- Skiers of all abilities can enjoy Pennsylvania's ski resorts.skiing powder image by joseph pankey from Fotolia.com
Pennsylvania is known for the historical significance of Philadelphia and the quiet life of its Amish residents, but perhaps people are overlooking its ski areas. Many of the state's ski resorts not only offer downhill skiing and snowboarding, but snow tubing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Some are even open throughout the year, offering four seasons of outdoor fun. - If you are looking for adventurous skiing and snowboarding, head to Camelback Ski Area in Tannersville, less than two hours north of Philadelphia. Explore the new ski and snowboard terrain park or try single and doubles snow tubing. Camelback is a sure-fire bet for folks looking to enroll in the "Burton Learn to Ride" courses, as Camelback is the only ski area in the state to offer the courses. Kids ages 3 and up can take snowboarding lessons, while 6- to 12-year-olds can participate in all-day downhill ski instruction. If visiting Camelback in the summer, try the Segway tours of the mountain or the Camelbeach waterpark.
Relax at night at the on-site Chateau Resort at the base of the mountain. Unwind in the resort's heated indoor pool and then have dinner at the Mountainview Bar and Grille. There are many on-site dining options, from snacks at the Tubing Park Snack Shack to cafeteria-style meals at the Big Pocono Family Eatery.
Camelback Ski Area
1 Camelback Rd.
Tannersville, PA 18372
570-629-1661
skicamelback.com - For year-round outdoor fun, head to Eagle Rock Resort in Hazleton. Eagle Rock's winter fun includes 14 trails for downhill skiing, a 1,000-foot half pipe for snowboarding, a skating rink and a hill strictly for snow tubing. Warmer weather activities include horseback riding, golfing or swimming in one of the two pools.
Eagle Rock has multiple lodging and dining options as well. Winter guests can stay at the Inn at Eagle Rock; its location at the top of the slopes enables guests to ski in and out of their rooms. Larger groups and families can stay in the spacious two-bedroom town houses. For a casual meal any time of day, try the Clubhouse Restaurant, or for a quick lunch or dinner after hitting the slopes, try the Panorama Grill.
Eagle Rock Resort
1031 Valley of Lakes
Hazleton, PA 18202
888-384-6660
eaglerockresort.com - First-time and seasoned skiers should head to Liberty Mountain Resort in Carroll Valley. Adults and kids over the age of 8 who are new to downhill skiing and snowboarding can take classes. Plus, kids as young as age 4 can take lessons at the “Children's Learning Center.” For experienced skiers and snowboarders, there are 16 trails with skill levels that range from easy to extremely difficult; they can also take on the terrain park. Other options include the climbing wall or zip-line, both part of the “Challenge Course.” Should the kids not want to ski or snowboard, the learning center provides year-round child care with activities such as arts and crafts and free play.
The on-site Liberty Mountain Hotel offers 41 guest rooms, some with balconies. Each guest can start the day with a complimentary continental breakfast. Other year-round dining options include breakfast, lunch and dinner at the three dining rooms at the Clubhouse Building. Winter-only options include the slope-side Starbucks cafe, the snacks and baked goods at the Alpine Market and a sit-down dinner with drinks at McKee's Tavern.
Liberty Mountain Resort
78 Country Club Trail
Carroll Valley, PA 17320
717-642-8282
skiliberty.com - For four seasons of fun, try Hidden Valley Resort in Hidden Valley. The resort offers 70 ski-able acres with 28 trails as well as an area for snowboarding. If visiting during warmer months, try the 18-hole golf course or explore all the options around Lake George, such as paddle boating and fishing.
Spend the night at the on-site Four Seasons Lodges or rent a nearby fully furnished vacation home that can accommodate anywhere from four to 11 people. Enjoy Sunday brunch at the Clock Tower Restaurant or a meal any time of day at Mulligans Bar & Grill. Other options include the Falling Leaf Restaurant and Black Diamond Pub and Grill, located at the resort's Outback Park.
Hidden Valley Resort
One Craighead Dr.
Hidden Valley, PA 15502
814-443-8000
hiddenvalleyresort.com - For a day of skiing or a day of pampering at the spa, head to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, less than an hour southwest of Farmington. Ski or snowboard the seven slopes at the resort's Mystic Mountain or try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can also receive a relaxing facial or massage at the on-site Woodlands Spa or use the spa's heated indoor pool. Nemacolin offers guests the chance to get in touch with their wild sides at the on-site Wildlife Academy. In the winter, reserve your chance to go dog sledding with a team of their sled dogs or spend a summer's day on a safari tour and see the academy's collection of lions, alligators, monkeys and a zebra.
Guests have their choice of overnight accommodations. Spend the night in one of the French-inspired guest rooms at the Chateau Lafayette or in the Lodge, which was once a private gaming reserve. You could even park your recreational vehicle (RV) at the on-site Maggie Valley RV Park. Guests also have their choice of dining options, from casual fare at the Hungry Moose Cafe in the Sundial Ski Lodge or an upscale meal any time of day at the Autumn restaurant.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
1001 Lafayette Dr.
Farmington, PA 15437
800-422-2736
nemacolin.com
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