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BY BOB WILLIAMS
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING
Sure, all the big guns in downhill skiing think nothing of zooming down the slopes at Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy, or at Sun Valley out West, or at Whiteface Mountain here at Lake Placid. To them, skiing is a mere bag of shells.
But have you ever wondered where the experts learned to ski or snowboard? The answer is as clear as the ski goggles covering your face: they probably began at a much smaller local ski area.
New Jersey and Pennsylvania offer several nearby mountain resorts that are magnificent for the entire family. Each also provides instruction for all levels as well as full snowsport packages. And, of course, little ones can simply enjoy building a snowfort or snowfamily with their own families. And they all have lodges for relaxing, enjoying winter beverages and conviviality. Several are located in or nearby towns for shopping and dining at local restaurants.
Following is a listing of local ski and snowboard areas. Instead of traveling five hours to Vermont or New Hampshire, why not make a family day-trip out of the sport?Campgaw Mountain
200 Campgaw Rd., Mahwah, N.J.
201-327-7800 www.skicampgaw.com
Campgaw Mountain is billed as New Jersey's premier ski, snowboarding and tubing destination location in Northern Bergen County. As such, it is the closest ski resort to the New York metropolitan area. Campgaw Mountain provides 100 percent snowmaking capabilities and a variety of skiing and snowboarding terrain for all ability levels plus short lift lines and uncrowded trails, as well as eight scenic cross-county trails. Campgaw Mountain provides state-of-the-art rental equipment, skiing and snowboarding instruction for all ages and even a snowsports camp. Season passes and group rates are available.
High Point Cross County Ski Center
1480 Rt. 23, Sussex, N.J.
973-702-1222 www.xcskihighpoint.com
Located at the northern tip of New Jersey, the High Point Cross Country Ski Center features more than 1,600 feet in elevation and a picturesque alpine hollow of lakes, trees, wildlife and sweeping vistas. Here, skiers can partake of more than 15 km of trails, including 60 percent beginner, 15 percent intermediate and 25 percent expert. Special trails for children and handicapped or visually impaired skiers are part of the ski center. An 8 km trail is designated for snowshoeing - and on it you'll pass the highest point in the state. Enjoy a number of special events, including the annual Ski Fest (Sunday, Feb. 7).
Mountain Creek
200 Route 94, Vernon, N.J.
973-827-2000 www.mountaincreek.com
Mountain Creek is a resplendent arena for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. The state's largest ski facility, it features high-quality snowmaking and lighting across 45 trails that are serviced by 11 lifts with a 1,040-ft. vertical drop and breathtaking views. Mountain Creek is also known for having the largest terrain park in the East. For families or romantic getaways, Mountain Creek contains luxurious townhouse-style accommodations at Black Creek Sanctuary or at the slopeside Appalachian Hotel which can host small groups and meetings. Free ski and board checks are available resort-wide. Rental equipment and professional lessons also available. Visit the website for play-and-stay packages.
The Hidden Valley Club
44 Breakneck Rd., Vernon, N.J.
The semi-private Hidden Valley Club (yes, it's open to the public, too) caters to families and provides beautiful acreage for skiing and snowboarding. The mountain features 15 trails, three chair lifts and one tow, and has 100 percent snowmaking capability. It sports night skiing, too. Hidden Valley provides its Snowsport School for children and adults at any level of skiing and snowboarding, and its SkiWee program for children, starting at age 4, is a popular attraction. More serious skiers can join the Hidden Valley mountain race program. The Hidden Valley Club features a cozy lodge that contains the Hickory Sticks Grill restaurant. Group discount packages are available.
Blue Mountain Ski Area
P.O. Box 218, Palmerton, Pa.
610-826-7700 www.skibluemt.com
With a 1,082-ft. vertical drop, 30 trails and 10 lifts, Blue Mountain Ski Resort is a popular facility that features night skiing and excellent snowmaking capabilities. Blue Mountain contains the Summit Lodge and Valley Lodge, plus numerous conveniences and services that include rentals, free babysitting, equipment repair, food and beverages and more. Blue Mountain offers its Snow Sports School with a variety of learning packages for skiing and snowboarding; the Valley School, with its triple chairlift and conveyor lift, is specifically for beginner ski lessons or any level snowboarding lesson. Children can enjoy the Explorers program for half or full days.
Camelback Ski Resort
P.O. Box 168 I-80, Exit 299, Tannersville, Pa.
570-629-1661 www.skicamelback.com
Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Camelback Mountain Resort is fun for the entire family for skiing, snowboarding and especially snowtubing. It offers single tubes, double tubes and tube chains, giving you the opportunity to tube up with four or five other riders. Camelback features two magic carpet lifts, 18 single and double chutes — and a friendly staff. Upcoming events for parents include the Captain Morgan Weekend (Feb. 13-14), and for families the Mid-Atlantic Snowboard Series Halfpipe (Sunday, Feb. 28).
Elk Mountain Ski Resort
RR #2, Box 3328, Union Dale, Pa.
570-679-4400 www.elkskier.com
Located near the Northern Region of the Poconos, Elk Mountain Ski Resort makes great snow — and has smaller crowds. It is suitable for both first-time and established skiers and snowboarders. The Elk Mountain Ski School, with more than 75 instructors, holds membership in the Professional Ski Instructors of America. Elk Mountain offers a racing program, mogul clinics and special Women's Day programs for beginner through expert. Seasonal programs are offered for freestyle, adult ski improvement and junior racing.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Box 339 Hollow Rd, I-80, Exit 309
Shawnee on Delaware, Pa.
570-421-7231 www.shawneemt.com
Shawnee Mountain, a Poconos ski resort, provides many fun family activities and packages: it features 23 slopes, night skiing, half pipe, terrain park, Alpine skiing, tubing, and snowboarding with pipes and rails. Upcoming Shawnee Mountain events include the Homeschool Winter Fun Getaway (for homeschool families, today and tomorrow, Jan. 28-29), Take Your Daughter/Son to the Snow Week (Feb. 1-5), Giant Slalom Race Against Cancer (Saturday, Feb. 6) and Shawnee Winter Carnival Day (Sunday, Feb. 21).
SHORT SCHUSSES: For the 37th consecutive year, Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl is hosting one of the most unusual ski races to be found anywhere, as members of the New York City Fire Department make their annual trip to Hunter. Next Tuesday, Feb. 2, teams of five firefighters dressed in full turn-out gear — that includes regulation coat and fire helmet — attempt to navigate through a race course while strung out along a standard 50-ft. fire hose. The race is open to any New York City firefighter. Winners of Tuesday's race have the chance to race in the East Coast Firefighter's Race on Wednesday for the East Coast Championship. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. Then on Wednesday, Feb. 3, it's the 28th anniversary of the East Coast Firefighters Race. This day is open to any paid or volunteer fire company OUTSIDE New York City. ... Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vt., has opened Broken Arrow, a gladed terrain park with all-natural features made from fallen timber. ... If snowboarding is up your alley, head for the new 500-foot-long super pipe — longest in the East — at Stratton Mountain Resort, Vermont. It's the ideal way to perfect your double corkscrews before the Olympic Games next month. ... Campus capers: Thursdays are "College Carload Daze" at Burke Mountain Ski Area in East Burke, Vt. College students can ski or ride at Burke for just $40 a carload!
