Getaway Guide To PA Spring Ski Carnivals
It is my favorite month for Pocono Mountain Skiing. Bulky parkas are left in the locker, sunscreen comes out. The snow softens and long lazy turns create a rhythm on skis. Beer and burgers are consumed on sun drenched decks between runs. Then there are the mountain carnivals as skiers and riders compete in zany antics from cardboard box races to pond skimming. And, you've got the costumes. So, when and where do we find winter festivals in the nearby Poconos this season? Follow me. – Jay Lloyd
BLUE MOUNTAIN
1660 Blue Mountain Drive
Palmerton, PA 18071
www.skibluemt.com
The date is still a mystery, but pond skimming will capture the attention of costumed onlookers on the final day of the season. In case you don't know, pond skimming is the wild hope of skiers and riders that they can get up enough speed on a snow covered ramp to carry their boards and slats, skimming across a chilly pond. Needless to say, most take a riotous plunge. Keep an eye on the Blue Mountain web site for a date, dust off a costume and get ready for some laughs. If you're ready to try it, registration begins at 10am for the 1 o'clock launch.
SHAWNEE MOUNTAIN
Hollow Rd.
Shawnee-on-Delaware 18356
www.shawneemt.com/index.htm
Save March 20th for a Shawnee Mountain tradition that has taken on all the rivalry of a Mummers Parade. But the costumed parade at Shawnee is on skis and boards -and on the snow. Regulars return year after year to vie for best costume awards. A lot of pirates show up. The incentive? Arrive in full costume (more than an eye patch or a parrot perched on a shoulder) and get a free lift ticket for the day.
CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN
301 Resort Drive
Tannersville, PA 18372
www.skicamelback.mobi
The Camelback Spring bash is an uninhibited romp on snow that spans two days on March 19th and 20th. It a "Hellzapoppin' " weekend on snow that launches a popular Cardboard Box Derby, Pond Skimming, a massive tailgate party with music, food, drink and high flying prizes. Reserved tailgating spots go for $20 and all the money raised goes to charity. If you have an RV, bring it. You'll pay for two spots, but it's a cozy place to unwind at the mountain base. Check out all the action here: www.skicamelback.com/images/events/Event_20161702161107.pdf
JACK FROST
434 Jack Frost Mountain Road
White Haven, PA 18661
www.jfbb.com
Spring competition propels the action at the Jack Frost terrain park on Sunday March 6th. Skiers and riders take on the "One Park" challenge to begin the winter wind-down. Enter or watch. Then head for the popular lodge sippery, "E-2000" for the music, dancing and bar scene with a view of the summit.
BIG BOULDER
357 Big Boulder Drive
Lake Harmony, PA 18624
www.jfbb.com
If you're into heavy duty challenge or maybe not so much, head for Big Boulder and the March madness known as "Hell Track". Actually, it's two tracks for different skill levels. Each competitor gets two runs while trying to slide off with prizes that include the jingle of cold cash. Then the lodge heats things up at party time. There goes the winner's cash. The date is March 12th.
Tips: March can bring incredible temperature swings. Dress in layers and stake out a locker to stash clothes as you peel layer after layer. Make sure your pants are water resistant. Spring snow is wet. Carry sunscreen. Use tinted goggles or sun glasses. But use caution because they can obscure some terrain features that are normally outlined by shadows and light. Look for bargains. They are everywhere from lift to lodging.
Enjoy!
