A Guide To Shawnee Mountain

SHAWNEE MOUNTAIN
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
http://www.shawneemt.com/index.html

Skiing and riding is a family affair at the venerable Shawnee Mountain which traces its roots back to the turn-of-the-century Shawnee Inn. That the last century, of course. Now separated from the Inn, but partnered for classic ski vacations, Shawnee Mountain and its picturesque surroundings along the Delaware River is a total resort with an emphasis on new and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Here's what you'll find.

The Mountain rises 700 vertical feet. That's the difference between base and summit if you rode an elevator straight down. It's about mid range for Pocono Mountain snow sports venues. But the trails and slopes are carved to provide a nearly mile-long run over scenic cruising terrain. Shawnee holds 23 trails and slopes with a pair of terrain parks, one for beginners, the other for intermediate to advanced riders. It's all serviced by 10 lifts including a detachable quad and 4 magic carpet lifts. The carpets are conveyor belts, designed to get youngsters on the hill without scrambling onto a moving chair.

The mountain is contoured in a semi circle facing the main lodge with easy access on skis to all of the lifts and terrain. Advanced skiers and riders head to a quartet of slopes that surround the detachable quad, just to the left of the lodge. Beginners find their dedicated slopes to the right. That's also where you'll find six snow tubing chutes, Go single or go in twos on tandem tubes for an exhilarating plunge down the hill. A pair of magic carpets get you to the launch.

Shawnee is one of the few winter resorts in the state that boasts a dormitory style lodge at the summit. By day it's an eating and watering hole with a large deck, overlooking the slopes for outdoor dining. After the lights go out on night sliding, it becomes a bunkroom for groups.

Shawnee maintains a large stock of rental equipment in an easy to navigate rental shop and a highly regarded professional ski school that specializes in children's programs.

The main lodge serves up an impressive output of rib-sticking cafeteria eats and has a sports style bar and dining room for folks who want to linger over lunch.

The mountain is surrounded by rental housing from condominiums to accommodate up to 10, to the stately Shawnee Inn with nearly 100 rooms, popular restaurant, regular weekend entertainment, ice skating and nearby horse back riding.

What it costs: Adult open-to-close lift tickets are $43 mid-week, $50 weekends. Youth (18 & under) $32 midweek, $36 weekends. Seniors (62 -69) pay $33 midweek, $36 weekends. Seniors 70 and over ski free. For packages prices, rental and lesson costs go to: http://www.shawneemt.com/tickets-passes/lift_tickets.html

Getting there: From Philadelphia: (2 hours) Take the Route 476 N to Route 22 East exit in Allentown. Follow Route 22 East to Route 33 North into I-80 East to PA Exit 309 (Old Exit 52), Route 209 North and follow Shawnee Mountain signs.