courtesy of 

Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau 

WELCOME ADDITIONS HIGLIGHT THE POCONO MOUNTAINS

THIS 2008-09 WINTER SEASON

Ski Areas Announce Winter Upgrades and Renovations including efficient snow making techniques

POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA, September 26, 2008 – The Pocono Mountains are ready to usher in a successful 2008-09 ski season with a number of top ski areas announcing exciting improvements and upgrades.  A green-friendly movement headlines the new changes, as the region’s ski areas look to improve their recycling initiatives, efficient snow making techniques and reduction of energy use.  With hundreds of ski trails over seven exhilarating mountains, the region provides heart-thumping adventures to ski bunnies of all levels with the following:

Alpine Mountain Ski & Ride Center in Analomink (alpinemountain.com)

• The terrain park and half-pipe have been redesigned and will offer new and exciting rails and boxes.
• Alpine’s rental shop will once again be re-stocked and upgraded with equipment from Elan, Salomon and Vans, with an emphasis on the ‘Lids on Kids’ program.
• Alpine’s snowmaking system has been upgraded to insure the production of snow throughout the season.
• The base of the snow tubing park has been redone with many editions to Penguin Play Park, keeping young children as entertained as the big kids.
• Expanded party rooms and arrangements allow for more options and entertainment.

Blue Mountain Ski Area in Palmerton (skibluemt.com)

• The new trail ‘Dreamweaver’ is set to open. This ½ mile long intermediate level trail will not only be 100 ft. wide in its entirety, but also have automated snowmaking and lights installed throughout.
• The snowtubing park will have a new conveyor lift doubling uphill capacity, allowing for more tubes and tubing lanes.
• Snowtubing will have a new building with seating for up to 250 people, a cafeteria with great food and live entertainment every Thursday night.
• Blue Mountain also adds more lockers, an upgraded fleet of rental equipment and a new guests services department to make sure customers are fully satisfied.

Camelback in Tannersville (skicamelback.com)

• Camelback Mountain Resort will install 110 low energy snow guns.  The addition of these guns will reduce the ski area’s energy consumption and eliminate the use of 50,000 gallons of diesel fuel.
• By extending its partnership with Burton and Salomon, Camelback becomes the only resort in Pennsylvania to be considered a Burton women’s, youth andFreestyle Learn-to-Ride Center. 
• They have also added over 150 women specific Burton LTR boards and 2,000 pairs of front entry Salomon ski boots that include women, men and toddler specific sizes.
• Camelback adds the addition of a new Prinoth Bison X Terrain Park Groomer, new lighting and 500 feet of vertical to terrain parks and pipes.

Jack Frost Mountain in Blakeslee and Big Boulder Ski Area in Lake Harmony (jfbb.com)

• JFBB continues to increase and improve snowmaking abilities by installing new snow guns that reduce energy costs and assure the production of an abundance of snow early and late in the season.
• Big Boulder’s Tannenbaum slope has been converted to a new terrain park snow lovers will enjoy.
• All buildings and guest areas have been improved to reflect the color scheme of their brand.

• JFBB has also upgraded their fleet of rental equipment including Burton snowboard boots, new boards, skis and ski boots.

Shawnee Mountain in Shawnee on Delaware (shawneemt.com)

·         Ten new electric fan snow guns have been added on the Little Chief Beginners’ Area and in the Learning Center. 

·         Shawnee Mountain has formally applied with the Saint Francis University Renewable Energy Center to conduct a study as to the feasibility of installing wind turbines to eventually produce renewable electric energy.

·         Shawnee Mountain has purchased 500 pairs of new Elan Shaped Skis, 150 new Rossignol Snowboards and 200 pairs of new Dalbello Ski Boots. 

·         Shawnee added snow features, more innovative rails and improved jump lines in both the novice Incubator Park and the advanced Bushkill Park.

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain. Lackawaxen (ski-bigbear.com)

• Ski Big Bear will be installing an additional Magic Carpet lift on the beginner hill, helping new skiers to improve their skills at a quicker pace.
• Increased and improved snowmaking abilities, an updated and expanded terrain park, and snow guns that reduce energy costs highlight other key improvements to the mountain.

About the Pocono Mountains

With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania’s Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers.  Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261miles of hiking and biking trails, over 35 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks.

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Pocono Mountains, located within driving distance of most major East Coast cities.  This region teeming with history offers year-round cultural tours and art exhibitions, abundant antiquing and brand-name shopping and a full calendar of festivals showcasing the heritage, music and food of the Pocono Mountains.

Even the most discerning traveler will find comfortable accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, which offers an eclectic mix of resorts, distinctive properties and quaint, country inns and bed and breakfasts.

Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).  The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania. 

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