New England skiers...need some advice

[phorsenuf]

For Christmas my DH wants a ski getaway. Let me first point out we are not skiers! LOL
I used to ski alot but I don't know if I could still do it. The last time he and I went (about 20 years ago) he ended up in the ER!

So, I am looking for a nice place to go. I don't think the caliber of skiing is as important as the resort amenities. A pool, hot tub, nice eats, cozy rooms, that kind of thing is what we would be looking for. Maybe we'll take a trip to the bunny trail or something.

Any thoughts? I've lived in New England almost all my life, but since I'm not a skier I'm lost on this one. Thanks!!

 

[chrissyk]

Killington would be my pick. There are lots of restaurants on the access road there, you can stay in a lodge right at the base (called Mountain Green or something to that effect...sorry, it's been years since we've been there), and I just generally like that mountain/area.

Also, a lot of people really like Sunday River, but I'm not familiar w/lodging there.

 

[vacanut]

http://www.okemo.com/okemowinter/

 

[DawnCt1]

I would pick Okemo because if you are going to go skiing, you should at least attempt to learn. Okemo is a great place to learn to ski, to ski and to challenge your skills once you develop them. I like the restaurant there and I like the restaurants in Ludlow, which is at the base of Okemo. Killington is too big for beginners and too crowded to learn.

 

[hockref]

Check out Waterville Valley in NH and stay at the Snowy Owl Inn. It is a great resort with everything, restaurants, bars, cross country skiing all within walking distance. Plus shuttle service to the alpine skiiing mountain. They have a great beginners program for both alpine and cross country skiing.

It is one of our favorite places.

 

[Mister Incredible]

Bretton Woods

www.brettonwoods.com

Voted #1 in NH for:

Snow Quality
Grooming
Service
Family Programs
Lifts
On Mountain Food
Dinning

Hidden Jewel in NH with great views of the Mt. Washington Hotel

 

[mtemm]

I love Waterville Valley. Killington would be a good choice, too. Stowe, VT, is gorgeous with lots to do, including some very nice cross country trails if you are so inclined. The Trapp Family Lodge has several, and its a cute place to visit.

eta, I learned to ski at waterville valley. the nice thing is they have separate mountain (next to the big mountain) for beginners...it has 2 or 3 different slopes...really easy, a little harder, harder.

 

[pyrxtc]

I go for Okemo or Mt Sunappee http://www.mtsunapee.com/winter/index.html both are really great places and Mt. Sunapee runs a little bit cheaper than Okemo. they are owned by the same company and have great teachers. And if you're renting and will be there over a weekend, you'll get to meet me, at Mt. Sunapee that is. it is my winter job.

 

[Quackmore]

Here's another option in addition to all the nice places mentioned already. My wife and I like the Jackson,NH area. There's skiing, Xcountry skiing,beautiful Inn's to choose from with fantastic restaraunts. Shopping close by. The village of Jackson,NH is one of our favorite getaways. We have stayed a few times at a place called the Eagle Mountain House and it's a great place to stay and one of the more reasonably priced accomodations in the area. Here are some links:
http://www.jacksonnh.com/

http://www.eaglemt.com/


Whatever you choose I'm sure you will have fun and enjoy it.

 

[pattyT]

heres a nice place too -

http://www3.wachusettvillageinn.com/rates/ski/

 

[Disneynutbsv]

Bretton Woods

www.brettonwoods.com

Voted #1 in NH for:

Snow Quality
Grooming
Service
Family Programs
Lifts
On Mountain Food
Dinning

Hidden Jewel in NH with great views of the Mt. Washington Hotel

I have to agree with Mister Incredible. I used to work at the Mount Wash and its so beautiful, and cozy and the ski area is really nice too! If you are really daring you can take the Cog Railway up a bit and ski down

 

[Kimberly]

Killington or Stowe in Vermont. Both are beautiful.

 

[castlegazer]

Oh my, I think this thread is not going to narrow it down for you at all, hunh?

Well, I am a major fan of going to Stratton.

You get the benefit of a gorgeous area, outlet shopping, wonderful taverns with fireburning warmth, great restaurants, and a great resort with the feel of the west - a Vail-like atmosphere where the resort village is at the base of the runs and has shops and condos and resaturants right there.

I have been doing my vacations lately, though, in Killington, but I have to say, that that is just such a mega resort that you kinda lose the whole New England atmosphere. Its just about the runs, the lodges, and the condos there.

Stratton has a lot to offer and is a spectacular trail resort too.

 

[aprincessmom]

I second Bretton Woods. I would also recommend renting a condo there...we stayed in an outstanding one this past Feb that overlooked the mountain and had it's own jacuzzi tubs and such. Plus we got to use the amenities at the Mt. Washington resort which were really great.

 

[Megster]

I love Loon in NH...or Sunday River in Maine. Sunday River is a long drive though!

 

[AllyandJack]

I second Bretton Woods. I would also recommend renting a condo there...we stayed in an outstanding one this past Feb that overlooked the mountain and had it's own jacuzzi tubs and such. Plus we got to use the amenities at the Mt. Washington resort which were really great.

What were the condos called? I love it up there, but was less than thrilled with the Mount Washington Resort. I'd love to be able to go back, but stay somewhere else.

 

[Crankyshank]

If you want a cozy and romantic weekend, then Loon Mountain or Bretton Woods is definitely a good idea.

 

[mcnuss]

I love Loon in NH...or Sunday River in Maine. Sunday River is a long drive though!

Depending on where the OP lives, Loon could be about the same distance as Sunday River.

We go to Okemo every year, and I like it because it's a real New Englandy village feeling, and the mountain is very user friendly. Last year we stayed at the new Jackson Gore Inn, and it was lovely. Another good choice is teh Echo Lake Inn, which is about 20 minutes away. http://www.echolakeinn.com/

I would personally stay away from Killington. Unless you want a condo, I think the lodging leaves much to be desired, and teh access road can be a zoo. We've skiied there many times and we like it, but we are advanced skiiers.

Stowe is another ideal NE town, and we love the Stoweflake Inn. Very civilized way to do a ski trip! It does get crowded on weekends though, like Killington.

Finally, I'd also recommend heading to the Mad River area and trying Sugarbush. It does not get crowded like the others and they have an excellent learn to ski program. We have old friends who own a B&B up there, and I think it fits your description. http://www.beaverpondfarminn.com/ The towns of Waitsfield and Warren have wonderful restaurants, and look just like a scene from the old show Newhart.

Have fun!