I really was so excited about this mini-vacay with my son. I had high expectations which I know is my fault but it was hard not to after viewing the website. I have usually always gone to PA for local skiing but wanted to try something new and after researching VA and NC skiing I chose Wintergreen because it seemed perfect.
My reservationist was very nice. She answered all my questions and told me what would be the best deal for us...a 2 bedroom condo, slope-side with access, and 4 2-day lift tickets. I inquired in depth about the conditions and decor of the accommodations. Maybe ridiculous but I insist on feeling good about where I am sleeping, showering, and eating when spending good money. She assured me that although they were individually owned, the resort had standards that must be met and they were nice. The pictures of the condo on the website showed granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, nice decor, and updated bathrooms. I felt good after our conversation.
Our check-in was great. Easy, friendly, helpful. After driving to the furthest condo from the lodge, walking down many flights of stairs with our things, my son and I walked into a very tacky condo from the 1980's.
1st letdown. It was very clean but I couldn't help feeling very mislead and I find that bad business. I was gotten there under false pretenses. Seriously, if I would have known that appliances were 25 years old; the fully loaded kitchen was not and what it did have was bottom of the line EVERYTHING!!!; that the furniture (except the couches) were dated, the tv's small, very old, and fuzzy even with cable; the archaic jacuzzi was mauve with very deep green tile around it (I cannot even name a time when the fixtures might have been in style.); and that the bed was lumpy and the comforter smelled, I would have NEVER booked this stay.
After looking around the accommodations, I opened the curtains to look at the slopeside w/ access view. 2nd letdown. The slopes had white man made snow (which I was fully aware of because we've had NO snow), however, a large area around the condo building was grass. I realized that this might be my fault. She told me that I could access the slopes right from our condo because we were "literally right next to the slopes" and could "ski in and out of the condo's" but I didn't consider what would happen if it never snowed. So, what now? I read the info provided and called to schedule my sons private lesson and make dinner reservations for the next night but had to leave messages for both.
My son and I unpacked and left to explore. Not thrilled that we really weren't in walking distance of the lodge even though I was told it was 'right there'. I went to the desk to inquire about access to the slopes since we obviously could not "ski in/out" from the condo. One of the desk staff, after telling me its slope view NOT access, got a supervisor who told me they don't tell people it's ski in/out. Huge 3rd letdown. I find almost nothing more unacceptable than someone telling me I'm lying. After I explained that I was absolutely told that, she quit looking at me and very rudely said she'd remove a fee. I said that wasn't the point but she was no longer acknowledging me. (May I assure that I never raised my voice or used inappropriate language but I was not happy when I was told I didn't hear what I heard.)
We went to rent our equipment from an unbelievably smelly rental room. Lugged it back to the car and then into the condo. Tried all night to get a good nights sleep but the bed was so uncomfortable. At 8am I started calling the ski school to get a 9am lesson but left another message. I could not find hours of operations anywhere and the message didn't provide. (I had previously been told that Monday's were slow days for them.) I had left my condo room # on the message but I missed a call on my cell 9:05. I called right back and after holding for 25 minutes, I hung up and called the front desk exasperated! They said someone would call me back. 5 minutes later, about 9:40 I got a return call and was matter-of-factly told the wasn't a lesson until 1pm. I was beside myself. She proceeded to tell me that yes, they usually were quiet on Monday's but not today. I was very unhappy. A few minutes later she said she could do a snowboard lesson at 11am. I was much happier. Peyton was great! My son liked him a lot and I ended up paying for 3 separate lessons (75 minutes each) which at this moment I realize I paid $279 for when the offer a 3 hour lesson for $199. Just one thing after another!!! I could keep going with negative and positive but unfortunately the negative are just way to many. The customer service in way to many situations was unacceptable. read more
