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A Guide To Jack Frost Mountain

JACK FROST MOUNTAIN
Blakeslee, PA
http://www.jfbb.com

Ever hear of an "upside-down" mountain? That's one way of describing Jack Frost Mountain in the western Poconos. That's not to say, the mountain is standing on a pinpoint peak, just that the main lodge is at the summit, not the base. Drive right up, step into your skis or boards and start the downhill plunge. No need for a lift to get started on that first run. Jack Frost, within minutes of the Pocono exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike is a compact mountain of 24 slopes and trails, including a bustling terrain park, skiable glades, 9 lifts, snow tubing chutes and slopeside accommodations in modern, fully furnished and equipped chalets. Here's what you'll find.

Looking down from the top of this mountain ridge, when the sun is just right, it
reflects on a ribbon of silver that snakes across the valley. That's the scenic and trout filled Tobyhanna River. It's the river that provides water for the powerful snowmaking system that keeps Jack Frost under a blanket of powder throughout the winter and often late into March.

Once at the base, skiers and riders have a choice, head for the steep and challenging east mountain or ride to the summit in the center of the interconnecting network of trails for intermediates. Or move to the left and a solid variety of runs for beginners and novice sliders. It's a progressive mountain where it's very difficult to get in over your head if you move across it in degrees from left to right until you find your comfort level. Each successive trail becomes a bit steeper and more challenging. A centerpiece is "ONE Park", a long, dynamically designed terrain park studded with tables, rails, jumps and a pipe that gives snowboarders a rare shot of sustained variety. For those who take their sliding among the trees, most of the mountain is now "in-bounds" for glade skiing and riding.

Jack Frost has a full service ski school with a comprehensive children's program and adaptive skiing lessons for visitors with physical handicaps.

When it's time for a break from the slopes, E-2000 is the spot to relax and socialize. This colorful bar and lounge overlooking the slopes features top local bands on weekends and the music starts by mid-afternoon. The Cantina on the lower level of the main lodge offers a more relaxed tavern atmosphere with a warming fireplace.

For overnight guests there's a choice of slopeside condominiums that will sleep from 4 to 10 people, all with full equipped kitchens and fireplaces, some with Jacuzzis and hot tubs. Many are ski-out, ski-in homes that let you slide right from the door to the slopes and back again.

What it costs: Adult (19-62) all-day passes are $44 midweek, $50 on weekends and holidays. Youth (6-19) and senior (62-69) tickets go for $33 midweek and $40 on weekends and holidays. The best deal is reserved for kids under 6 and seniors 70+. Both ski and ride, free. For packages, specials, equipment and lesson costs, check out: http://www.jfbb.com/plan/snow-passes-and-rentals

Jack Frost is a day resort and its tickets are interchangeable with sister-area Big Boulder, fully lighted for night skiing and riding. Slide by day at Frost, then by night at Boulder.

How to get there: From I-476 (PA Turnpike) Exit 95:
Take Route 940 East and follow signs 4 miles to ski area entrance on left.

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