I just scanned through the thread, but could not find a definitive list of criteria for what makes a resort old-fashioned. Part of it is that I've never been to a "mega resort", so I don't know what I'm missing... but I'm thinking all the resorts in Oregon qualify as old-fashioned? (Do all "local" hills qualify as old-fashioned?)
Timberline lodge is basically all wooden. The crowd can be a bit bougie, and the food at the buffet is a bit gourmet, but the facility looks, feels, and smells like it belongs in a Sean-Connery-era Bond movie.
Bachelor is sleeker, but it does not have an up-to-date feel, despite being owned by Powdr. Not having lodging at the mountain makes it hard to be luxurious. Lots of express lifts, but no gondolas; the high winds, massive number of stairs, and clausterophobic tables strip away any pretension of comfort. I mean, they are not afraid to pour mac-and-cheese out of plastic bags in front of everyone. At least Bend and Sunriver, 25-30 minutes away, are brew-pub Meccas.
Hoodoo and Willamette Pass, of course, feel like family farms; their trails don't even show on Google Maps. No express lifts at Hoodoo; après-ski is 20 minutes away in Sisters, where there are a couple of brew pubs, but the grocery store shelves are stripped bare of chips and dips on weekends, so you know the real action is in motel rooms, in front of TVs. Willamette Pass has one six-pack express lift... but I've rarely seen more than three people ride up on it at a time, and there is never a line; for après-ski, I think there is a diner/bar and a convenience store with hotdogs and pre-made burritos in the nearby village of Crescent Lake.
They all have gourmet beer at the lodges, of course, because this is Oregon, but otherwise...
@geargrrl and
@vickie, would you agree? I haven't been to Meadows, Ashland, or Anthony Lakes.