Hoping you can all help me find the right resort for us since we're new to New England. My husband and I ski and snowboard and we're going to one of the resorts in New England this year since we live in Nashua, NH (either for the holidays or January). We'll be going with my mom who doesn't ski and our son who will be turning one that month (grandma likes babysitting so we don't need those services).
I would like to stay at a resort that's set-up similarly to Snowshoe in West Virginia. Our hotel room there was two minutes from the mountain and there little village had restaurants, coffee shop, indoor pool, outdoor jacuzzi that was at most a five minute walk. That would be ideal so we all have our activities nearby especially since we'll be with a little one. We don't need anything too elaborate like spas, snowmobiling or sleigh riding, just something to entertain grandma and baby.
Is there anything like that in New England? I read everything Fodorites have recommended in the past regarding New England skiing and Stowe is most often recommended but it seems like you're either in the town or you're on the mountain. My husband and I lived in Utah the last couple of years and are used to skiing The Canyons and prefer their greens with a blue run to finish our day. We're lightweights only skiing 2 maybe 3 hours so if we have to choose, activities trump ski-in/ski-out. Any suggestions??
Is there a New England ski resort with everything within walking distance?
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Stratton Mountain, Vermont.
I remember a few mentioning Stratton and the consensus seemed to be great skiing, cute European look but it's a fake/manufactured town (that last bit sounds like Snowshoe now that I think about it!). An authentic town soujds womderful but there are other priorities this year. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm off to check it out!
Yes, it's fake,like Vail.
http://www.cranmore.com/
I would check out Waterville Valley. It might be just what you are looking for.
http://www.waterville.com/
Killington has a lodge right on the slopes. We spent some time there last year with friends who own a unit in the building. I didn't ski, but the lobby, spa, and rooms were gorgeous. My family loved the skiing and the pool.
Another vote for Stratton, shops, restaurants and slopes, hotels all within walking distance, I actually think it's a very cute place.
The base lodge at Killington collapsed from hurricane damage - don't know if or to what extent the rest of the resort was damaged.
Unfortunately, NE ski areas don't have "villages" like Snowshoe or western resorts. Stratton might be the best match if you stay right in the resort, walking distance to a handful of shops and restaurants. Another option might be to rent a condo in a town like (VT) Ludlow (Okemo), Spruce MT (Stowe), Wilmington (Mt.Snow), (NH)North Conway (Attitash, Wildcat), Lincoln (Loon, Waterville) and skiers could drive to the mt and non skiers could take the shuttle around. Mt. Tremblant in Quebec would best match but long distance, $$$ and cold and need passports but beautiful village. Killington (owned by Powder/Park City)has lots of condos on the mt but no village. Only 1 base lodge was partially damaged from Irene- they have several. Despite huge damage from Irene, VT ski areas should be up and running by ski season and maybe even foliage season. But the Canyons/Park City type resort you're looking for doesn't happen in New England. All areas have a variety of trails for all abilities.
Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley, Maine might work. There is a Hotel, an Inn, several eating/drinking establishments, an indoor pool, and a few small shops at the bottom of the trails. The area around sugarloaf has some really good restaurants, and a very nice xcountry ski area. THere are also many condo rentals available.
http://www.sugarloaf.com/TheMountain/Maps/SUG_CondoMap_web.pdf
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. I really appreciate it. I'm off to look into these suggestions.
I would recommend North Conway,N.H. or Stowe,Vt. or Killington,Vt.,Lincoln,NH North Conway has outlet shopping,restaurants,coffee shops etc(no state tax). Stowe-cabot creamery,ben&Jerry's,restaurants,and Killington is close to shopping,restaurants,antiques etc. Stowe would be your furthest drive. If you go at Christmas time,try Lincoln,Nh(loon Mt)-they have Santas village,train rides etc for your 2 year old
Living in Nashua, you could also do a day trip(leave mom home) since your lightweights and go to Wachussett Mtn in Massachusetts. It's not far from you and it's cheaper.