Spectacular ice skating on a 4 mile loop around a beautiful Vermont lake, a truly unique…read moreexperience, comfortable and friendly accommodations.
The skate trail is as wide as a two lane road. Tons of space for every level of skater. There is a rentals shop with hockey skates, figure skates, trail skates, and "support" accessories for those just learning or not super stable on skates.
The trail is cleared daily, but when there is a snow storm it takes longer.
The ice conditions are totally weather dependent. We've been here 3 times, one time the ice was smooth and very easy to skates on, one time we couldn't skate at all because the weather earlier in the week created slush, which then froze, and was so bumpy skating wasn't possible, and then it rained and the skate trial had 3 inches of water on it. This year, the trail opened earlier than ever (Jan 9) and this week (Feb school break) the weather was perfect for skating! Mostly smooth ice, some bumps in some spots, but easy to avoid, and it is a lake, so to be expected.
The hotel is perfect for families with kids of any age. There were many multi-generations groups here together. They do lots of kid oriented things in addition to the skating (a movie theater, DJ and dance floor, ping pong, heated indoor swimming pool, billiards, a variety of games and puzzles. Free-range kids everywhere.
The restaurant serves the basics. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. We ate here for one dinner, and tried the Beet salad, the pork dumplings, the soft pretzels, and the Ruben sandwich...and all were good.
This place is not luxury. It has a classic historical hotel feeling about it, with lots of old photos on the walls to prove it. This place is a good value in the winter. Everything you need, friendly staff, beautiful views of the lake restaurant and bar on site for breakfast, lunch and dinner so if you don't want to leave once you get here, there is no need to.
I love this place!