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Getaway Guide To Spring Mountain

Skiers and riders travel. That's what you do if you want to find good snow, fantastic vistas and dynamic settings. When Delaware Valley sliders meet each other in New England, the Rockies or the Alps, they usually have one thing in common. They most likely took their first runs at Spring Mountain in central Montgomery County. It's just close enough to home to be an easy evening trip with friends, family or school groups. And it's been in the teaching business for more than half-a-century. "What's there?" you might ask. Here's the profile. – Jay Lloyd

Spring Mountain
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

THE MOUNTAIN

The compact trail system was carved for learning and advancing. The 8 interconnecting slopes and trails fueled by 4 lifts allows skiers and riders to put together runs of over 2,200 feet on changing terrain that goes from easy cruising to bumps over a moderately steep pitch. Look for terrain park features planted around the mountain. The area has two unique faces. Above the lodge, you'll find learning slopes on easy and moderate downhill terrain. The back side of the mountain offers more difficult runs that include bumps, steeper pitch and enough challenge to propel advancing skiers to their next level. The entire area is lighted for night skiing.

WHAT IT COSTS

All-Day Adult lift tags are $38 midweek and $48 on weekends. Evening tickets go for $30, weekdays and weekends. There are discounts for seniors and military personnel. Kids under 5 and seniors over 70 ski free. Also look for nightly special discounts. Fourth-graders attending area schools can be signed up for a special program that allows them free skiing and riding for the season. www.springmountainadventures.com/fourth-graders-free
Equipment package rentals are $28 mid-week and $33 on weekends. Check out all the rates here: www.springmountainadventures.com/daily-rates

Spring Mountain
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

TRAIL STRATEGY

Skiers and riders can put together a long warm-up run by taking the main lift above the lodge to the summit. Ski a third of the way down on the left side of the main slope and keep an eye out for "Hawk". It's a connecting trail that takes you to the more challenging back side. Enjoy the variety and then return to the front face via a long run to the base over the wooded "Buck" run.

SKI SCHOOL

The Spring Mountain Ski School has taught generations of skiers and riders the basics and beyond. School groups make regular trips, some as school-day field trips to learn and improve snow-sport skills. The learning center here is staffed by professionally certified instructors including teachers trained to work with young children. Adult group and private lessons are available daily. Group instruction is priced at $40 a lesson, Private sessions are $85. Packages are available that include rental equipment and lift tickets. The popular weekday after school program for 6 to 14 year olds has now been expanded to include Saturdays. See all the ski and snowboard lesson options and the cost here: www.springmountainadventures.com/lessons

SNOW TUBING

Snow tubing is available on weekday nights and weekends. The mountain features solo tubes operating on 2 chutes, served by a Magic Carpet lift. Weekend sessions are three-and-a-half hours and priced at $29. Weeknight tubing launches in 4 hour sessions at $24 each. Spring Mountain cautions that tickets do sell out, often in advance and suggests calling 610-287-7900 to check on status of the chutes and ticket availability.

Spring Mountain
Spring Mountain File Photo (Credit: Jay Lloyd)

SIPS AND CHOMPS

This is the first full season for the mountain's own gastro-pub, "The Powder Pig" located on the upper floor of the lodge with a picture window view of the slopes. The ambitious menu was crafted by the chef at the nearby Woodside Lodge, a Spring Mountain Bed and Breakfast. It features ski resort favorites, including burgers and chili, but goes well beyond into the realm of "linger-awhile" dining. You can tuck into the variety of baked brie appetizer followed by braised brisket. But the outstanding Linguine Pescatore, a classic seafood and pasta combination is hard to resist. I savored it during a Pennsylvania Snow Sports Museum luncheon at the Woodside and it's a definite "do-again."

Spring Mountain Lodge
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

LODGING

The Woodside Lodge is the spot with uniquely furnished rooms and suites, a popular, modern bar and a dining room that caters to a dedicated local crowd, infused with visiting weekend skiers. Rates per room are $129 a night on Monday through Thursday, $149 Friday and Saturday and includes breakfast. The lodge is a mile from the mountain. www.springmountainadventures.com/rooms-and-rates

GETTING THERE

From Philadelphia:

Take the Schuylkill Expressway west to the Blue Route (476) North to the PA Turnpike Northeast Extension to exit 31. Turn right onto Route 63. Take Route 63 thru Harleysville crossing over Route 113. After 113 intersection, travel approximately 2 miles to Shelly Road. Turn left on Shelly Road. Go 2 miles and turn right on Spring Mount Road and follow signs to Spring Mountain.

If you travel the suburbs via route 422, just exit at Collegeville and head north on 29 through Schwenksville and turn right on Spring Mount Rd. Follow the signs to the mountain.

 

Think Snow!

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