Who wasn’t imagining what they’d do with their own jackpot win of close to $2 billion this week? I’d like to say I only thought of how I could help the world, but there was another dream I was embracing: creating my own personal perfect ski resort.

No worries, had I won (turns out I have another $1.7 billion shot Wednesday night), I’d have created this area to share – not hoard.

I think everyone’s personal perfect ski resort and experience is as unique as we are as humans. Some of us crave off piste; others find their joy on the cruisers. Some of us live for a modern vibe; others seek out old school.

To be honest, I’ve yet to sample a ski resort I didn’t love (I guess I’m in an “open resort relationship”), but still: given the chance to create my dream resort with my billions won, I’d have some things in mind. Here’s my take at my perfect mountain. Realistic? Probably not. But where’s the fun in dreaming in an average way?

Trails for everyone: Since I’m dealing in fantasy here, I’d want equal trail counts for every level skier, and a beginner area that really, truly gives you that “up on the mountain” feel. I’d love a chutes section like Steamboat, Colo., steep and fun speed runs like at Sugarloaf, Maine, and a family ski section like that at Purgatory, Colo., where the family friendly section is larger than some ski areas and skis in a true big-mountain way.

Trees for all as well: Tree skiing is so fun and yet it can be scary to many. My perfect ski area will offer progression tree skiing, from gentle and open all the way up to steep and tight, along with customized lessons to help all discover or rediscover tree skiing. Jay Peak comes pretty close, so their setup would be a great start. In the west, so does Steamboat.

Well-designed and comfortable base lodge: The base lodge experience is the bookend to your ski day, so mine will need to be spacious, warm, comfortable and totally alpine. A crackling real fireplace tended by staff (hey, that could be my husband’s retirement job) is a must, along with lots of seating around it or at least within view of it. I love the fireplace at Saddleback, Maine, so I can begin with that idea and grow from there.

The base lodge must have easy-to-access and free bag storage. Gosh, does it make a difference to not have bags stuffed under tables and along walls. Waterville Valley, New Hampshire’s free cubbies come close (though they are outdoors). Berkshire East in Massachusetts and Sunday River in Maine have good setups for this as well.

Resort specific treats: Every mountain resort should have its own signature treat, and mine would have at least one – possibly more. Think the giant cookies at Pat’s Peak, N.H., the many choices at the amazing Auntie Dee Dee’s on the road up to Burke Mountain, Vermont, or the amazing Miso Hungry at Jay Peak, Stowe and a few other spots. I’d like to serve the meal my mother used to send me skiing with: Jotty’s Montana Chowder (a kind hearty hamburger soup) and cream cheese frosted pumpkin bars. Trust me, you’ll love the combo. And at my resort, every hot chocolate will come with a free Reese’s Cup to dip into it and savor; it’s a slope side delight.

Lifts both classic and modern: I am not ashamed to say I love a good bubble chair with a heated seat. I used to make fun of them, but you know what? They extend your ski day and amp up your fun on windy and extra cold (or damp) days, so I am officially all in. But my resort will also have one old school double as well as a T-bar. Doubles might be slow, but there’s something romantic about them.

A classic double chair like the famed red chair at Black Mountain in New Hampshire is a must for a dream resort. (Cyrus Corbet photo)

I don’t just mean in a personal relationship kind of way; I mean in a “bonding with the mountain” kind of way. A long, quiet ride on a double gives you time to soak in the beauty around you. Just like when I ride my bike in my hometown rather than drive, I notice so much more while riding on a slower lift. Black Mountain in New Hampshire has the perfect red double. T-bars , a blast from the past, are having a revival since they are nearly immune to wind and a great choice to get up those steeper spots (weeds out the novices). Plus, it’s fun to share a t-bar with your crush.

Cell phone use booths: I get it; we all need to be connected to our phones now. But unless your wife is in the last moments of labor and you’re out on a powder day (I really hope you’re not; though I understand the desire), I feel like folks can wait to take a call until in a more private spot. My resort will have cell phone booths, spots at lift bottoms and tops where folks can talk on the phone and not blather on while I’m trying to enjoy a lift ride. Oh, and at my resort, everyone on the lift will be friendly and pleasant. Montana Chowder gets you in that mood. You’ll see when you come.

Tree skiing for every level is a dream mountain goal — Jay Peak in Vermont meets that goal. (Moira McCarthy photo)

Oh, it’s in Jackson, N.H., on the peak that was once Tyrol, but I’ll be able to extend the trails all the way down to Jackson (as was hoped in the 1970s). And, hey, Black owner Erik Mogenson, could we do a gondola between the two?

Lastly,  it’s free. Because … why not?

Planning ahead the best plan of all

Christmas week skiing is here and while one could argue you should have planned ahead, we all know that even the best intentioned of us get bogged down with the many details of the holiday season.

Good news: It’s not too late to have a great ski day or even days. Here are some last-minute tips to get out and carve this holiday week.

Plan sort-of ahead: Sure, you’re not that woman in your office who booked her kid’s holiday week ski school sessions back in July, but it’s today, not tomorrow. So in a small way, you still have time. Buy your lift tickets ahead of time for the resort of your choice and you won’t need to stress about sellouts (and you’ll find at least some savings over ticket window prices). If you’re going again this winter, see if your area of choice sells multi-day flexible tickets and buy them now. Same with lessons. Call ahead and you may still find time for those if needed.

Avoid the most crowded times: It’s a super busy week and for that we should be thankful (ski areas don’t pay for themselves; busy days are good for us all). But you can find times – and days this week – that are less busy. First tracks are a great choice. Be ready for the first chair and you can get a ton of runs before many others even arrive. Lunch

time is good, too, so pack a pocket snack (i swear by Uncrustables) and wait to eat until after 1:30. You’ll find the trails more open then. Consider night skiing; which is always way less crowded and still super fun.

As for days and other smart time choices? Call your resort of choice’s customer service line  ahead of time and ask them. Usually the second weekend of the holiday week can be a wee bit less busy, and most resorts will be able to guide you ahead of time to days or times that may be better.

Go smaller: New England is blessed with many small, independent ski areas; some that tend to be less crowded (though still not quiet) during holiday weeks. Consider the adorable Ski McIntyer in New Hampshire or Berkshire East in Massachusetts – or one of the many other smaller spots you can find dotting our entire region. You need not go big to have huge fun.

Don’t assume an overnight is undoable: You might even find some last-minute deals through APs or by making a few phone calls. Often, hotels and rentals will drop prices if openings are still there last minute. Poke around and don’t be afraid to call regional tourism groups for thoughts.

The perfect base lodge has a fantastic fireplace set up, like this at Saddleback in Maine. (Moira McCarthy photo)