Getaway Guide To Camelback Mountain Resort
Forty years ago, an enthusiastic ski instructor pointed me down the then steepest slope at Camelback Mountain, reminded me of the mogul field and said, "just sing on your way down, it'll be a breeze." I sang. But "Marjie's Delight" wasn't a breeze, although the run was exhilarating. Today, Marjie's is still among the slopes to challenge at one of Pennsylvania's most diverse skiing and riding mountains. And it's directly under the summit lodge, in full view of skiers gathered for a mid-day break. So what can skiers and surfers at all levels expect from Camelback today? Let's take a thumbnail tour. – Jay Lloyd
THE MOUNTAIN
The mountain is carved with 34 slopes and trails, served by 14 lifts including a pair of high-speed quads. Six terrain parks stud the mountain with dynamic features and jumps. There's slightly more intermediate terrain, but Camelback is known for a wide variety of long and steep runs plus mile-long green circle trails for novices and upwardly mobile novice skiers. Two dedicated beginner slopes with their own lifts provide an easy to learn portal for both snowboarding and skiing. There's a vertical drop (straight line height of summit over base) of just over 1,000 feet and the mountain is lighted for night skiing. Check out the trail map to plan your routes: www.skicamelback.com/Docs/camelback-trailmap-winter15-16.pdf
TRAIL STRATEGY
Knowing what part of a mountain to ski at any time during the day can really enhance the experience. At Camelback, I begin when the lifts do and head straight to the eastern slopes and trails. The best warm-up run here, which is ideal for intermediate level skiers and riders as well as upper level novices is "Nile Mile." The trail is long and varied. For top skill skiers, the steepest and most challenging run on the mountain is "Cliffhanger, right off the "Stevenson" Quad. This eastern side of the mountain get it's lightest traffic and best conditions in the early morning hours. Then move over to the western side, for a few runs before lunch. "Marjie's" and the Rocket provide black diamond fun in the bumps. "Big Pocono" is the slope for upper level intermediate skiers. Novices find long and varied runs on "Julius Caesar", "Upper Marc Antony" and the "Birches". Weekdays provide the best skiing and riding. Weekends are best in early morning.
SKI AND SNOWBOARD SCHOOL
Camelback was a pioneer is children's learning programs. You'll find half-day lesson programs for kids as young as 4, along with group and private lessons. Adult lessons range from 1-1/2 hour group lessons to private coaching and racing. Basic adult group lessons cost $35 and packages are available that include lessons, rental equipment and lift tickets. All the ski school prices can be found here: www.skicamelback.com/skiing-pa.aspx
SNOW TUBING
Camelback boasts the largest snow tubing complex in Pennsylvania with 42 chutes of night and day action.
WHAT IT COSTS
Adult open to close lift tickets are $53 midweek, $67 on weekend with discounts for seniors, children and military personnel. Check all the lift tag rates here: www.skicamelback.com/ski-resort-pennsylvania.aspx
Rental equipment: Open to close ski and snowboard packages run $39. Find all the rental rates at: www.skicamelback.com/ski-rentals-poconos.aspx
Snowtubing: Three hour sessions are $35. All rates are here: www.skicamelback.com/snow-tubing-pa.aspx
SIPS AND CHOMPS
Camelback has a blizzard of eateries and bars including a brand new ski-in, ski-out restaurant at the new Camelback Lodge. Favorite chow and watering holes here are the Thirsty Camel for the young party crowd. It fuses a lively bar, solid pub grub and weekend entertainment in the main base lodge. I like the Glen Lodge Smokehouse for smoked meat, weekend entertainment, a laurel glen setting and off-the-beaten-track intimacy. The Cameltop Lodge is a wonderful spot to take a luncheon break on the mountain with a spectacular Pocono view, ski area fare and ski-in, ski-out convenience. A trio of cafeterias are ideal for families and groups on the go.
LODGING
The new Camelback Lodge at the mountain base opened its doors last spring and is now taking guests for the first winter season. It includes an indoor water park., bars, eateries and spa. Over 450 rooms and suites are available in configurations for couples, families or groups.
The Chateau is a familiar and popular hotel within a 1/4 mile of the mountain/ Private homes and condos, available for rent are adjacent to and across the road from the trails. Other nearby accommodations in a wide price range are within a few miles of the mountain.
GETTING THERE
From Philadelphia:
Take I-476 (NE Extension of the PA Turnpike) North to Lehigh Valley Exit 56 Route 22 East to Route 33 North to I-80 West, get off at Exit 299 Tannersville and follow the signs to Camelback.
I find it easier to just stay on the turnpike and get off at the Pocono exit, then head east on I-80 to Tannersville and follow the signs.
Enjoy!
