Now is the time to plan you winter ski vacation or ski weekend in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
From technologically advanced grooming equipment, to new trails, lighting, and facilities, upgrades and renovations at Pocono Mountains’ ski areas assure winter visitors a new and exciting winter recreational experience. The following list is a round-up of enhancements at Pocono ski areas for the 04-05 season:
- Alpine Mountain Ski Area, in Analomink, has increased their fleet of top-notch grooming equipment, including a pipe dragon for perfect shaping of their newly redesigned half-pipe and snow tubing chutes. The recently established Special Events Department has planned exciting events this season, including a Santa by Snowmobile Day in December, Summer Beach Party in January, and a Spooky Halloween-themed Party with haunted slopes (date to be announced). To accommodate the growing popularity of snow tubing, Alpine has purchased a new supply of snow tubes. Equipment rentals have also been restocked.
- Big Boulder, in Lake Harmony, now features a challenging new slope, Snowdrift. This slope, located where snow naturally drifts, offers fresh powder, a quick vertical drop, and intermittent pine trees. Big Boulder’s existing terrain park will feature new boxes and rails. Winter snow tubing at Big Boulder will now feature a new curve, which will create an exciting teacup effect.
- Blue Mountain Ski Area, in Palmerton, has added three more snow slides, for a total of 14, in their snow tubing park, and now has five piston bulley groomers for even better ski and riding conditions. Blue Mountain also has a new 2,200 sq. ft. building outside of their Valley Lodge, where beginning riders can conveniently sign up for lessons.
- Camelback Ski Area, in Tannersville, has added 40 new high efficiency tower and sled-mounted snow guns to complement back-to-back snowmaking upgrades. This cutting-edge technology allows Camelback to make more snow than ever and quickly rebound from adverse weather. Lighting upgrades on the popular cruising trail Lower Cleopatra have also been added for even better night skiing conditions.
- Jack Frost, in Blakeslee, has added a new beginner terrain park at the crossover at Jane’s Lane, opening with a wide, flat surface area to create a classic free-ride park. This park will include four new custom-built rails, a wall lip side, and more. Jack Frost, along with neighboring ski area Big Boulder, will introduce the double snow tube, allowing parents to accompany their children down the mountain.
- Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, in Shawnee-on-Delaware, will implement new automated, computer controlled and self-adjusting snow guns on all of their 23 slopes and trails for better conditions and a longer ski season. Shawnee will also feature a newly located terrain park stretching over 3,000 feet and a wider, steeper half-pipe. Internet access will now be available in the Hope & Trepp Lodge.
- Ski Big Bear, in Lackawaxen, has expanded their snow park, adding four exciting new elements for skiers and snowboarders. New renovations and upgrades have been done to improve lighting, snowmaking equipment, and groomers. An expanded parking area and refurbished food service center have been added.
Effective November 1, 2004, Poconoski.com returned with a brand new design and information on snow sports, ski and stay packages, snowboarding, snow tubing, interactive maps, and more.
Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at 800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (762-6667). The Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Inc. is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.