I’m unapologetic about embracing the entire resort scene. While I have friends who like to grab one lift and disappear into the trees for the day, I’m one to savor it all, and I don’t just mean every level trail.

There’s a certain beauty in the perfectly placed picnic table on a sunny winter day. There’s a marvelous vibe in the air when wandering the base area and nearby ski town. And all my life, I’ve loved a great base lodge.

I rank super-cool base lodges as key to peak ski day experience. Be it for beauty, classic (or new) vibe or overall comfort, I love the feeling of kicking back for a break or apres in a beautiful base lodge. Good ones funnel traffic well and have amenities to keep things clutter-free. Great ones have that special something; a way of making you feel right at home – like a local – whenever you pull up a seat.

In greater New England, there are more than a few that come to mind. From the old school familiarity of the Magic Mountain base lodge (and the burgers that come off their seasoned grill) to the new modern take on alpine vibe at Mount Snow’s perfectly-designed Carinthia base lodge and everything in between; there’s a lodge with your aesthetic out there. Here are a few – but not all – of my favorites.

Gunstock, NH: If you feel like the walls are marinated in history at the Gunstock (https://www.gunstock.com/) base lodge, that’s because that’s quite literally the truth.

The building was under construction in September 1938 when what is known as the “Great New England Hurricane of 1938” tore through the region, leveling not just aces and acres but miles and miles of trees, the construction crew sprung into action and sourced fallen trees to build the very base lodge that still stands today.

Gunstock’s base lodge is a marvel. Soaring ceilings and a second-floor balcony are centered by a huge stone fireplace. The interior is woody and warm in a way that marries cavernous and comfortable.

While there have – of course – been touch-ups over the years, that building imagined by County Commissioners as a recreation center for all stands pretty much as they imagined back then. Why change a perfect thing? Gunstock’s base lodge has stood for nearly 90 years as a how to do it right.

Jackson Gore at Okemo, VT: It took more than a decade of permitting battles for the then-owners of Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vermont (https://www.okemo.com/) to build and open Jackson Gore, their second peak at the resort, and in the end, that may have been a good thing.

The Muellers and their team had time to ponder, reflect, design and redesign that innovative base area. Now in its 21st year of service, the Jackson Gore base area is still a perfect tapestry of nooks and crannies for every time of base lodge vibe,

Head into the lobby area with its huge, cracking and real fire always stoked and sip on a cocktail or dig into tabletop s’mores while lounging in a comfy chair. Head into the Round House for classic base lodge food and vibe (or go upstairs to their balcony area for excellent sit down dining.

For upscale dining, head into the Coleman Brook Tavern

Just outside you’ll find fire pits to warm up around, apres live music and outdoor food on some days and a great view of the trails. Oh, and a modern, reliable lift is just a few glides across the snow. It’s a must stop no matter your preferences on any ski day. Bonus fun: grab an apres drink at the Last Call Bar, just off the lobby, and let the kids nosh at a totally visible table near the fireplace. It’s the perfect all-age set-up.

Nashoba Valley Resort, MA: Nashoba (https://skinashoba.com/) is known for a lot of things: A great ski school that pumps out countless lifetime skiers and riders, a long history of one-family ownership, and the proving ground of one of the state’s most successful ski racers: World Cup Champion and Olympian Pam Fletcher.

But did you know it also has an amazing base lodge? Nashoba’s base lodge features a bright, comfortable first floor with ample seating, giant windows that look out onto the trails and excellent classic base lodge fare.

Upstairs you’ll find The Outlook Restaurant. With its crackling fire, large and welcoming bar, many tables and floor-to-ceiling windows with that same great slopeside view.

The food is spectacular not in a “pretty great for a ski base” way but rather in a pretty great for anywhere foodies go way. It’s bright, beautiful and yet homey; in other words, a great spot to hang out during, apres or while the kids are out learning.