Ski Lodge: Millers Idlewild Inn : Adventures in Snow Business

by Virginia Miller Cornell

The following is an excerpt from Chapter 17: "White Christmas" Throughout the week between Christmas and New Year's a steady stream of people tromped into the Inn - seeking a room for the night. "We're sorry, but most of our accommodations have been reserved since August," Tonto would explain, over and over. "Couldn't we just sleep on your couch?" Of course, we couldn't allow our lounge to become an overnight depot for people who didn't plan ahead. Denver, where there were plenty of motels, was only two hours away. It would be very unfair to guests who had anticipated their vacations since summer to crowd the Inn with latecomers. Weary of explaining, Tonto turned to me one afternoon. "Do you know who the most underappreciated person in the Bible was?" "No, who?" "That innkeeper in Bethlehem. Here comes Mary and Joseph - with a jackass yet. He did his best, offered them a place to sleep in the stable. No wonder there wasn't any room at the Inn. Didn't they know it was Christmas?"

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering I live at the current-day ski lodge featured in this book, it took me far too long to read it. That said, it was fun to pick up and see that ski bumhood hasn't changed all that much in 40 years. The pictures are great and the light, conversational tone makes for a great read for the holidays.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of a must-read for locals up here, this book had some interesting "characters" that seem to never have left the valley. It feels very dated (my, my, a male secretary!), but then again, it is dated. Fun local lore and a quick read.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not to be compared to Virginia Miller Cornell's other book, Doc Susie, this is a light, entertaining account of what went on publicly and behind the scenes at a 1970s ski lodge in the Winter Park, Colorado area. Some of the material is frozen in time, reflecting a bygone era (e.g., a male secretary being an anachronism). I appreciate that Cornell compiled this as a memoir reflecting the time she ran her parents' lodge, which is now long gone.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Cornell's book about Doc Susie, but this book was a disappointment. Still, if you know anything about the area, it does give a view of life "behind the scenes'.