Dining

Brian Fairbank’s business partner is Joe O’Donnell, president of The Boston Culinary Group, so you would expect the food at the resort to be very good. Check out the recently renovated and renamed John Harvard’s (413-738-5500 x3780; $$) in the Country Inn to see if you agree.

Christiansen's Tavern (413.738.5500 x 3200; $-$$),
at the base of the mountain, near Crane Lodge, has a
full bar and serves Tavern fare for lunch and dinner.

Close by and worth a stop is the now skier-friendly Powder Hounds (413-738-5660; $-$$) just north of the Jiminy access road, where good pizza and American fare are served.

For pre-ski, try the nearby Ioka Valley Farm for great breakfasts, especially the pancakes with maple syrup made on premises. It is a working farm with animals so a favorite spot for kids.

Because the Berkshires has such year round appeal, there are lots of places for a fine meal, if such is your pleasure. Mill on the Floss in Williamstown (413-458-9123; $$$-$$$$), set in an 18th century farmhouse with an open kitchen, offers plenty of atmosphere and entrees like salmon hollandiase and sweetbreads "au buerre noir."

Tratoria Rustica in Pittsfield (413-499-1192; $$-$$$) serves excellent southern Italian fare in an old-world ambience with exposed brick walls and hand-painted dishes. and The Arlington House in West Sand Lake on the New York side (518-674-1880; $$$) serves American cuisine with Asian and continental touches in a country inn setting that was once a 19th century hotel.

Dining Legend: $$$$–Entrees $30+; $$$–$20–$30; $$–$10–$20; $–less than $10.