Let it snow! That is not the declaration you will hear from residents of Philadelphia, Baltimore, or Washington D.C., but for local ski resorts, it rings true.
Winter storm Jonas brought winter in with a bang and really kicked off the skiing season after warm weather and little snow delayed the start. Shawnee Mountain was the beneficiary of 18” of snow. Jack Frost-Big Boulder saw 10” inches fall.
“Conditions are good,” Jack Frost-Big Boulder general manager Mark Daubert said. “The cold air and snow finally got here so we are 100 percent. It’s been really great the past few weeks.”
The cold weather and snow have allowed ski resorts to ratchet up snow making and incorporate Mother Nature’s help to create a strong base. Montage Mountain is working with an 18-40 inch base of well-groomed snowpacks on their trails. Shawnee is 100 percent operational with a 24-48 inch base and Jack Frost-Big Boulder is working with a 12-36 inch base.
With the resorts working hard to make the trails perfect, they are offering some fun events to showcase their product. The month of February is the perfect time to enjoy these events. For the entire month, Montage Mountain will offer a Throwback Tuesday special where all lift tickets are $19.84. They also offer a College Wednesday promotion where students can show their 2015-2016 ID for an extended lift ticket and rental for $25.
One of the most enjoyable events will be on February 13th. Montage will host Torch Light Parade and President’s Day Weekend Fireworks. The event includes live entertainment and prize giveaways as well as a sun set torch paraded down Main Line. A fireworks display will follow to put the finishing touches on a great day.
Shawnee Mountain is also offering terrific events throughout February and March. Beginning Saturday February 6th, Shawnee will host the 3rd annual Paint the Mountain Pink. Patrons can enjoy the day and support the Hope for Strength Breast Cancer fund in the process.
On Sunday February 7th, Shawnee hosts the Joe Riesle Memorial NASTAR race to honor their friend and colleague who battled cancer. The race is open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and will benefit the American Cancer Society.
“It’s a nice event to support the breast cancer cause,” Shawnee general manager Jim Tust said. “We give away “Hope for Strength” headbands and have special activities throughout the weekend. We do a race against cancer to support Joe Riesle. For anyone that enters the race, we donate to the American Cancer society.”
Shawnee also hosts a Military Appreciation Weekend on March 18-20. All active duty military persons and their immediate family will receive free lift tickets and a rental. All retired and reserve military person will receive a 50% discount.
“Military appreciation weekend is where we give free lift tickets and rentals to any active duty military person and their families,” Tust said. “It’s a nice way to say thank you. Other military affiliates get a half price discount.”
Big Boulder will host a Carve 4 Cancer event February 6th. Every full day lift ticket purchase will result in a donation to fight blood cancer. Carve 4 Cancer will include live music, prizes, and demos to try out the newest gear. You can also enter rail jams to test your skills on the courses.
By: Nicholas Gill
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