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madhavok
03-24-2008, 10:26 AM
Ate lunch at the Gate House on Saturday. It appeared that the some of the tables were arranged differently. Was this done to add additional tables and chairs?

The only reason I ask is because it was more difficult then ever to get to an open table. What I mean is, there were open tables, it was just near impossible to get to them! And once I finally got to one of these open tables and finished my lunch, it was even more impossible to get out. Just for reference my experience was sitting somewhere above the Castlerock pub, by the windows that face Claybrook.

Now don’t get me wrong, the lodge definitely needs more seating and tables, but not without additional floor space. Saturday’s configuration was just to cluttered mess.

Here is my suggestion.
Now I haven’t measured it, but it looks like the ceilings are high enough to add an additional level. Yes the cathedral ceiling looks nice but its just not a practical use of the space. Besides if you add a deck (something any ski lodge should have anyway) you could access this additional level from the inside or out.

Any thoughts on this idea?

ski_resort_observer
03-24-2008, 10:39 AM
Probably plenty of room at the Valley House lodge, no need to add an expensive second level at GH when there is plenty of space a short walk away.

03-24-2008, 10:44 AM
I spoke with Win on Friday and he alluded to a few different interesting ideas that would increase seating and boot storage space at Gate House. I'm not sure how solid these plans are so I won't divulge. I'm sure he'll chime in if he's looking for feedback. The point is that Win and co. are always looking for ways to improve the experience.

HowieT2
03-24-2008, 11:05 AM
I spoke with Win on Friday and he alluded to a few different interesting ideas that would increase seating and boot storage space at Gate House. I'm not sure how solid these plans are so I won't divulge. I'm sure he'll chime in if he's looking for feedback. The point is that Win and co. are always looking for ways to improve the experience.

Was there any mention of the Guest services lodge being built this summer and open for next season? or are they planning on the same thing there is this year?

Tin Woodsman
03-24-2008, 11:09 AM
I'd be interested to hear those ideas, as I've been on the "GH is too small" bandwagon since it opened. It always surprised me how a building with 2x the footprint of that which it replaced seemed to seat fewer people. Regardless, Win has mentioned the possibility of expanding the GH lodge (the useless south porch would be a good target to enclose) and any ideas to expand the usable space/capacity of the bldg would be music to my ears. These steps need to be taken whether or not the GSL is built this summer (I'm setting the market on that at 48% right now).

madhavok
03-24-2008, 11:11 AM
Probably plenty of room at the Valley House lodge, no need to add an expensive second level at GH when there is plenty of space a short walk away.

Yeah but you know how it is. You make plans to meet your people at the Gate House, everybody's already there at 11:45. Who wants to walk up to the Valley House. Plus atleast I think, the food tastes better at the Gate House for what reason I don't know.

As for the cost, I think it would be a good bang for the buck.

HowieT2
03-24-2008, 11:15 AM
I'd be interested to hear those ideas, as I've been on the "GH is too small" bandwagon since it opened. It always surprised me how a building with 2x the footprint of that which it replaced seemed to seat fewer people. Regardless, Win has mentioned the possibility of expanding the GH lodge (the useless south porch would be a good target to enclose) and any ideas to expand the usable space/capacity of the bldg would be music to my ears. These steps need to be taken whether or not the GSL is built this summer (I'm setting the market on that at 48% right now).

Given the lack of banter about building plans and ground breaking, not to mention the recession and difficulties in the credit markets, I would guess the chances at significantly less then 48%.

03-24-2008, 11:18 AM
I spoke with Win on Friday and he alluded to a few different interesting ideas that would increase seating and boot storage space at Gate House. I'm not sure how solid these plans are so I won't divulge. I'm sure he'll chime in if he's looking for feedback. The point is that Win and co. are always looking for ways to improve the experience.

Was there any mention of the Guest services lodge being built this summer and open for next season? or are they planning on the same thing there is this year?
Well, again, I don't want to divulge too much. Win will comment here, I'm sure. I don't know what I was told is common knowledge or was told to me in confidence.

HowieT2
03-24-2008, 11:31 AM
I spoke with Win on Friday and he alluded to a few different interesting ideas that would increase seating and boot storage space at Gate House. I'm not sure how solid these plans are so I won't divulge. I'm sure he'll chime in if he's looking for feedback. The point is that Win and co. are always looking for ways to improve the experience.

Was there any mention of the Guest services lodge being built this summer and open for next season? or are they planning on the same thing there is this year?
Well, again, I don't want to divulge too much. Win will comment here, I'm sure. I don't know what I was told is common knowledge or was told to me in confidence.

Tease

boze
03-24-2008, 11:32 AM
I spoke with Win on Friday and he alluded to a few different interesting ideas that would increase seating and boot storage space at Gate House. I'm not sure how solid these plans are so I won't divulge. I'm sure he'll chime in if he's looking for feedback. The point is that Win and co. are always looking for ways to improve the experience.

Was there any mention of the Guest services lodge being built this summer and open for next season? or are they planning on the same thing there is this year?
Well, again, I don't want to divulge too much. Win will comment here, I'm sure. I don't know what I was told is common knowledge or was told to me in confidence.

I think it's now common knowledge that the GSL is not in the cards for this upcoming building season. Letter to employees a month or two ago noted as much, referring to a strong desire to 'do it right' when thy do build the GSL, and to not compromise the design with something half-baked. Heard from a few employees that a number of versions of the GSL were considered & priced, scaling down original plan due to several factors inlcuding budgetary consderations. No alternative seemed 'right' or even a good way forward, so feeling was to defer and do it right at a later date. In the interim, there's some serious thinking about what can be done to maximize the flow & utility for the new GH. On more than one day this season, others have noticed planner-type folks hunched over blueprints & renderings in the GH. I did not see/read this letter so take this with a grain of salt. I too await word from Win & Co.

Tin Woodsman
03-24-2008, 11:59 AM
I think it's now common knowledge that the GSL is not in the cards for this upcoming building season. Letter to employees a month or two ago noted as much, referring to a strong desire to 'do it right' when thy do build the GSL, and to not compromise the design with something half-baked. Heard from a few employees that a number of versions of the GSL were considered & priced, scaling down original plan due to several factors inlcuding budgetary consderations. No alternative seemed 'right' or even a good way forward, so feeling was to defer and do it right at a later date. In the interim, there's some serious thinking about what can be done to maximize the flow & utility for the new GH. On more than one day this season, others have noticed planner-type folks hunched over blueprints & renderings in the GH. I did not see/read this letter so take this with a grain of salt. I too await word from Win & Co.

Boze -

That's good info. I had heard rumors to this effect, but nothing solid, hence the 48%. I suspect that regardless of all the talk about wanting to get it right, the prime directive was $$, and all other considerations had to flow from that. Hopefully, whatever they do build will be designed to grow as needed when the funds are available in future years.

Again, glad to hear about the ongoing thought being given to how to make GH work better. It has alwayus struck me as a very pretty structure that worked better on the blueprints than it did in stone, concrete and wood. Simply too much space given over to "back of the house" activities and not enough for the public. Also, it seems that it was designed in part to fulfill its primary mission in the winter while also making compromises designed to bring in event revenues (weddings, etc...). Just like the multi-purpose sports venues of the 60s and 70s, it has ended up being really good at neither.

castlerock
03-24-2008, 03:48 PM
Benches.
Benches.
Benches.
Benches.
Benches.
Benches.
Benches.

Tin Woodsman
03-24-2008, 04:32 PM
Benches.
Benches.
Benches.
Benches.
Benches.
Benches.
Benches.
Benches are tougher to move, store, and re-use for a multi-purpose facility, hence my reference to Three Rivers Stadium and its ilk. Benches would be a huge plus.

shadyjay
03-24-2008, 06:08 PM
Benches? We don't need no stinkin' Benches!!!!
:D :D :D

Actually, though, they do. Seems like they'd be better than chairs.


Me too I thought the overall visitor space in the new GH was small. The upstairs seems like it should be a lot bigger, but the food service takes over about half.
Downstairs, its like a tunnel walkway from the C'Rock Pub to the entrance by the ticket windows.

I'm sure the issues will be resolved (space concerns) when the other lodge is built.

BushMogulMaster
03-24-2008, 06:48 PM
I suspect that regardless of all the talk about wanting to get it right, the prime directive was $$,

Regardless of whether that's true or not, isn't that part of wanting to "get it right?" If you don't have the finances to do it right, why do a half-assed job? Be patient and wait until you've got the right plan, and the right budget.

Tin Woodsman
03-24-2008, 07:27 PM
I suspect that regardless of all the talk about wanting to get it right, the prime directive was $$,

Regardless of whether that's true or not, isn't that part of wanting to "get it right?" If you don't have the finances to do it right, why do a half-assed job? Be patient and wait until you've got the right plan, and the right budget.

Fair enough. I suspect it's the money that's driving the need to re-assess the design, so it's a good thing that they are taking the time to design a space that fits this new budget. But let's be clear that if the money was there as originally planned, getting it right would have been a lot easier. Always is, I suppose.

BTW, what does this say about business conditions at the mountain when they are apparently 80% sold out on Clay Brook and having what appears to be (if liftlines are any indication) a strong year at the ticket windows, but they still can't come up with the originally budgeted amount for this structure? I know the credit markets are tight and all, but these guys weren't likely going to be taking out a kooky stated income, negative amortization loan with a two year re-set.

shadyjay
03-24-2008, 07:34 PM
BTW, what does this say about business conditions at the mountain when they are apparently 80% sold out on Clay Brook and having what appears to be (if liftlines are any indication) a strong year at the ticket windows, but they still can't come up with the originally budgeted amount for this structure? I know the credit markets are tight and all, but these guys weren't likely going to be taking out a kooky stated income, negative amortization loan with a two year re-set.

You took the words right outta my mouth... seems like they 'made their money' this season, complete with the great weather we've had, the nationwide publicity, the newbies coming up from Kmart, etc etc. Not to mention the mountain has been 100% open since around the 10th of December (yes, I know ME didn't open until later in December), subtracting wind-hold days (and even during those, its been 100% open, just not 100% lift-accessible). I thought for sure we'd see the GSL and the VH Lift upgrades for the off-season, though I could be wrong.

HowieT2
03-24-2008, 07:34 PM
I suspect that regardless of all the talk about wanting to get it right, the prime directive was $$,

Regardless of whether that's true or not, isn't that part of wanting to "get it right?" If you don't have the finances to do it right, why do a half-assed job? Be patient and wait until you've got the right plan, and the right budget.

It's not like this is the only capital project that is going to be delayed due to the economic/credit environment.
It seems to me though, that the GS lodge is not going to add any appreciable revenue by itself and therefore the only way to do it would be to build more housing along with the lodge.

Yard Sale
03-24-2008, 07:45 PM
as I thought I understoodit the GS Lodge Plan included a dozen or so residential units. Bottom line though, it appears as though things are good with upside up the wazoo.

random_ski_guy
03-24-2008, 10:21 PM
BTW, what does this say about business conditions at the mountain when they are apparently 80% sold out on Clay Brook and having what appears to be (if liftlines are any indication) a strong year at the ticket windows, but they still can't come up with the originally budgeted amount for this structure? I know the credit markets are tight and all, but these guys weren't likely going to be taking out a kooky stated income, negative amortization loan with a two year re-set.

Is the 80% figure sold accurate or did you just guess at that? I think Claybrook needs to be 98% sold before they can start the new lodge/next phase. In any real estate deal with a single building you haven't made any money until the last units are sold. Until then, you have only paid for all your initial hard costs, overhead and soft costs. All the profit is at the end of the rainbow; most likely in the very last 10-20% of the units. Ideally, they should have sold out 12 months ago in order to give Win the juice needed to feel good about the next phase. It’s too bad if it’s true that there still are units available as the ski season moves closer to an end.

Hawk
03-25-2008, 06:51 AM
I also was excited about the prospect of the new GSL and VH lift. But it is tough constructing things right now. Something that you guys may not be aware of is the extreme escalation of labor and material costs this year. For example just this month alone copper wire has gone up 20%. Now I am sure these guys have their construction manager out there pricing up the construction options with alternates. What they get back is quotes that have expiration of 30 days because the subs can't hold the price due the increases. So what they do is increase the contingency on the budget which sends it spiraling upward. I am sure that they are finding it hard to hit the target budget when it keeps moving. Just my 2 cents.

HowieT2
03-25-2008, 07:05 AM
I also was excited about the prospect of the new GSL and VH lift. But it is tough constructing things right now. Something that you guys may not be aware of is the extreme escalation of labor and material costs this year. For example just this month alone copper wire has gone up 20%. Now I am sure these guys have their construction manager out there pricing up the construction options with alternates. What they get back is quotes that have expiration of 30 days because the subs can't hold the price due the increases. So what they do is increase the contingency on the budget which sends it spiraling upward. I am sure that they are finding it hard to hit the target budget when it keeps moving. Just my 2 cents.

Good point. The federal reserve can say inflation is under control but we all know that not to be the case. My morning bagel went up to over a dollar because wheat prices are skyrocketing. I'd assume steel prices have gone up accordingly. It's not easy running a business when costs are rising quickly.

MntMan4Bush
03-25-2008, 08:23 AM
Just a slight correction, we are more in a period of stagflation really. The price of oil and gold has skyrocketed causing our production of goods to increase lowering our production levels and at the same time it has lowered our ability to purchase these goods. Expect a tumultuous roller coaster ride in a few years of high inflation as a lingering effect from all these rate drops followed by the bottom dropping out once again. The never ending cycle continues. (Oddly enough though with the US dollar sinking it is actually making US goods more attractive because its cheaper to make here now and middle America will hopefully see a boost in the job market...hopefully)

In any case enough about economics. I think what is difficult is that we as consumers and customers are doing all we can. I.e. we're coming to the mountain, bringing friends, buying beers and trying to put money into the system. We've already seen people complain about the cost of season passes (whether you feel they are justified or not someone is still feeling the crunch) so it can be frustrating when someone says they don't have the money to improve. I think that because we all have a special connection to the mountain and Win in many ways we overlook that we are customers in this market and we give them a break. We look beyond the selfish mentality of "I want what I paid for and I want it now". Likely because we feel we get so much more out of being at the Bush that we wouldn't contemplate going anywhere else (for me there's some stubbornness mixed in as well).

So as a consumer and a loyal SB fan I understand that the market is tighter making lending harder. In the residential market even people with great credit are being denied because their house values have dropped and lenders are tightening their practices. However I'd like to know what the plans are for improving what we have then while we are without the new GSL. I think we all can agree that we'd like to see something done and have been patient.

(Jim Belushi Animal House cries sounding like Toga Toga Toga Toga)

Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth

:lol:

Seriously though even if they are just ideas at this time I'd like to know what is being thought about for change. Fill us in. Let's not be al secret squirrel here. If you've got a naked picture of Heidi Klum share it with the rest of us.

aejkb
03-25-2008, 06:57 PM
Its too bad that the Gatehouse Lodge was not well executed. I am sure that it cost a pretty penny to construct less than 2 years ago. Now it will cost a lot more just to rectify the problems. i dont think the architect was a skier. The easy inexpensive answer is to keep Valley House open. Maybe even renovate it? Also, a Yurt like structure could be a good place for bag storage. On a somewhat related issue-- why isnt the Waffle Haus enlarged or better yet, duplicated near Super Bravo? I think that a lot of business is lost to the lines.

HowieT2
03-25-2008, 07:42 PM
Its too bad that the Gatehouse Lodge was not well executed. I am sure that it cost a pretty penny to construct less than 2 years ago. Now it will cost a lot more just to rectify the problems. i dont think the architect was a skier. The easy inexpensive answer is to keep Valley House open. Maybe even renovate it? Also, a Yurt like structure could be a good place for bag storage. On a somewhat related issue-- why isnt the Waffle Haus enlarged or better yet, duplicated near Super Bravo? I think that a lot of business is lost to the lines.

I think it's hard to blame the design when we don't know what was supposed to go along with it in terms of the GS building. I think the GH would be fine if all the kids were eating in another lodge and there was an ample bag/locker/changing room there as well.

ski_resort_observer
03-25-2008, 08:11 PM
Is the 80% figure sold accurate or did you just guess at that?

http://www.lincolnpeakvillage.com/static/lincolnpeakvillage/inventory.php

I disagree that we are currently in stagflation. Yes, oil is way up, gold is really not part of the inflation equation but housing prices are down. The CPI is at bay otherwise the fed would not have been lowering the rate before this latest round in the name of freeing up the bottleneck in credit.

Whether we are in a recession is debatable. Certainly some areas of the country are in recession and some sectors as well but nationally we are not at least going by the technical definition.... a recession is a decline in a country's gross domestic product (GDP), or negative real economic growth, for two or more successive quarters of a year. We haven't had one quarter with negetive growth as of yet. On the positive side, today it was reported that sales of homes increased 2.9% last month, the first positive growth in 6 months. The average price of a home continued to slide.

Tin Woodsman
03-25-2008, 08:16 PM
Its too bad that the Gatehouse Lodge was not well executed. I am sure that it cost a pretty penny to construct less than 2 years ago. Now it will cost a lot more just to rectify the problems. i dont think the architect was a skier. The easy inexpensive answer is to keep Valley House open. Maybe even renovate it? Also, a Yurt like structure could be a good place for bag storage. On a somewhat related issue-- why isnt the Waffle Haus enlarged or better yet, duplicated near Super Bravo? I think that a lot of business is lost to the lines.

I think it's hard to blame the design when we don't know what was supposed to go along with it in terms of the GS building. I think the GH would be fine if all the kids were eating in another lodge and there was an ample bag/locker/changing room there as well.
You also don't know what the designers marching orders were. It's easy to say that there wasn't enough bag storage capacity for a crowd that was used to having their bags amongst the tables, but who told him to do that? The limited amount of usable space is, in my mind, created and exacerbated by the desire to have the building be a multi-purpose facility. Chairs instead of benches - that's not the architect's call. Huge amount of back of the house space vs public space, who knows who is driving that, but it seems likely that it could be related to wanting to host more events in the base village (with the associated food storage and food prep area requirements). I don't know either way, so I'll just leave it at that. Either way, be it the architect or his paymasters, it seems clear that the primary utility of that building was sacrificed at the altar of "multi-purpose".

HowieT2
03-25-2008, 08:27 PM
Its too bad that the Gatehouse Lodge was not well executed. I am sure that it cost a pretty penny to construct less than 2 years ago. Now it will cost a lot more just to rectify the problems. i dont think the architect was a skier. The easy inexpensive answer is to keep Valley House open. Maybe even renovate it? Also, a Yurt like structure could be a good place for bag storage. On a somewhat related issue-- why isnt the Waffle Haus enlarged or better yet, duplicated near Super Bravo? I think that a lot of business is lost to the lines.

I think it's hard to blame the design when we don't know what was supposed to go along with it in terms of the GS building. I think the GH would be fine if all the kids were eating in another lodge and there was an ample bag/locker/changing room there as well.
You also don't know what the designers marching orders were. It's easy to say that there wasn't enough bag storage capacity for a crowd that was used to having their bags amongst the tables, but who told him to do that? The limited amount of usable space is, in my mind, created and exacerbated by the desire to have the building be a multi-purpose facility. Chairs instead of benches - that's not the architect's call. Huge amount of back of the house space vs public space, who knows who is driving that, but it seems likely that it could be related to wanting to host more events in the base village (with the associated food storage and food prep area requirements). I don't know either way, so I'll just leave it at that. Either way, be it the architect or his paymasters, it seems clear that the primary utility of that building was sacrificed at the altar of "multi-purpose".

Be that as it may, have you seen the weather forecast? (of course you have).

Strat
03-26-2008, 06:07 AM
Not that it's entirely relevant but I believe Harwood, the local high school, is staging its prom in the GSL on May 3rd. There's a good chance I will be able to deliver first-hand reporting of the space's size cleared of furniture and of the general dynamics for that sort of event.

Yard Sale
03-26-2008, 10:16 AM
Specific functionalities/limitations aside, I can't see putting up a building in that highly seasonal business environment that did not have the versatility to be at least some what multi purposed even at the cost of some of the primary function to enhance alternative revenue opportunity for the overall health of the resort. The stadiums of the 70's and 80's analogy doesn't work for me because the versatility of those facilities of that era was split between two very specific and limiting purposes: football and baseball. Stadiums today are still multi purposed but for a broader spectrum of uses not just sporting events. Though I get your point. I agree the boot room size and seating capacities etc. in the lodge are all important issues, but to my eye there is already a large % of assets dedicated specifically to the primary function of a ski resort and to place limitations as to the use of that building would be a mistake. The concessions made by the design limitations that impact the consumer to be flexible, I trust go toward the over all operating health and longevity of the operation. That apparent dedication to the health and longevity of SB is of more value to me as a consumer than the short term shortfalls causing consumer inconvenience. I am counting on this place to feed my ski addiction for decades. I take stock in the the track record that ownership has shown making improvements to the existing facility as a promise of sorts that they will continue to tweak and make improvements where possible. Further, I have faith that the paymasters will apply the appropriate leather to the backs of design and build teams when the operation is sufficiently capitalized and poised to proceed safely with expansion/improvement.

PS: If at all possible, I know it's frivolous and may contradict to some degree the statement above, but I'd still like to see some type propane fired fire pit in the square. I'm sure this way low on everyones priority list. Just thought I'd throw it out there anyway.

BTW: I'm hoping to make 1st, 2nd, 3rd chair or so on Bravo this Saturday and Sunday. If you've wanted to take a few runs with a human debris field (a Yard Sale that is), this could be your chance. See Blue Helmet W/ Green Clover.

MntMan4Bush
03-26-2008, 10:19 AM
Stagflation - I don't know. A jump in gold prices usually indicates to me that people are predicting inflation. I think it's equally part of the puzzle. So people are looking for inflation yet oil and food prices are high which is usually a sign of a recession. Plus the falling dollar shows signs that inflation is around and with that of course the price of imports will increase (and have been) adding to the conundrum. Basically there is a period of slow economic growth and rising prices. (The CPI while not jumping drastically has increased). What ever you want to call it, stagflation, recession, slappywhoseywhatsit it still a bad place to be sitting. The Fed is in a pickle though. Lower interest rates and the dollar plummets even more or raise interest rates and admit there are inflation-like things happening and the consumer confidence goes into a tailspin.

Well at least we have skiing.

HowieT2
03-26-2008, 10:54 AM
Specific functionalities/limitations aside, I can't see putting up a building in that highly seasonal business environment that did not have the versatility to be at least some what multi purposed even at the cost of some of the primary function to enhance alternative revenue opportunity for the overall health of the resort. The stadiums of the 70's and 80's analogy doesn't work for me because the versatility of those facilities of that era was split between two very specific and limiting purposes: football and baseball. Stadiums today are still multi purposed but for a broader spectrum of uses not just sporting events. Though I get your point. I agree the boot room size and seating capacities etc. in the lodge are all important issues, but to my eye there is already a large % of assets dedicated specifically to the primary function of a ski resort and to place limitations as to the use of that building would be a mistake. The concessions made by the design limitations that impact the consumer to be flexible, I trust go toward the over all operating health and longevity of the operation. That apparent dedication to the health and longevity of SB is of more value to me as a consumer than the short term shortfalls causing consumer inconvenience. I am counting on this place to feed my ski addiction for decades. I take stock in the the track record that ownership has shown making improvements to the existing facility as a promise of sorts that they will continue to tweak and make improvements where possible. Further, I have faith that the paymasters will apply the appropriate leather to the backs of design and build teams when the operation is sufficiently capitalized and poised to proceed safely with expansion/improvement.

PS: If at all possible, I know it's frivolous and may contradict to some degree the statement above, but I'd still like to see some type propane fired fire pit in the square. I'm sure this way low on everyones priority list. Just thought I'd throw it out there anyway.

BTW: I'm hoping to make 1st, 2nd, 3rd chair or so on Bravo this Saturday and Sunday. If you've wanted to take a few runs with a human debris field (a Yard Sale that is), this could be your chance. See Blue Helmet W/ Green Clover.

First of all, I'll see you at the Bravo with Orange backpack. Second, I agree there is not enough fire in or around the lodge. A fire pit would be great but it must be real wood burning. Not to get off on another tangent, but I hope this summer there is a grill going and some tunes outside the CR pub

Yard Sale
03-26-2008, 11:16 AM
1. Great. I look forward to it. Anyone else?

2. I prefer wood also, but gas would probably easier/cheaper.

Fourwide
03-26-2008, 01:54 PM
They look pretty nice. I'm pretty sure there's one in front of the Four Seasons at Jackson Hole. I'd also vote for more fireplaces, even gas, in GH and Timbers (the gas fp in Timbers is pretty lame--too small and never cleaned).

jwt
03-26-2008, 02:07 PM
Fire pits, indoor fire places, it is all expected stuff at a ski area in Vermont ( or anywhere else for that matter).

While I have complained here on the list that there is no fire place I did hear there might be one planned for the family side of the new lodge. . . . . .anywhere - just have one, please. An outdoor fire pit is a classic as well. . .have not been there in a long time, but Bretton Woods had a nice one out near the front of the place.
Always a nice touch and real cheeep. The wood just from clearing debris would make enough wood for a season. And hey, any fellow looking to make a move on a ski bunny having a fire place make it just that much easier. I may be sounding too romantic , but isn't that the point of the thing? ME has that great little fire place and that couch is ALWAYS filled. . . . .. because it fufills the need and the dream. I have heard that local regulations may prohibit this??? You gotta be kidding me. Half the state heats their house with the stuff. As for use of the lodge, as a passholder I have little use for it, although the food is very good for a cafeteria, so I do visit from time to time, but it is too crowded most of the weekends for me.

We got a lot ot be thankful for here and a lot that can be improved for everyones sake- including the bottom line. The cost of doing business is high and the customer always pays - or the place goes out of business. I'm happy here, and have been enough other places that I know we have the best of skiing - snow - people who care - always room for improvements though. A fire place indoor or out would make the memories -after all , that is what we are trying to create, right?- that much clearer and deeper.