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Getaway Guide To Shawnee Mountain

In the early days of KYW-Newsradio, a tight-knit group of reporters and significant others would ease away at 5 o'clock on a winter Friday eve and gather at the Shawnee Inn, an iconic Pocono Mountain hotel, in time for drinks and dinner. That would be the start of a weekend of tall tales, fine food, good company and above all, skiing at Shawnee Mountain. So what was the attraction that continues 4 decades later? Here it is in a nutshell. – Jay Lloyd

Shawnee_Rider
(credit: Shawnee Mountain)

THE MOUNTAIN

Shawnee Mountain is a family friendly, variable terrain ski and snowboard playground that emphasizes learning programs for kids and adults while providing a mix of trails and slopes to challenge upwardly mobile skiers and riders. There's also a solid comfort zone for those just getting their first taste of skis and boards on snow. You'll find 23 interconnecting slopes and trails from beginner through advanced, served by 6 lifts including a high-speed quad and a standard speed quad. Two terrain parks provide the dynamics of airborne action combined with features that keep riders rolling on boxes, rails and tables. "Incubator Park" is the starting point for novice riders on their way to the main event in the steeper, feature crammed "Bushkill Park". There's a 700 foot vertical drop (the distance between base and summit) with a trail configuration that lets you put together over a mile of non-stop cruising. Shawnee features a full top-to bottom ski and snowboard rental shop.

TRAIL STRATEGY

Novice skiers can get a nice long run of easy swinging turns by heading up the high-speed quad, hanging a left to "Upper Delaware" and follow straight to the base. Upwardly mobile skiers and riders enjoy the straight shot runs from either of the quads to "Upper Tomahawk" or "Upper Arrowhead" then continue straight onto the steeper lower portions. If you're looking for terrain park action, just head for the "F" double chair, swing right at the summit and follow the music. You can't miss it.

WHAT IT COSTS

If you hit that magic age of 70 and are using your leisure time to ski down mountains, lift tickets at Shawnee are on the house. For adults the midweek price is $50, weekends: $60. Youngsters under 18 pay $40 midweek and $45 on weekends. There are discounts for college student, active military and seniors at age 62 to 69. Beginner packages are available that include rentals, lift tickets and lessons. Rental costs are $35 a day with multi day discounts. Look for all the prices here: www.shawneemt.com/tickets-passes/lift_tickets.html

Shawnee_skier
(credit: Shawnee Mountain)

SKI AND SNOWBOARD SCHOOL

As long as I can remember Shawnee has featured the nationally know "SKIwee" kids learning program. It recognizes that families are likely to ski at a variety of resorts and is designed so kids can take progressive skills from one mountain to another, offering the same program. They pick up right where they left off. The 3-hour sessions are for skiers, aged 4 to 6 at $100 a session or 3 sessions for $275. Youngsters 7 to 15 are taught in separate group programs - "Mountain Cruisers" for skiers and "Young Riders" for snowboarding. Prices are also $100 per 3-hour session or $275 for 3 sessions. Adult group lessons and beginner packages are also on the menu. Navigate here for all lessons and prices: www.shawneemt.com/snowboard-ski-school/beginners_ski_packages.html

SNOW TUBING

Go solo or take a child in a tandem tube and zip down 6 chutes while riding up on a pair of Magic Carpet lifts. Shawnee has two and four-hour sessions. Midweek tickets are $22 for 2 hours, $27 for 4. Weekends go to $37 and $42. Check out tips and requirements here: http://www.shawneemt.com/tickets-passes/lift_tickets.htmlwww.shawneemt.com/poconos-snow-tubing/snow_tubing.html

Shawnee_Lodge
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

SIPS AND CHOMPS

Fueling up at lunch and dinner time takes various forms at Shawnee. For the eat-and-run crowd that wants a brief break and then get back on the hill, the Hope Lodge Cafeteria with a warming fireplace is the spot for dogs, burgers and some tummy lining chili. Want a more leisurely stop with table service and a favorite toddy or craft beer, Hickory Licks is spot. For grab-and-go, pizza and snacks are on tap in the Greenhouse.

LODGING

The nearby Shawnee Inn has been modernized since it catered to the early 20th century New York and Philly getaway seekers. Upscale dining and a brewpub add to the comfort of newly decorated and furnished rooms and suites. The exterior and grounds are still classic Pocono. www.shawneeinn.com/pocono-recreation

Rental Townhomes that accommodate up to 10, complete with fully equipped kitchens and working fireplaces are available near the mountain. Check the options here: www.shawneemt.com/trip-planning/lodging_skiandstay.html

For a couples ski getaway, the Inn is still the choice, for family trips - a condo.

GETTING THERE

Take the PA Turnpike Northeast Extension to the Route 22 East exit at Allentown. Follow Route 22 East to Route 33 North into I-80 East to PA Exit 309. Follow Route 209 North and look for the Shawnee Mountain signs.

Think Snow!

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