Skiers and riders will see dynamic innovations on the Pennsylvania snow scene this season. Millions of dollars have been poured into resort improvements from parking lots to lodges, accommodations, lifts and summits. Web based technology will make buying discounted lift tickets as easy as clicking a mouse. Miles of hidden pipelines will fuel new automated snowmaking systems, and the latest in steep climbing groomers will put your skis and boards on ballroom conditions or challenging bumps. Take your pick. Now, let’s take the tour.
THE EAST
If you’ve ever been annoyed by flapping tickets and passes, JACK FROST and BIG BOULDER MOUNTAINS have solved the problem for season pass holders. Scanners at the lifts will detect the pass wherever it’s stowed. Look for big changes in the summit lodge of this “upside-down” mountain.
Sister mountain BIG BOULDER, a favorite with the surfing crowd has planted new state-of-the-art snow guns on some of the most popular cruising trails and terrain parks including Tannenbaum, Bunny Schuss and Love Park. The Tannenbaum lift has been replaced
New management at ALPINE MOUNTAIN will be cutting the ribbon on the only ski area ice rink in the Poconos this winter. Skiers and riders can bring along their skates or rent a pair there and take a few spins after a day running the mountain.
Also look for the first ever Yuengling Bar and Grill as Pennsylvania’s best known export caters to a home state crowd. A kitchen has been added to the bar for pub grub treats and three private lounges have been added to a completely transformed main lodge.
If all goes as planned, before the last runs of the new season, skiers and riders at CAMELBACKMOUNTAIN near Tannersville in the Poconos will have a brand new hotel to stay and play after a day on the slopes. With 453 rooms and easy access to the lifts, the luxury tinted hotel will feature a world class indoor water park, an array of restaurants, a bar and spa. Opening expected in early March. For racers in the house, the popular adult racing program will expand with a new event.
SHAWNEE MOUNTAIN has pumped millions into hi-tech snowmaking wizardry to smooth some of the most popular trails and slopes. While you sleep, over a mile of new piping is pulsing with the water and compressed air to create an automated blizzard. The computerized snow-making system boosts the ability of Shawnee snow farmers to make more snow, faster than ever. For gear to get on the mountain, the rental fleet has been dramatically expanded with over 1,200 new sets of high performance boots, boards and skis.
Lift ticket angst goes into the shredder at BLUE MOUNTAIN this winter. Only two types of lift tags are on the menu. No more rushing to get to this popular Pocono Mountain area. Then, a new 6-hour ticket lets you get every second you pay for. The clock doesn’t start ticking until your first chair ride. Fine dining has been added to Blue’s constantly advancing sipping and supping options. The new 450 seat eatery will offer eye-filling views of surrounding mountains and the Vista ski trail, while serving up imaginative dishes from new kitchen facilities in the summit lodge.
Rounding out the experience, look for a new lift in the Blue Mountain tubing park to improve access to 21 lanes of tubing action.
High in the Endless Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania ELK MOUNTAIN has taken another step in its environmentally sound mountain beautification program. Another 1,000 White and Norway spruce trees have been transplanted to the slopes.
BEAR CREEK MOUNTAIN RESORT near Allentown is putting an economic incentive into the stay and ski experience. Visitors who book overnight mid-week lodging at their full-service hotel will score a 40% discount on accommodations, ski and snow-board rental gear, Discovery lessons and lift tickets.For the kids, Bear Creek has created the “Snow Zone.” The new children friendly dedicated area will let the youngsters practice on ski and boards or just romp in the snow.
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