There’s a stillness that settles over the mountain at night, when the trails are freshly groomed and the air feels crisp. At Allyn’s Lodge, the quiet beauty of the evening becomes its own adventure. From the climb to the final descent, the night unfolded in a way that only the mountain could orchestrate.
The adventure started at dusk
With the sky just beginning to fade into twilight. I opted to tour up the mountain—a choice that felt equal parts bold and rewarding. Skinning up under a sky painted in strokes of pink and orange, we moved in rhythm, each step accompanied by the faint crunch of snow beneath our skis. Or at least, that was the goal. About halfway up, I started to realize that my enthusiasm may have slightly overestimated my fitness level. Let’s just say there were a few pauses to “admire the view” (and catch my breath). The Mad River Valley spread out below, a patchwork of lights beginning to twinkle as evening settled in.
The soft glow of the windows greeted us like an old friend
When we reached Allyn’s Lodge. Just outside, the Cabin Cat waited, having already brought my family up the mountain to meet me there. Seeing their excited faces as they stepped out into the snow made the night feel even more special—this was an experience we were all sharing, together but in our own ways.
Stepping inside, we were met with warmth
Not just from the crackling fire but from the staff, who treated us like honored guests from the moment we arrived. Our host welcomed us with a drink to quench our thirst after the climb, and the first appetizers were already beautifully laid out. It was clear that every detail of the night had been thoughtfully prepared, and the service struck the perfect balance of attentive and easygoing.
We gathered around to enjoy some hors d’oeuvres
A thoughtful spread of locally sourced cheese and charcuterie, warm French-inspired canapés, and a creamy alpine fondue. Now, I’ll be honest, I’m still not entirely sure what a canapé is, but whatever it was, it was tasty enough to make me consider learning French. The vibe was relaxed, with guests mingling and sharing stories from their day on the slopes. Our chef joined us to introduce the menu for the evening: a five-course meal crafted with local ingredients and inspired flavors.
Dinner felt like a celebration of the mountain itself.
From the hearty tomato and onion soup to the perfectly pan-seared ribeye (my choice), every dish was more than just a meal—it was an experience. My family raved about their glazed salmon and by the time dessert came—a rich chocolate torte—we were all thoroughly content.
As we lingered over the last of our drinks
The camaraderie in the room grew. This wasn’t just a group of skiers and riders; it was a collection of adventurers brought together by the magic of the mountain. Conversations flowed as easily as the wine, and the warmth of the night was as much about the people as it was the food or the setting.
Eventually, it was time to head back out into the night.
Ski Patrol arrived to guide us down the mountain, a detail that added both safety and an extra touch of adventure to the experience. My family climbed back into the cabin cat to meet us at the base, waving as we strapped into our skis and switched on our headlamps. Of course, that’s when I realized my headlamp had a mind of its own, stubbornly refusing to stay in place no matter how much I twisted, turned, or appealed to the ski gods for mercy. Finally, one of the Ski Patrol guys had to step in, placing it on my head like I was a toddler with a tricky new hat. Adventure indeed!
The descent down Spring Fling was unforgettable.
The mountain was silent except for the rhythmic swoosh of skis cutting through freshly groomed, soft snow. Shadows danced across the trail, cast by the beams of our headlamps, while the valley below sparkled like a sea of stars. The darkness enveloped us, amplifying the beauty of the moment. Each turn felt effortless, almost dreamlike, as though the mountain itself were carrying us down.
By the time we reached the base,
With my family stepping out to meet us once again. We were all smiling—cold, exhilarated, and glowing from the night’s adventure. Allyn’s Lodge isn’t just an experience—it’s one of those nights you’ll talk about for years, surrounded by people you love (and maybe a few strangers who are now new friends) with the mountain quietly watching over you. From the cozy vibes of the staff to the wild thrill of skiing in the dark, it’s a reminder of why we’re all so drawn to this place: the connection, the beauty, and of course, the adventure.
If this night has sparked your curiosity, come experience it for yourself at Allyn’s Lodge. Whether you’re joining us for a seasonal a la carte dinner or one of our special beer dinners, there’s something to savor all season long. The mountain and a great meal are waiting for you.