A Guide To Camelback Mountain

CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN RESORT
One Camelback Rd.
Tannersville, PA
http://www.skicamelback.com

Camelback Mountain is a big, brash, booming, bustling snow sports center that acts as a magnet for skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers from eastern Pennsylvania, all of New Jersey and Delaware. It's also the happening place to be when the popular bands crank up and weekend crowds gather at the Mountain's most popular lounges. Here's what's there and what's going on. -Jay Lloyd

Skiers and riders will find 34 highly varied runs that range from double black diamond expert slopes to easy cruising trails through scenic, pristine woodland. A staggering array of 15 lifts including 2 high speed detachable quads. The pair of quads are strategically located to access the summit or the east and west mountains, each side with its own unique terrain and character. On the east, the longest cruising trail, the steepest slope and an active racing hub. On the western side, skiers and riders pump adrenalin on the mountains most challenging slopes and bumps. Each side has its share of terrain for learning and intermediate sliders. On busy weekends, start early and head to the eastern side, gradually making your way west, following the sun. Terrain parks here are accessed from both east and west summits and are studded with an explosion of rails, steps, barrels, boxes and pipes. Over 1,200 snow guns keep the mountain covered in deep snow and offer quick recovery from occasional rain or warm-up days. The entire area is lighted for night skiing and riding.

The lodges are as varied as the mountain. For the best view during a break from the snow, head for Cameltop Lodge at the summit, kick off your skis and boards, rack them up at the door and enjoy a bite to eat and drink while overlooking the mountain and directly down on its two of its steepest slopes, Marjie's Delight and The Rocket. At the base, the main lodge is divided into east and west wings with bistro dining and cafeteria service on the east and cafeteria service on the west. In between, skiers and riders will find the music filled Thirsty Camel, a pumped up bar and lounge with a belly filling menu. The sounds are fueled by Rock and Country-Western. The Glen Lodge provides upscale dining with hand carved turkey and roast beef.

Camelback is known for its ski school and children's programs that immerse youngsters in play on and off the slopes for half-day and full-day sessions. There's a fully stocked ski and snowboard rental shop here and plenty of help to find your fit.

The surrounding Pocono Mountain region is rich in hotels, rental condos, Inns and B&B's plus an amazing selection of restaurants, even a casino and outlet shopping, just minutes away.

What it cost: Adult Open to Close tickets are $48 midweek, $58 on weekends and holidays. Youth (6-18) and Senior (65+) tags are $35 midweek, $42 on weekends and holidays. For specials go to: http://www.skicamelback.com/SkiCamelback/Tickets-and-Passes/Ticket-Rates.aspx

Getting there: From Philadelphia: I-476 (NE Extension of the PA Turnpike) North to Lehigh Valley Exit 56 (old Exit 33), Route 22 East to Route 33 North to I-80 West to Exit 299 (old Exit 45) Tannersville, and follow the signs to Camelback. Or go to: http://www.skicamelback.com/SkiCamelback/Camelback-Mountain/Directions.aspx