Pats Peak, NH, January 20, 2003

[billski]

A great place for families looking for a low-key, low-price place for the kids to learn. The place feels like resorts of 40 years ago, but is up to date in terms of grooming, equipment, buildings and infrastructure. <BR> <BR>Grooming was beautiful. Then again, every area in the area has had bountiful snow and great temps to keep it perfect. <BR> <BR>The place clearly puts the skiing first and the skier's experience first. It didn't feel like the resort had their hands in my pocket every step of the way, unlike the bigger resorts. <BR> <BR>All employees were very considerate and helpful. <BR> <BR>Put the two littlest ones in lessons (that's why we came). Instructors were capable and patient. Our 11 year old took a snowboard lesson (after progressing to black diamond skiing at Cannon) and had a wonderful time, can't wait to go back - says a lot for a good instructor. <BR> <BR>The grille was excellent (after 25 years of run-of-the mill burgers, this is the first exception.) Kids liked the pizza and chicken too. <BR> <BR>This is clearly a ski-only mountain, no real apres-ski life, which is fine, that's not why we came. <BR> <BR>No lifts, but unlike last week's Bretton Woods report, the skiers were out skiing, not sitting in the lodge all day. No real lift lines to worry about. Skiers were all considerate, no idiots on boards to be found. Even the rank beginners did however appear to exude a clear sense of confidence, and truly seemed to be enjoying themselves. <BR> <BR>Got a local 1" of fluff, just enough to make everything look even better. <BR> <BR> <BR>Experts and extreme skiers, stay away - you know better anyways. <BR> <BR>Great place to learn (as they promote), great day trip for the lower-level or new skier from metro Boston, just looking for a low stress day out. A much better alternative to the comparable Wachusett, where the 1/2 hour lift lines are reknown. <BR> <BR>p.s., tried out those packaged "chemical" hand-warmers made from ash, they work great. They work even better on your skiing companion who is complaining about cold hands/feet and wants to go in when you've got another 10 runs left in you! <BR>Costco sells them in bulk - I must have paid 17 cents each for mine, while the resorts sell them for $3 for two!