Geoff":nacx8yye said:
jamesdeluxe":nacx8yye said:
Marc_C":nacx8yye said:
why do so many folks get all wrapped around the axles about what the base village looks like?
That's a good question. Wish I had a better answer than "aesthetics matter to me."
North America is a very homogeneous experience compared to Europe. There is nothing in the US with the aesthetics of the nicer European ski villages. Sure, you can find US-like architecture in the French Alps but there are lots of places that have actually been there for centuries and are just as vibrant in the summer as in the winter.
I like skiing in Europe from time to time simply to enjoy that kind of experience that simply doesn't exist in the US.
That's hip, but the history of America is taking from what existed for Europe for centuries. That is simply because America is new comparatively.
If you want a European experience that's great, and that's why Europe is there. However, the American West is superior as far snow is concerned, and the terrain is equal in many respects. So, if skiing is your main concern then the town's "authenticity" shouldn't matter too much, right?
Also, I think the whole argument of authenticity is dubious. One of the benefits of time is understanding what works and what doesn't. During the 50s the idea of the traditional city was frowned upon by developers, hence many suburbs and cul de sacs. During the last 20 years there has been a glorification of the traditional city, hence a lot of recent development has incorporated elements of traditional walking cities, and or rebuilding of traditional downtowns.
Does it matter when a building was built as much as it's purpose in the modern day? If two buildings are similar architecturally (lets say swiss chalet style), one is 150 years old, the other 20, both hold hotels, both have similar interiors, both are situated walking distance from a lift,
does it really matter which one is older? What does authenticity really mean?
Personally, I just think this is all bs... I know that in past I have been an outspoken critic of sprawl (still I do not love it), however, I think it's silly when we speak about resort towns... let's not be naive and pretend that Chamonix is some real town compared to vail...
BTW, I spent my honeymoon in these european ski towns during the off season and they weren't exactly hopping anymore than Beaver Creek in the Summer. So, I think that the towns that are
just as vibrant in the summer as in the winter
aren't exactly as vibrant as some posters would like to believe.