This review is an update from my 2015 review. My husband and I have come here about every other year for the last six. Every time, we have stayed in the condos which are a little older, but very cozy. This year's condo was no different. It had basic shower/tub bathroom facilities, a nice living room with two couches and new carpeting, and a small but efficient kitchen. It felt comfortable.
New for me this year, we tried the tubing. It was awesome! A low intensity extracurricular, I suggest going tubing before skiing so that your legs aren't all jelly. There is quite a bit of "drag your tube, wait on the magic carpet (similar to a moving walkway in the airport), then drag your tube to a slope lane." There are about 7 lanes total, all the same length. I recommend the farthest lane from the magic carpet-it is the least used and has fewer divets and imperfections for a smooth, quick ride. You can go down up to 4 tubes at a time in certain lanes.
It is a pretty basic, but still fun to go sliding down the hill. I would like to see an expanded course, but we spent about 2.5 hours out there and got in several turns. I will say, put on your patient hat. Tubing etiquette is varied and you will get knocked in the ankles by dragging tubes and have to quietly roll your eyes as people jump off the magic carpet only to stop right in front of you and block the way. I suggest going early, as the families tend to roll in around the late lunch/dinner time.
While this is still a top spot for our family getaway, I must comment that the quality is slipping. They have several casual eateries all over that serve the typical sports complex fare: nachos, fried baskets, mac n cheese, and all the cutesy hot and boozy drinks like the Ski Lift, Snuggler, and Hot Buttered Rum. Once upon a time, they also had one, single, solitary, fine dining experience. It wasn't black tie, but you put on a pair of slacks and a nice top. In the main building it was situated in a gorgeous high ceiling room with a majestic looking fireplace. Elaborate chandeliers would cast a low warm light over the meal and you were served by a waiter who wasn't at his winter break job. Or if he was, this was his 6th season and he knew the specials were and how to pour a glass of wine. This time around, we made our reservation and headed over to what we expected to be the highlight of our dining experiences.
They have renovated this dining jewel to make it....well, just like everything else. They tore down a wall that separated the large bar area from the restaurant so now it is one big sports bar. The fireplace, chandeliers, and visual beauty are all still present, but the menu has been pared down to food shockingly similar to every single other clubhouse on the property and there are no main entrees for a vegetarian. While we used to dine right in front of the fireplace,where they have now placed a living room-5 oversized chairs with ottomans and a coffee table. We might have enjoyed an after dinner drink there, but alas, 2 children still bedecked in their ski gear had turned it into their own personal fortress. I watched a gaggle of other children, obviously fresh from the indoor pool, run over to their father stationed at the bar and then feel it was appropriate to meander through the dining room area, because, after all, no one discouraged this behavior. If you make every single location the same, then you lose the ability to make anything special. I am all for a family friendly resort. Keeping one fine restaurant adds, not detracts, from that experience. read more