Highland Center at Crawford Notch rant

NHpowderhound

NHpowderhound

New member
During my trip to Bretton Woods tuesday I saw the newly completed Highland Center.I'm not impressed.First,the $9,000,000AMC facility enjoys a non-profit tax status,offering Mchiking for anyone with enogh dough.This behemouth of a building makes the old(perfect)Craford Notch Hostel look like its a just restroom.The No Bull is the AMC has built a hotel to cater to people with money.The local buisness people are paying more in taxes for thier mom and pop shops than the AMC is for thier grand hotel.If I lived in that town i'd want them to build thier own fire dept.,police station,ambulance and any other service the town provides to its taxpayers. <BR>The idea of having a building to educate and accomodate is great.But check out thier rates and tell me honestly if a student from college or a family could afford to stay there. <A HREF="http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/highland/highland-rates.shtml" TARGET="_top">http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/highland/highland-rates.shtml</A> Two night minimum stay during peak periods.Peak is 10 months of the year.Less is more in IMO.A simple facility able to service everyone.Will a private room for $143pp educate someone more than the $66 shared room?You could stay at The Lodge at Bretton Woods cheaper,have a private patio,indoor pool,sauna and use of the resort sports club. <BR>I dont know how these clowns keep thier non-profit status. IMO the AMC acts just like any other corporation.The #1 goal is to make money not conserve resources or educate the public.They also use thier money and status to influence the political scene to better themselves and thier special interests.Randolph Mountain Club knows how to manage our mountains.Less is more.<A HREF="http://www.randolphmountainclub.org" TARGET="_top">http://www.randolphmountainclub.org</A> <BR>Sorry Marc,I know this may not belong in the NBS section but this board gets the most traffic.And thanks to anyone else who read through my rant,but I do feel strongly against the Highprice Center and the AMC in general. <BR>((* <BR>*))NHPH
 
the AMC has done (and often times continue to do) so many good things for the hiking/outdoors community throughout the years. it is troubling to see their resources channelled into the hospitality industry. the AMC and it's members will defend this direction saying that if it gets more people into the outdoors, then it's a good thing. however, only the wealthy among us could afford to stay at the highland center or their huts. <BR> <BR>i agree that the highland center is a bit too much. something isn't right about it, and many people have voiced their opposition. it cators to a very narrow selection of society, but it is their target membership. yey for being young middle class and white! *shakes head*
 
"Highprice Center"; a fitting name for the Appalachian Money Club's new clubhouse! <BR>NHPH, I agree whole-heartedly.
 
Welcome to the high-priced, yuppie-catered world of the AMC... <BR> <BR>I can't stand the huts... <BR>$60 person/night is WAY too much in my book
 
IMO the AMC lures unprepared hikers into the mountains.Everything you need is at the destination.Not with the hiker in case of emergency.Food is cooked for you which you dont need to bring.Bedding and shelter are provided and lights are there.This is disaster waiting to happen.It encourages hikers to keep going up in times when they should head down.The only positive thing I can think the AMC huts provide are bathrooms which help cut down on,well,you know.Yuck. <BR>((* <BR>*))NHPH
 
i use the bathrooms and water facilities at the huts while hiking. it's pretty much the only reason i don't slander them, because i use them (on a free and very limited basis ;) ). <BR> <BR>none of the huts pose to much of a threat for inexperienced hikers. they are usually no more than 2-3 miles from trail head, have easy trails that lead to them, are below tree line, etc. not saying people can't get into trouble on a three mile hike on an easy trail going to a hut... but the chances aren't too likely. <BR> <BR>i think a peak bagger dead set on reaching a 4k summit is much more likely to get into trouble by keep going on when they should be going down compared to your standard up to the hut and out folks.
 
Good points River.However,what about the thru-hiker.A group starts at Appalachia parking lot and has a trip to Madison Hut on the first night,Lakes on the second and Mizpah on night three.I know this is alot of "what ifs" and low percentages but IMO needs to be considerd.I really like Randolph Mountain Club shelters.I think they attract a more eco-concious camper.Only the most basic shelter is provided,the rest is up to the camper to bring.Food and the ability to prepare it,sleeping bag and flashlight.I have seen the some clowns up there too.One thing that really upsets me is when hikers throw trash in self composting toilets.How selfish and dumb is that?!Makes me want to shake 'em like a British nanny would! <BR>((* <BR>*))NHPH
 
agreed to all of the above. i always see AT thru hikers coming up from down south, and i think they must be disappointed when they see the huts that they can't stay in without reservations or lots of cash. then again, they're used to camping out and roughing it... but it would be a nice treat for them to have huts during the most spectacular part of the hike. <BR> <BR>if the huts were first come first serve, i think i'd be happier. true, lots of late starters would be forced to turn around, but which ever... too bad!
 
I haven't thru-hiked yet (hoping for summer of 2006!), but I've done fairly substantial hikes through the Whites, and I try to avoid the huts. I camp out in the woods, in a tent, cook all of my own food. I may sometimes re-fill water at them, but I still have a filter. <BR> <BR>I'm sure that a lot (most?) thru-hikers probably do the same...except maybe Carter Notch hut (less yuppie-catered)
 
I agree with most every statement made on this subject. However, I like to look at things in a positive light..... think about it.... combine this place to stay and hike (unprepared) with the Mount Washington Ski Train and I'm sure there will quite a few LESS customers for these businesses in just one year! Well , that's my "IMO" . <BR>Rock on! and we'll catch you on the slopes.
 
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