WINDHAM, NY – If you haven’t been to Windham Mountain recently, you might not recognize the place. With over $12 million in capital improvements over the past three years, the resort has made dramatic improvements to both aesthetics and the guest experience. For a resort already known as a sophisticated, family-oriented destination, the changes truly go beyond what skiers and riders are familiar with finding.
Following the resort’s $5M overhaul of the base lodge last year, Windham this year is upgrading its slopeside deck next to the lodge. The fire pit fueled by natural gas has been replaced with a much larger version fueled by firewood. Massive boulders surround the space, with tables and Adirondack chairs set up for a great lounging scene.
“This continues the theme of our development, which is to create more of an alpine environment,” says Kirt Zimmer, director of marketing for the resort. “Guests are really responding to the timber and stone elements on and around the lodge. We think the smell of a natural wood fire fits the romance that people expect to find at a ski lodge. We even have plans to sell s’more kits so people can make their own treats around the fire.”
Directly across from the new fire pit is a new barbecue and bar. With a stone façade, gleaming black countertops and stainless grills, it’s straight out of a luxury home improvement magazine. On a day with decent weather, the new BBQ means guests don’t have to go inside for very much. The fire pit / BBQ area is a great place to relax between or after invigorating action on the slopes.
Food and beverage improvements are very much the primary focus of what’s new at Windham this year. A new, slopeside takeout venue will offer dessert crepes, hot soups, coffee and hot chocolate for skiers and riders looking for a little warm-up between runs. The waffle hut has been upgraded to a building with a more alpine exterior, and the waffles themselves will be made in a waffle griddle rather than a fryer. Inside the lodge, a restaurant on the third floor known as Legends will offer several deluxe salads made to order. And for those with a sweet tooth, The Wunderbar Café - which made its debut last winter - now also offers a candy shop.
The biggest change in Windham’s dining scene this year is a new restaurant at the Winwood Inn. Previously known as Trail’s End Tavern & Grill, the interior design has been tweaked and the menu overhauled with a theme emphasizing Mexican food and drink. Classic rock music will make for a lively atmosphere, so it’s not surprising that the name of this restaurant is Rock’n Mexicana.
“Rock’n Mexicana will deliver everything you would expect from a lively après ski pub… or should I call it cantina?” says Steve Jacobson, food and beverage director for the resort. “Guests will find familiar favorites like enchiladas and tacos, but they’ll also find some really creative dishes that put a unique spin on Mexican cuisine. The bar will feature a wide variety of tequilas, and I can promise that you won’t find a better margarita in the area.”
So, you’ve been warned: come to Windham prepared to party. Or relax. Your call.
Windham Mountain, located in the northern Catskills town of Windham, New York, is a family-friendly winter resort that offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and many other winter activities. Just 2.5 hours from New York City, Windham Mountain offers beginners, intermediates and experts the chance to experience its two adjoining mountain peaks. With a summit elevation of 3,100 feet and vertical drop of 1,600 feet, Windham boasts a 98% snowmaking capacity. For more information, go to www.windhammountain.com.
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