We went on the first day of the 2016-17 season to ...

We went on the first day of the 2016-17 season to check out all the new improvements. For those who have been there before, you may recall how tired and worn down this place was. The lift upgrades and new modern snow making equipment are the star of the show. The new chairlifts, while not high speed, are a huge improvement. Even the old ones got some mechanical upgrades, so the lift operators can slow down the chairs to assist children or patrons who have trouble getting lined up in time. They also took out all of the old glove ripping rope tows, and replaced them with modern conveyor style lifts in the kid / learning area. If you have small kids, this is a huge upgrade.

The lodge upgrades, while nice, do not seem inspired. The bulk of the money ( probably 12 of the 13 mil) obviously went to the lifts etc.., while the improved lodge is simply carpet and painted drywall, no warm wood lined walls or decorative touches... plain jane!. Obviously new HVAC etc... but cheap looking. The design could be described as industrial park. They did seem to clear out a ton of space from the old days, and create lots of room for tables and chairs... way more than before, but the low ceilings and pipe columns every 15 feet or so give a monotonous character to the interior. The new lighting however, keeps it bright, just a bit sterile.

The food service area is now up to speed with other ski areas, and the pizza and chili looked delicious. Beyond a few grocery style pre-made salads however, there were few healthy eating options, no bananas or apples etc. The Bar is bare bones, with the previously mentioned low ceilings and numerous columns, a sea of high top tables, and four 42ish size TV's on the wall for sports. A Spotted Cow draft will cost you $6.00. At the far end, there is a "picnic" area with some new picnic tables. I did see some electric outlets, not sure if a croc pot would be allowed.

The biggest disappointment is the removal of the four sided fireplace that was previously in the southwest corner of the lodge, the patched hole in the ceiling still visible. The fireplace was welcoming and warm, and the free standing design, in this well windowed corner was perfect for the mid-century modern building. Big sad face here.

The dining area on the upper floor of the rental building was not complete yet, but that room looks much nicer.

The new lift tickets are actually cards that look like hotel keys. The attendants scan you from several feet away with the card in your pocket. I question how well this system will work, it seems like way more effort to get you scanned and the cards seem easily demagnetized or lost without the traditional lift ticket that is tethered to your zipper. We will see how that goes.

Overall, I have to say it is a massively improved ski experience, but the lodge has had all character removed and none replaced.Give me back that fireplace!