Industry News
This report is from Saturday, December 14, 2024
Skiing in Pennsylvania is in full swing, with many resorts opening this past weekend. The colder temperatures allowed snow-making teams to fire up their guns throughout the Keystone State. Considering Pennsylvania’s warmer temperatures and rainy conditions earlier in the week, it was impressive that so many resorts could blow enough snow to make it happen.
It was a beautiful bluebird weekend at Big Boulder, with temperatures in the mid-20s and little to no breeze. Big Boulder opened with a traditional banner break on the Blue Heron lift, a live DJ, free walking tacos, and bubbly water while supplies last. Big Boulder’s Opening Weekend terrain consisted of the trails Merry Widow, Mineshaft, Upper Sitzmark, Little Boulder, Carbon Way, Coal Chute, Edelweiss, Tannenbaum, serviced by Blue Heron, Harmony, and Carpet Lift.
There is a lot of history at Big Boulder. It became the first commercial ski area in Pennsylvania in 1947. Jack Frost and Big Boulder (JFBB) are less than 12 miles apart, which is great for skiers who want to hit two different ski resorts in one day. The atmosphere on opening day was festive, with a DJ playing at the base lodge and a tent set up giving away free walking tacos. The ski conditions in the morning were excellent, with hard-packed groomers that allowed for easy carving and fun turns.
Quick Facts and Stats:
- First Opened in 1947
- First Commercial Ski Resort in Pennsylvania
- Peak Elevation: 2,175 feet
- Base Elevation: 1,700 feet
- Trails: 19
- Lifts: 7
- Terrain Parks: 2
- Snow Tubing Park: 1
- Beginner Trails: 37%
- Intermediate Trails: 19%
- Advanced Trails: 44%
The conditions softened as the sun continued to shine all day, making the snow very playful. The temperature reached around 30 degrees in the afternoon but never got above freezing, which kept the conditions on the mountain great. The trail, Upper Sitzmark, was closed on Friday but was ready for skiers to hit on Saturday. It was the only expert slope opened on Saturday, but the snow-making teams were blowing snow all over the left side of the mountain throughout the weekend. Upper Sitzmark is a short, steep run that was a little slick on opening day at the top due to the lack of sun it gets. It was fun to get early-season turns on icy terrain in preparation for a region known as the Ice Coast.
Jack Frost and Big Boulder give guests the unique experience of skiing and riding at Jack Frost during the day and then skiing into the night at Big Boulder on the same day. Both resorts are family-oriented and offer terrain for all skill levels. The two resorts are less than two hours from Philadelphia and New York City, making it great for a day trip or weekend getaway. JFBB is owned by Vail Resorts and is on the Epic Pass, allowing guests to visit 42 different ski resorts worldwide.
For more information, visit Jack Frost Big Boulder’s website.
