Getaway Guide To Camelback Mountain

The story told in a decades old book about how Camelback got its name recalls that the view of the mountain, site of a small ski area called, "Big Pocono" looked like the humps on a Camel. So when the men with the money from Philadelphia got together with the men with the vision from Stroudsburg, the name Camelback was born. More than half-century later it has become the largest 4 season resort in the Poconos with an emphasis on skiing and snowboarding. Let's take the tour.

CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN RESORT

With the recent addition of a mountainside lodge and indoor water park, Camelback Mountain has become a total all-weather winter playground studded with restaurants and bars and a major snow tubing park, complete with light show.

TRAILS, SLOPES AND PARKS

This 800 vertical foot mountain cradles 34 trails and slopes including 5 dedicated to terrain park action. Many of the trail names reflect the "Camelback theme - "Hump", "Bactrian", "Nile Mile", "Cleopatra", "Julius Caesar" - you get the idea. The interconnecting complex is powered by 14 lifts including 2 hi-speed quads. An additional 2 carpet lifts carry tubers to a whopping 42 lanes of snow tube exhilaration. The mountain holds 2 dedicated learning slopes and a racing trail. My favorite trails: The "Nile Mile" for cruising, "Pocono Raceway" for constant pitch, "Big Pocono" for moderate challenge and Marjie's Delight" for showing off (which I no longer do)

SKI SCHOOL

Camelback pioneered innovative children's programs by following a concept that if kids feel they're playing in the snow rather than being schooled, they'll learn faster and retain their new skills, longer. Today 1/2-day beginner lessons keep youngsters engaged. They also free parents to enjoy time on their own favorite trails. Adult lessons concentrate on extending skills for beginner to advanced riders and skiers. The school also offers a racing program and adaptive skiing.

RENTAL SHOP

The well stocked rental shop offers familiar name high performance skis, boards, boots, poles and helmets in a spacious, easy to navigate area. The mountain feature a variety of combination plans that include rentals. A retail shop in the main lodge can fill-in if you forgot to schlep along gloves and goggles.

EATING AND SIPPING

"The Thirsty Camel" is the hot gathering spot for pub grub and beyond in a full service restaurant with a lively bar and weekend entertainment. Family cafeteria dining can be found at 2 settings in the main Lodge, serving breakfast through dinner. The East Side Pitstop features a craving-inducing carving station. The Cameltop Lodge at the summit is the perfect lunch break stop for sandwiches and beer without leaving the trails. Take in a spectacular Pocono mountaintop view and a glimpse straight down two of Camelback's most challenging slopes. The Glen Lodge has gained a reputation for classic smoked barbecue and intimate sippery in a rhododendron glen setting. For a grab and run nosh, there's a pizza stall and a pair of waffle cabins, one at the tubing park.

CAMELBACK LODGING

Make yourself at home in the new hotel and Aquatopia Water Park with 153 suites. Seven pools and 13 waterslides are a blast for the kids, while mom and dad can relax in a combination of eateries, bars and lounges with ski-in, ski-out convenience.

WHAT IT COSTS

Skiing and riding: http://www.skicamelback.com/tickets-passes/lift-tickets/
Tubing: http://www.skicamelback.com/snowtubing/snowtubing-tickets/
Equipment Rentals: http://www.skicamelback.com/lessons-equipment/equipment-rentals/
Adult lessons: http://www.skicamelback.com/lessons-equipment/adult-lessons/
Children lessons: http://www.skicamelback.com/lessons-equipment/kids-lesson-packages/

GETTING THERE

Most map apps recommend taking the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike to Lehigh Valley Exit 56, Route 22 East to Route 33 North to I-80 West. Take Exit 299 Tannersville, and follow the signs to Camelback.

Not sure why I take a different route, except it seems an easier run, I just stay on the turnpike to the Pocono exit and jump on I-80 east to Tannersville.

Enjoy!