I agree with what Jolanar said - I think it's one of the better starting areas in the game if you learn to avoid the Vengeful Soloist.
Originally, I was not overly fond of the Everfrost newbie area either. The more I played, however, the more fond of it I became.
The Spiderlings drop Spiderling Silk and the Bears/Wolves drop Animal Skins. You can sell those items to players for a good amount of plat.
The Spiderlings also drop Wooly Fungus to do the
Wooly Fungus Quest that will get you level 5 spells.
Then there are the goblin camps that will drop weapons and (cloth) armor.
All-in-all I think it's a very good starting area.