rocking.

I have always enjoyed Wildcat's lodge for highly functional but not completely lacking in aesthetics.

MRG and Stowe both own for classic aesthetics though functionally a mixed bag. If MRG could improve the widen and deepen the steps, it would make things a lot easier. The best seating option at MRG is the top floor which many skiers forget about and cram into the main floor. This makes transitions between the lunch line, to seating, to the bathroom difficult with a lot of stairs.

I have noted my dislike for Stateside at Jay elsewhere. Neither functional nor aesthetically pleasing. Just a cold sweaty picnic in there. However, Jay Tramside, no need to go downstairs! Its a lot quicker going just behind the snack bar where they have the rental shop and bathrooms. Though you loose that "international flavor" of the downstairs bathroom :roll:

Burke's Sherburne is very nice. Bathroom on the floor as everything else, free bag check, and one of the best cafe's around with quality real food cooked to order. I used to always go to Mid-Burke but I'll go to the Sherburne if its not a powder day and I plan to eat at the mountain.

Smuggs is tight but I enjoy the aesthetics.

Magic has come a long way. It still looks a bit dated and dumpy (c'mon folks, let's be honest here) but the bar and deck are perfect. Seating is good and plenty of space. They need to put matts down in front of the rest rooms. Every time I am there, I almost slide on the tile and break my neck.