Day Trip to Camelback Mountain Resort
Here we are, in the heart of winter! For those who crave cold-weather sports and activities, especially the chance to romp in the snow, ski the slopes, or go tubing down a slippery hill – all without having to get on a plane to head to Colorado – nearby Camelback Mountain Resort has just what you seek for a fun day trip or a weekend getaway. The 2013-2014 winter season marks the 50th anniversary of the resort, which has welcomed millions of loyal guests over its long history.
Located in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, it’s an easy and direct two-hour drive from the Monmouth County area, heading up to Route 287 and then west on Route 80 across the Delaware Water Gap. Camelback has garnered numerous awards and accolades year after year and is considered to be the best ski resort in the Poconos, held in great esteem not just by locals in the tri-state area, but by visitors from throughout the country, as well. The resort offers summertime diversions, also, with the enormously popular Camelbeach waterpark – but for now, we’ll focus on the winter offerings.
Boasting 166 acres, an 800-foot vertical terrain, 34 slopes (all of them lighted for night skiing), 16 lifts, and the biggest snowtubing park in the country with up to 42 lanes, Camelback is the largest ski resort in the Pocono region. Its well-maintained runs and state-of-the-art snow making machines (supplementing the 50 inches of average annual snowfall) keep the action going all winter long, with plenty of room to accommodate both skiers and snowboarders alike.
Snowboarders have access to a lighted terrain park and a half-pipe reserved just for them, while the perhaps more tame joys of rides in giant tubes are a favorite of families with kids of all ages. A variety of instructional classes are available to help turn beginners into pros – or at least, for the more uncoordinated among us, to help keep you stay vertical while riding the forces of gravity! Of the trails, 9% are rated Expert Level, 26% are Most Difficult, 26% are More Difficult, and 39% are Easier.
A truly unique thrill found here is Pennsylvania’s only Mountain Coaster, a 4,500-foot-long ride that races down a steel track, zooming through trees and down the steep slopes. No need to be a skier or snowboarder for this, although you may want to bring your sense of adventure!
Forgot something at home? Stop in at The Loft Ski & Snowboard Shop at Camelback Mountain Resort, right next to the Big Pocono Family Eatery. The Loft is a full service ski and snowboard retail shop, with all the equipment and accessories you may need. There are plentiful equipment rentals, lockers, and changing facilities, as well. And when all that fun and excitement works up an appetite, Camelback offers an assortment of dining options, with everything from a quick snack to a sit-down meal in nine different eating establishments, and many menu options to accommodate special dietary requirements.
If you’d like to turn your day trip into an overnight stay, there are plenty of accommodations in the area to choose from, with hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, resorts, and more.
In honor of the 50th anniversary celebration, Camelback is planning an epic year that will also include bigger bands, more extravagant parties, fireworks, and torch light parades, plus contests and prizes. The online calendar offers a complete listing of dates for special promotions, races, fundraisers, demonstrations, and more, plus pricing and discounts for every combination of activities.
In season, regular operating hours (subject to change, including holidays, so call to check for a conditions report and details on hours on the day of your visit) are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
To see all that Camelback Mountain Resort has to offer for a perfect winter outing, visit their website at www.skicamelback.com or call them at (570) 629-1661.
