Getaway Guide To Elk Mountain
THE MOUNTAIN
At 1,000 vertical feet, nearly every inch of it is downhill terrain. It combines steep headwalls with gradually easing slopes and trails. Some of the 27 runs offer scenic cruising, others vary in width and pitch for summit to base variable turns. You'll find bumps and ballroom conditions - the challenge and forgiveness of skiing and riding for every comfort level. Two terrain parks are in the mix, all served by 7 lifts. The mountain holds runs that stretch to a mile-and-a-half. The most popular run here is "Susquehanna", a steep headwall on a wide slope overlooking the lodge. It offers true black diamond sliding. If there are no races on tap, head for "Slalom", just to the left (looking up). The same pitch and challenge in a wooded setting offers a less traveled path. Trails around either edge provide the long cruising runs while "Tunkhannock" is the spot for mogul planted turns on a broad, steep headwall. A little less than half the terrain is lighted for night skiing. For beginners there are special package plans that include beginner lift tickets, rental equipment and a lesson. All the tariffs are here: http://www.elkskier.com/tickets-passes/lift-tickets
SKI SCHOOL
Because of the variety of terrain at Elk, skiers and riders can boost their skill levels or develop new skills in bumps and steep or move up from intermediate to advanced with a Ski School lesson package. An hour private lesson can also get you familiar with the mountain, have a professional certified instructor evaluate your performance while avoiding lift lines. Elk has long been known to work wonders with kids. My own daughter took lessons here from the time she was 5. Group lessons are formed by ability levels, so the entire class can move along at the same pace. Group instruction is $35 an hour, private lessons are $94. All the lesson plans and packages are right here: http://www.elkskier.com/lessons/ski-school
RENTAL EQUIPMENT
Elk Mountain has a fully stocked ski and snowboard rental shop and lockers to stow your gear at the main lodge. On busy weekends it's best to arrive early to beat the crowd. Check out the prices here: http://www.elkskier.com/tickets-passes/rentals
EATS AND SIPS
The Lodge at Elk Mountain holds two unique eateries - a cafeteria with an extensive ski food spread in a setting that offers a mountain view, picnic tables, hooks and cubbies to stow gear bags. The Winter Garden Restaurant is a high quality, full service dining spot with a menu that rivals many Philly favorites. It's a two story setting that towers to the summit of a cathedral ceiling with eye-filling views of the slopes. A lively downstairs bar with weekend entertainment is a popular spot for before dinner drinks. Lunch and dinner is combined in a single priced menu that ranges from burgers, salads and winter warming chili to steaks and popular fin food. Eyeball the menu here: http://www.elkskier.com/homepage/dining-general-services-and-antiques/winter-garden-restaurant
LODGING
Elk has no lodging on the property, But 3 nearby spots where I've stayed provide accommodations and tempting eateries and bars.
The Stone Bridge Inn is about a mile from the mountain and offers comfy rooms in a wooded backdrop, enhanced by a popular restaurant and tavern http://www.stone-bridge-inn.com/
A long time favorite, The Crystal Lake Hotel, 8 miles from the mountain offers up lodging, a wonderful Italian kitchen, paired with a bar and lounge that brings together skiers and locals. The spot to dine here is in the fireplace warmed lounge. But reserve your table, because there are only 5 in the room. http://www.crystal-lake-hotel.com/
Another favorite is Fern Hall Inn, also on Crystal Lake. It was once the country retreat of the Johnson and Johnson family. It's elegant rooms are all period furnished.You can cross-country ski on the property and breakfast is included. http://www.fernhallinn.com/
GETTING THERE
Use the N.E. Extension (Route 476) to Exit 131 (formerly Exit 39), then I-81 North to Exit 206 (formerly Exit 63) to Route 374 East. Depending on your Philadelphia area location, it can take between 2 and 3 hours of driving time.
Enjoy!