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Photo by U.S. Department of Agriculture
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The weather this winter has been unseasonably warm, and while you may not be complaining, you may also be missing the comfort that normal December temperatures bring. To get your fix, pack up the family and head to a local ski resort. The snow may be artificial, but it will definitely help you beat those winter blues.
Spring Mountain Adventures
Just over an hour outside of Wilmington is Spring Mountain Adventures, a family-friendly place where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, rock climbing, geocaching, downhill biking and zipline canopy tours. Spring Mountain features eight trails, two snow-tubing runs and four lifts. This is also a great place for beginning skiers or snowboarders of all ages. A variety of lessons are offered including group lessons, private lessons and adult lessons. After a long day on the slopes, you can make your way over to the Woodside Lodge, a nine-room bed and breakfast, for a bite to eat or to catch some zzzs.
Rates start at $38 for weekdays and $48 for weekends; several discounted packages and specials are available. Spring Mountain caters to all ages, offering free lift tickets for those over age 70 and under age 5.
757 Spring Mt Rd.
Schwenksville, PA
610-287-7900
www.springmountainadventures.com
Bear Creek Mountain Resort
About 90 minutes from Wilmington is Bear Creek Mountain Resort, where you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding on over 86 acres of slopes and trails. The 21 trails range in difficulty, ensuring fun for every skill level. At the peak of the mountain, you will be 1,100 feet above sea level. The “Sasquatch” trail attracts daredevils with its daunting 50 percent slope. Private lessons are available, or you can share a lesson with family members and friends. The beautiful Hotel at Bear Creek, located at the base of the mountain, offers a fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs.
Various lift ticket rates are offered. Adult four-hour tickets run $42 on weekdays and $55 on weekends, with the option to upgrade to an all-day ticket or downgrade to an evening ticket. Youth/senior four-hour tickets are $36 on weekdays and $47 on weekends. Bear Creek also invites anyone over age 70 and under age 5 to ski for free.
101 Doe Mountain Ln.
Macungie, PA
866-754-2822
www.bcmountainresort.com
Blue Mountain
In a couple hours or less, you can be at one of the best ski resorts in all of Pennsylvania. Blue Mountain features the state’s highest vertical drop of 1,082 feet. Enjoy over 164 acres, 39 trails and a 1,543-foot elevation. As daunting as those statistics may sound, Blue Mountain is also a beginner-friendly destination. With the largest beginner terrain in the tri-state area—as well as private and group lessons offered at the Snow Sports Learning Center—the whole family is bound to have a blast. If you’re looking for relaxation, Blue Mountain has you covered. For delectable food and breathtaking views, you’ll definitely want to check out any of the 12 dining locations and various lodging options that Blue Mountain has to offer.
Blue Mountain offers a wide range of lift ticket options. On weekdays, six-hour lift tickets are $55 for adults and $45 for youths. On weekends, six-hour tickets run $70 for adults and $55 for youths. Night lift tickets are offered at a cheaper price. Ski, ride, and unwind tickets, which include a $15 food voucher, are also available. And anyone over age 70 or under age 5 can ski for free.
1660 Blue Mountain Drive
Palmerton, PA
610-826-7700
www.skibluemt.com