This weekend - where to go in NJ / PA?

[2sons]

I have fond memories of skiing Camelback as kid - not so much of Vernon Valley/ Great Gorge aka
Mountain Creek.
The Poconos seems to be dead center in the storm track- hit it early and enjoy!

 

[trackbiker]

Probably too late for drdavidge this weekend but for future reference.... I avoid Camelback and Blue on weekends due to the crowds. If you're exclusively skiing black diamonds they are not bad on the way down as most people there are skiing blues and greens. The lift lines will get crowded for the way up. If your posse is mostly skiing blues and greens Alpine Mountain is the place to go. No crowds and good skiing. Pack you own lunch because the lodge is not so great but you'll have no trouble finding a table. If your crowd does like some steeps drive a half hour farther, even if you leave at the same time and don't get there for opening, to Sno. Best snowmaking in PA with all those fan guns and it doesn't get skied off with less crowds. Elk is the best in PA and worth the drive if you have the time.
That being said, if you do go to Camelback definitely give 4aprice a holler. He'll be glad to show you around and how to avoid the crowds, (Plus his wife makes great brownies : ) ) I'll be up there sometime this year because I have a free ticket and I'll definetely look him up if he is there that weekend.

 

[Tooth]

Probably too late for drdavidge this weekend but for future reference.... I avoid Camelback and Blue on weekends due to the crowds. If you're exclusively skiing black diamonds they are not bad on the way down as most people there are skiing blues and greens. The lift lines will get crowded for the way up. If your posse is mostly skiing blues and greens Alpine Mountain is the place to go. No crowds and good skiing. Pack you own lunch because the lodge is not so great but you'll have no trouble finding a table. If your crowd does like some steeps drive a half hour farther, even if you leave at the same time and don't get there for opening, to Sno. Best snowmaking in PA with all those fan guns and it doesn't get skied off with less crowds. Elk is the best in PA and worth the drive if you have the time.
That being said, if you do go to Camelback definitely give 4aprice a holler. He'll be glad to show you around and how to avoid the crowds, (Plus his wife makes great brownies : ) ) I'll be up there sometime this year because I have a free ticket and I'll definetely look him up if he is there that weekend.

I agree 100%.

 

[GolfingOwl]

Probably too late for drdavidge this weekend but for future reference.... I avoid Camelback and Blue on weekends due to the crowds. If you're exclusively skiing black diamonds they are not bad on the way down as most people there are skiing blues and greens. The lift lines will get crowded for the way up. If your posse is mostly skiing blues and greens Alpine Mountain is the place to go. No crowds and good skiing. Pack you own lunch because the lodge is not so great but you'll have no trouble finding a table. If your crowd does like some steeps drive a half hour farther, even if you leave at the same time and don't get there for opening, to Sno. Best snowmaking in PA with all those fan guns and it doesn't get skied off with less crowds. Elk is the best in PA and worth the drive if you have the time.
That being said, if you do go to Camelback definitely give 4aprice a holler. He'll be glad to show you around and how to avoid the crowds, (Plus his wife makes great brownies : ) ) I'll be up there sometime this year because I have a free ticket and I'll definetely look him up if he is there that weekend.

1. Elk - Best PA mountain by a longshot. Best terrain, most natural snow, best vibe, lots of ungroomed trails. Only bummer is they forbid any skiing in the trees.
2. Sno - Great snowmaking, never crowded (even on holiday weekends) and the steepest sustained pitch run in E. PA. Also often have a couple really nice bump runs.
3. Jack Frost (if there is plenty of snow) - Jack Frost makes up for their lack of vertical with great snowmaking and letting you ski almost anywhere. Lots of great sections of trees and short steep shots that are fun. Usually have at least one run ungroomed. Less crowded than Camelback or Blue because all the boarders go to Big Boulder.
4. Blue - 1000 ft vert (though the last 300 feet shouldn't count). Due to southern location, they make a lot of snow in marginal conditions so crappy snow is the norm. Do have some nice terrain but I would avoid the weekends due to the crowds (would be #2 based on terrain only). High speed lifts have only made the trails more crowded and the conditions worse.
5. Camelback - Crowded with terrain not that much better than Jack Frost. Have a few trails that wind down the mountain to make the vert seem longer. Other than a demo day, I see no reason to ski Camelback over the other choices.

 

[trackbiker]

1. Elk - Best PA mountain by a longshot. Best terrain, most natural snow, best vibe, lots of ungroomed trails. Only bummer is they forbid any skiing in the trees.
2. Sno - Great snowmaking, never crowded (even on holiday weekends) and the steepest sustained pitch run in E. PA. Also often have a couple really nice bump runs.
3. Jack Frost (if there is plenty of snow) - Jack Frost makes up for their lack of vertical with great snowmaking and letting you ski almost anywhere. Lots of great sections of trees and short steep shots that are fun. Usually have at least one run ungroomed. Less crowded than Camelback or Blue because all the boarders go to Big Boulder.
4. Blue - 1000 ft vert (though the last 300 feet shouldn't count). Due to southern location, they make a lot of snow in marginal conditions so crappy snow is the norm. Do have some nice terrain but I would avoid the weekends due to the crowds (would be #2 based on terrain only). High speed lifts have only made the trails more crowded and the conditions worse.
5. Camelback - Crowded with terrain not that much better than Jack Frost. Have a few trails that wind down the mountain to make the vert seem longer. Other than a demo day, I see no reason to ski Camelback over the other choices.

Good summary. I would pick Blue or Camelback on a good snow conditions weekday only if I didn't want to drive to Elk. I'll be at Jack Frost tomorrow for the reasons stated and I have an essentially free lift ticket. The WNEP Card was one of the best deals this year. Already used it at Gore.

 

[BenedictGomez]

Normally I think you make good points BG but that statement stuns me. I ski the Pocono's 40+ days a year. Ok they are not the Rockies but I get some great skiing in there. Sure there are crowds every once in a while but all the others get crowded too. The snowmaking systems are excellent. The bump skiing can be terrific and make a smaller mountain ski a little bigger. I could easily get to Hunter and the Catskills every weekend but IMO why bother.

I certainly wasnt intending to slag the entire Pocono region, I was just commenting that for a select range of people (i.e. people who live roughly as far from the Poconos as they do to the Catskills) I dont see why they'd choose the Poconos rather than driving an extra hour. Yes, it would be different were I skiing "40+ days a year", because all that extra drive time would PILE up, but I dont have that luxury and probably wont get out more than 10 to 15 days, so I cherish those rare days and would prefer they take place in the Cats, Dax, or NVT. Personal preference.

And FWIW, I learned how to ski at Shawnee! I've only been to Camelback once or twice, and honestly dont remember it it was so long ago (20'ish years), but in high school we seemed to live at Blue Mountain as it was a short after-school drive and consensus favorite of the 4 closer ones to us in the region (JFBB, Camelback, Blue, Shawnee). Back then, the map ended with Challenger, and I see there are now 3 trails to the right of that now.

1. Elk - Best PA mountain by a longshot. Best terrain, most natural snow, best vibe, lots of ungroomed trails. Only bummer is they forbid any skiing in the trees.
2. Sno - Great snowmaking, never crowded (even on holiday weekends) and the steepest sustained pitch run in E. PA. Also often have a couple really nice bump runs.
3. Jack Frost (if there is plenty of snow) - Jack Frost makes up for their lack of vertical with great snowmaking and letting you ski almost anywhere. Lots of great sections of trees and short steep shots that are fun. Usually have at least one run ungroomed. Less crowded than Camelback or Blue because all the boarders go to Big Boulder.
4. Blue - 1000 ft vert (though the last 300 feet shouldn't count). Due to southern location, they make a lot of snow in marginal conditions so crappy snow is the norm. Do have some nice terrain but I would avoid the weekends due to the crowds (would be #2 based on terrain only). High speed lifts have only made the trails more crowded and the conditions worse.
5. Camelback - Crowded with terrain not that much better than Jack Frost. Have a few trails that wind down the mountain to make the vert seem longer. Other than a demo day, I see no reason to ski Camelback over the other choices.

This is a great post, and this thread has inspired me to try at least a day or night in the Poconos this year, and of these I've never been to Sno or Elk.

Two questions:

1) Looking at the Sno trail map, it seems funky (diamonds at the bottom ) Is there any challenge to their diamonds or are they pretty much just glorified-blues?

2) Everyone raves about Elk, but it's a bit far for me. I doubt many have been to both Elk and Plattekill, but for those that have, how does Elk compare in terms of difficulty, etc....?

 

[k123]

I'm interested in going to Elk, but the extra drive time kinda sucks and it isn't as convenient as the Catskills for me. And also I haven't found any discounts you can get there. Anybody know of any?

 

[Cornhead]

I'm interested in going to Elk, but the extra drive time kinda sucks and it isn't as convenient as the Catskills for me. And also I haven't found any discounts you can get there. Anybody know of any?

The only discounts I'm aware of are their two "Winterfest" days. They have both already passed. You must buy your discounted tickets at certain ski shops. They are $25 and are always on a Friday. One of them is a demo day.

 

[k123]

The only discounts I'm aware of are their two "Winterfest" days. They have both already past. You must buy your discounted tickets at certain ski shops. They are $25 and are always on a Friday. One of them is a demo day.

Thanks for the speedy reply

 

[〽❄❅]

I'm interested in going to Elk, but the extra drive time kinda sucks and it isn't as convenient as the Catskills for me. And also I haven't found any discounts you can get there. Anybody know of any?

Can't hurt to check - http://www.liftopia.com/ski-resort-info/resort/717005/PA/Elk-Mountain.htm
Ski shops offer a small savings - http://www.buckmans.com/buckmans-ski-snowboard/pa-ski-resort-lift-tickets.aspx
My township parks and recreation dept also has discount tix but only a dollar more savings then from the ski shop.

 

[BenedictGomez]

I'm interested in going to Elk, but the extra drive time kinda sucks and it isn't as convenient as the Catskills for me. And also I haven't found any discounts you can get there. Anybody know of any?

Ditto on both counts for me.

Elk is only slightly closer for me than the Cats, and I can always ski cheaper in the Cats, and frankly, usually substantially cheaper.

 

[trackbiker]

Two questions:

1) Looking at the Sno trail map, it seems funky (diamonds at the bottom ) Is there any challenge to their diamonds or are they pretty much just glorified-blues?

2) Everyone raves about Elk, but it's a bit far for me. I doubt many have been to both Elk and Plattekill, but for those that have, how does Elk compare in terms of difficulty, etc....?

1) Sno does have an unusual layout. Unlike mountains that have different pods horizontal on the mountain, Sno is really like two pods only vertical on the mountain. The black diamonds on the bottom are steep. In fact, White Lightning is one of the steepest trails in PA if not the steepest. And they blow snow on it regularly to keep it fresh.

2) I've skied Plattekill several times and Elk.a lot. The steeps do compare to Plattekill and Tunkhannock is a serious bump run that they hardly ever groom. If you have natural snow, go to Plattekill. Otherwise Elk has snowmaking on every trail but one and their grooming is usually rated as one of the best in the east.

Just like you think it is worth driving to the Cat's over the Poke's; I think it is worth driving the extra half hour to Elk. I do ski Sno when time is limited or on a weekend night. Conditions stay good because the crowds are low and they have a great snowmaking system.

Just an after thought: Tickets at Sno are $10.00 on Tuesdays for the rest of the season. (I think feel a cold coming on one of these Tuesdays)

 

[BenedictGomez]

1) Sno does have an unusual layout. Unlike mountains that have different pods horizontal on the mountain, Sno is really like two pods only vertical on the mountain. The black diamonds on the bottom are steep. In fact, White Lightning is one of the steepest trails in PA if not the steepest. And they blow snow on it regularly to keep it fresh.

2) I've skied Plattekill several times and Elk.a lot. The steeps do compare to Plattekill and Tunkhannock is a serious bump run that they hardly ever groom. If you have natural snow, go to Plattekill. Otherwise Elk has snowmaking on every trail but one and their grooming is usually rated as one of the best in the east.

Just like you think it is worth driving to the Cat's over the Poke's; I think it is worth driving the extra half hour to Elk. I do ski Sno when time is limited or on a weekend night. Conditions stay good because the crowds are low and they have a great snowmaking system.

Just an after thought: Tickets at Sno are $10.00 on Tuesdays for the rest of the season. (I think feel a cold coming on one of these Tuesdays)

I think you've sold me on trying it. Not sure how they're coming out ahead on $10 Tuesdays, but that's too good a deal to not at least give the place a look.

EDIT: And I'd better "give the place a look" soon, because it looks like they're in an awfully tight spot.

http://thetimes-tribune.com/spokesw...ring-refinancing-deal-1.1260257#axzz1kXMIfNwl

 

[Cornhead]

My first time at Elk I started skiers right and worked my way across the mountain. Their grooming is meticulous, and thought to myself, "There's nothing here I can't ski". Then I turned to head down Tunkhannock, woa, the bumps were as big as VW bugs. I looked for bale out, nope, tree line to tree line. It makes for an entertaining chairlift ride. Those that can ski bumps are fun to watch, those that can't are even more fun to watch. I think I'm somewhere in between in my skiing abilities presently. I ski bumps, but I don't go out of my way looking for them.....till Spring.:wink:

 

[GolfingOwl]

And FWIW, I learned how to ski at Shawnee! I've only been to Camelback once or twice, and honestly dont remember it it was so long ago (20'ish years), but in high school we seemed to live at Blue Mountain as it was a short after-school drive and consensus favorite of the 4 closer ones to us in the region (JFBB, Camelback, Blue, Shawnee). Back then, the map ended with Challenger, and I see there are now 3 trails to the right of that now.

This is a great post, and this thread has inspired me to try at least a day or night in the Poconos this year, and of these I've never been to Sno or Elk.

Two questions:

1) Looking at the Sno trail map, it seems funky (diamonds at the bottom ) Is there any challenge to their diamonds or are they pretty much just glorified-blues?

2) Everyone raves about Elk, but it's a bit far for me. I doubt many have been to both Elk and Plattekill, but for those that have, how does Elk compare in terms of difficulty, etc....?

The bottom of Sno is not glorified blues. In fact, as noted, White Lightening is the steepest trail in E. PA. It would be a legit black in VT (but would be twice as long if it was in VT). Boomer, the trail next to WL, has nice pitch, a double fall line, and when I was there on MLK day they left it ungroomed and it had some of the softest bumps I've ever skied in PA (outside Elk on a powder day). That said, the Vert on the blacks is only 500' max (probably closer to 400'). The upper part of the mountain isn't that interesting unless the trails to the far left (looking at the map) are open. Then you can cruise down some easy blues into some of the easier blacks for a legit 1K foot run.

BTW, your comment on Jack Frost - the whole East Mountain is the best skiing and where a lot of the fun tree areas and steep shots lie. I always have fun at JF if there is decent snow due to the trees and open skiing policy.

 

[ScottySkis]

Jay Peak or Sugarloaf probably best chance for snow and not r word

 

[ta&idaho]

Bumping this thread, with the same question for this weekend. I'll be driving back to DC from NY and looking to get a few quick runs in on Sunday afternoon. Top priority would be somewhere with at least one bump run. Thanks!

 

[ScottySkis]

Bumping this thread, with the same question for this weekend. I'll be driving back to DC from NY and looking to get a few quick runs in on Sunday afternoon. Top priority would be somewhere with at least one bump run. Thanks!

Plattekill has some good moguls last time i was their.

 

[legalskier]

Bumping this thread, with the same question for this weekend. I'll be driving back to DC from NY and looking to get a few quick runs in on Sunday afternoon. Top priority would be somewhere with at least one bump run. Thanks!

My preferences:
1. Elk (usually several bump runs)
2. Blue
3. Sno (least crowded)
4. Camelback
5. MC

Plattekill has some good moguls last time i was their.

Um, I don't think Platty's in NJ/Pa (see thread title), though it is a fun mountain.

 

[ta&idaho]

Thanks. I think Elk or Blue are the most likely. Elk is the only place I've wanted to try among that list (I've driven past the exit numerous times between here and the inlaws in Syracuse), but it's obviously the longest detour. And I guess at Blue there's always a chance of seeing GSS.

I absolutely love Plattekill (profile pic was taken there), and it's one of the reasons I miss living in New York, but it's too far out of the way for this trip.