Hit the Slopes

words by Brent Postal

The words “Pocono Mountains” conjure up a familiar image to residents and tourists alike, and that is snow. This area is known for its rich history of winter activities, of which, none is more prevalent than skiing. It seems that everyone in the Pocono Mountains likes to ski. Fortunately for us, we have a myriad of options in our own backyard. In fact, I’ve even snowboarded down all eight ski resorts in the Pocono Mountains in one day! As I traveled from one to the other, I took notes on the level of difficulty of the slopes. Each resort offered a different challenge, but they were all a lot of fun. Based on my notes gathered from that day, here's what I came up with...

Beginners
Novice skiers and riders will find two of our slopes particularly beginner friendly – Shawnee Mountain and Ski Big Bear. Shawnee prides itself on being a great place to learn to ride. The ski area boasts over 150 instructors and some of the top programs in the country including “SKIwee” and “Cruisers”. Shawnee’s trails degree of difficulty is listed as 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 25% expert. Beginners of all ages get a great start at this mountain.

Big Bear has a nice progression of slopes, which allow the first-timer to work his or her way up to more challenging and steep terrain. Big Bear’s snow sports school provides thousands of lessons every year, both private and group. It is a huge advantage to schedule an hour long private session, the one-on-one instruction is a fast track to success. Ask about their “First Timer” package to learn the basics.

Experienced Riders
If you’ve “been there, done that,” you have several options in the area that will test your limits. The first is Camelback. This is arguably the Pocono Mountain’s largest and most impressive resort. Seventeen lifts take you to 33 different trails, two terrain parks and a halfpipe. Tourists come from far and wide to experience Camelback; you only have to go to Tannersville.

Blue Mountain is another ski resort that features extremely long and difficult trails. This mountain showcases the highest vertical drop in the Poconos at 1,082 feet and a longest run of 6,400 feet. As you can imagine, the views from the top are spectacular. There are 14 advanced trails to ride along with four terrain parks. Adding to the accolades, Blue Mountain was even featured on the truTV show, “Ski Patrol”. If you’re looking for a place to hone your terrain park skills, look no further than Jack Frost/Big Boulder. These two resorts are basically right next to each other. The most challenging grinds and jumps in the area can be found on these two mountains. “Boulder Park” has even been rated a top five terrain park on the east coast by Transworld Snowboarding.

The options are limitless. We’re very fortunate to have so many skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing options right here in the Pocono Mountains, a luxury few have on the east coast. But don’t take my word for it, get out there and experience them all. Last year the area’s ski resorts reported record numbers, expect the same in the 09’ - 10’ season.

Get Out! Explore the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

words by Erin Farley

The end of summer and the beginning of fall are the perfect time for outdoor cookouts with friends and family, and nothing goes better with a freshly prepared meal than the perfect bottle of wine. Light blushes, dry whites, and fruity reds can compliment foods by heightening a unique blend of flavors, but choosing the right wine is not always easy. The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail sets the standard for excellence in winery navigation and will most certainly lead thirsty adventurers on the path to the right wine choice. The non-profit organization lists nine local, family-owned wineries which offer a variety of experiences in wine culture. The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail staff have mapped out a local trail for visitors to follow for the finest wine tasting adventures. The trail begins at Amore Vineyards in Bath, Pa., a small vineyard that prides itself on high quality plants, produce, and people. With farmland stretching over 100 acres, visitors can leave the vineyard with not only homemade wines, but fresh fruits and vegetables such as sweet corn, fresh cabbage and ripe tomatoes. Navigating on to the West End, Big Creek Vineyards in Kresgeville operates under a “wine is food” motto and suggests drinking wine just as you would eat; take slow, deliberate sips and savor the flavor of the craft. Blue Mountain Vineyards in New Tripoli stretches across 50 acres, and holds pride in their International Award winning wines. A view of exquisite mountain peaks, along with a beautiful tasting room and friendly service, define why this vineyard holds high acclaim among locals and frequent visitors. From the mountains to the valley, the trail leads to Sorrenti’s Cherry Valley Vineyards in Saylorsburg. Known for their award-winning blushes and spumantes, the vineyard recently expanded their showroom to include a larger tasting bar. Dominic Sorrenti started the family business over a dozen years ago and guides the wine tours himself. “Wine tours have become very popular over the years“ he says, “and a lot of people enjoy coming to tastings to learn about food pairing options.” Breinigsville is home to two wineries along the route, Clover Hill Vineyard and Vynecrest Vineyards. Clover Hill, run by the Skrip family, recently celebrated over 20 years in the business with the opening of a brand new tasting room. While you are in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by Vynecest Winery, who welcome many wine enthusiasts as well as first-time tasters. The tasting room, housed in a 19th century restored barn, provides an impressive view of their growing fields. Moving on to the slate belt region, Franklin Hill Vineyard in Bangor is one of the oldest operating wineries in Pennsylvania. Secluded behind vast acres of grape plants and rich farmland, the winery and quaint showroom is littered with awards. The famous “fainting goat” is tied outside to greet visitors and encourage them to hear his story and try the fainting goat wine he inspired. Galen Glen Vineyards and Winery, Andreas, Pa. features a brand-new European inspired tasting room, and landscaping ripe with old world romanticism. Pinnacle Ridge Winery, Kutztown holds several gold medals and best in show awards from wine competitions all over the east coast. Their extensive list of wines includes sparkling, red and white table and specialty wines. The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail represents the finest in the Lehigh Valley Viticulture. Each of the wineries has something unique to offer, whether a live goat to greet you or a historic barn for tasting, any one of these wineries make for a perfect afternoon outing. Visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com for a complete listing of all nine wineries, directions, and tasting tips. Grab a group of friends or family members, map out your route, and hit the trail!

Get Out! To See Beautiful Butterflies and Wild Rapids

By Erin Farley

Beautiful Bugs at Bear Mountain

Pesky insects can put a damper on being outdoors, but not all bugs bite. To liven up your summer with some extraordinary insects, why not go for the ultimate butterfly experience? Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary in Jim Thorpe offers a fresh look at the unique winged creatures. Started in 2002 as an educational experience for children with disabilities, the sanctuary features an interactive butterfly video for children, plus an opportunity to enter the Flutterarium to hang out with real-live butterflies! This year, Bear Mountain Butterflies will also be featuring a fascinating exhibit of Poison Arrow Frogs. The eco-friendly sanctuary is also wallet friendly at just $8 for adults and $6 for children, plus weekly features such as Marvelous Mondays and Thrifty Thursdays. Public walk-in hours are happening now, so check out Bear Mountain Butterflies at www.bearmountainbutterflies.com for contact information, directions, a calendar of events and more!

Summers Splashing with Jim Thorpe River Adventures

Take a break from the cannonballs and deep-end dives and try a real aquatic summer adventure. The Lehigh River hosts a tremendous group of professional river outfitters that provide training and guidance for kayaking, group white water rafting, and easy family floating trips. Bring a group of friends and get some great exercise while enjoying the scenic mountains surrounding the raging waters. If water just isn’t for you, Jim Thorpe River Adventures also provides directions to amazing mountain biking trails that run through Lehigh River Gorge State Park, the trails run along former railroad beds and exemplify the beauty of nature reconstituted. Call 1-800-424-RAFT to book your outdoor adventure.

nICE

words by Heather Hanson

Feeling cooped up inside and fearing winter will never end? Bundle up and head to several outdoor activities around the Poconos that are making frigid conditions fun. First experience the 5th Annual Clark Summit Ice Festival, “The Frozen Rennaisance Faire”, being held February 12-16. Here you can say hello to the Ice Prince & Princess, enjoy over 40 icy works of art, ice carving demonstrations, musical performances and renaissance entertainment. While in Clark Summit, be sure to try a unique Ice Wine tasting event at the Chinchilla Wine and Spirits Shoppe. The whole family will delight in a trip to Lakeville, PA to experience “Crystal Cabin Fever”, a spectacular full-size cabin made entirely from ice. From February 13 through March 1 you will discover a crystalline wonderland of ice animals, every day objects and a dual 40-foot racing slide. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for kids under 15. Shawnee Winter Carnival Day is February 22. The wintertime festivities will include demonstrations, ice sculptures, vendors, product sampling, an outdoor barbeque and more. Golf skills getting rusty? Gear up for spring and paticipate in 9 Holes of Golf atop frozen Lake Wallenpaupack at the Ice-tee golf tournament. The day of frozen fun for golf lovers and novices alike is presented by the Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by and held at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront. The cost to participate is $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the event. Now, stop going stir crazy and get outside for some fun!