Industry News
Every region of the United States has that one mountain that skiers and snowboarders rave about as the must-hit spot when you’re in the area. It boasts the best terrain, slopes, amenities, lodging, dining, and atmosphere—that’s why it’s always the resort everyone recommends. Camelback Resort is one of eight ski resorts in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, and it’s the one to keep an eye on moving forward.
The Poconos were famously dubbed the Honeymoon Capital of the World back in the 1960s and 70s, with some resorts featuring heart-shaped tubs and champagne-glass whirlpools. This quirky tradition continues to charm visitors today. However, much has changed since the golden age of skiing, and Camelback Resort has evolved alongside it.
Gone are the winters where snow blanketed the ground from late November through late March. The days of quarter-inserted lockers feel almost as distant as when 55-cent cheeseburgers were on the McDonald’s menu. Back in the day, an adult weekend lift ticket cost around $25; now, that barely covers a burger and fries on the mountain. The world changes, and those who adapt thrive.
Camelback Resort opened in 1963 and has adapted to those changes for decades, positioning itself for success in a ski industry marked by uncertainty. This offseason, the resort made bold leadership moves by bringing in three key people to steer it through ongoing changes: Jason Bays as Vice President and General Manager of Camelback Resort, Olivier Marc Glattfelder as Resort Manager, and Laszlo Otvos as Director of Mountain Operations.
Bays grew up in the Poconos and landed one of his first jobs at Camelback Resort as a lifeguard and ski instructor as a student. He also raced on the ski team at Camelback while in school. His resume includes managing ski resorts, water parks, and hotels across the United States, which is important because Camelback Resort is a true 4-season resort. Camelback Resort is one of the few ski resorts in the country that offers a 125,000-square-foot indoor Waterpark, a 453 Room Mountain Hotel, and one of the largest snow tubing parks in the U.S., with over 40 lanes, plus many other amenities. “I am excited to ensure every aspect of what Camelback offers is run at the highest level possible,” Bays told SnowBrains in an email. “I am particularly passionate about the ski industry, and improving upon the winter experience is a top priority.”
Prioritizing the mountain should thrill skiers and snowboarders. Camelback is one of the largest ski resorts in the state, featuring 39 trails and 166 skiable acres. In recent years, some have worried that the focus has shifted toward water parks, hotels, and other activities at the expense of skiing and snowboarding. This season, Camelback Resort surprised many by being the first mountain to open in PA on December 3. Snowmaking began on November 11, with more than 100 guns in operation. Those aggressive early efforts have paid off, with strong coverage across much of the mountain already. The mountain is what Camelback is best known for, and Bays gets that—he’s committed to promoting it. “Actions speak louder than words, and we truly mean it when we say we are focused on the winter experience and are committed to giving the attention and care it deserves, elevating the experience across the board,” Bays said.
Pennsylvania skiing is unique in the United States due to its geography. Some winters Mother Nature provides the right temperatures and snow for a fantastic season; others see temperatures hover above freezing all season, and the resorts have to make their own snow. PA resorts are known for maximizing limited natural snowpack and delivering coverage efficiently. This year, Camelback Resort plans to resume aggressive snowmaking whenever temperatures allow. It has automated snowmaking on key trails, which significantly accelerates the process of turning on the guns to capture the short bursts of cold air when they arrive. “We are committed to snowmaking, exceptional grooming, and putting out the best product we can,” Bays said.
Setting priorities, using available resources wisely, and having outstanding leadership are key to running a successful ski resort. Adding Otvos’ decades of mountain operations experience is instrumental to leading Camelback Resort’s snowmaking and grooming. “He has energized the team to execute, and the grooming teams are out inspecting trails and taking the time to ensure the resort delivers a top-notch product on the mountain,” Bays said.
This past off-season, Camelback Resort invested in automated snowmaking, a new ski lodge patio and fire pits, and a complete modernization of the Stevenson Express. The automated snowmaking project expanded its capabilities to Marjie’s Delight, a popular black-diamond trail. The new patio and fire pit enhance the guest experience at the lodge entrance and exit, along with an après-ski area. The Stevenson project will enhance reliability and extend the life of an essential lift on the mountain. “We will continue to look at ways to improve the guest experience with investments in grooming, snowmaking, and our lifts,” Bays said.
Standing in a lift line for an extended period can be frustrating for many skiers and snowboarders. Sitting in a long lift line and seeing one or two lifts not operating can make people never want to return to that mountain again. Camelback’s leadership is ensuring that doesn’t happen at the mountain this season, planning to have the Glen Lift operating seven days a week. The Glen Lift is a crucial mid-mountain lift that serves green terrain halfway up the mountain and the mountain’s terrain parks. The lift offers progression from the bunny hill to mid-mountain novice terrain. “We are back to ensuring we offer a great terrain park set up, and having a dedicated lift that helps to make sure skiers and riders can make laps in the parks,” Bays said.
Camelback Resort’s Kids’ full-day lesson program is returning this season as well. The program is essential, as Camelback is a premier learn-to-ride ski resort, and a full-day program makes it easy for parents and fun for kids. The program is designed to keep the same instructor for the day to help skiers learn to ski or sharpen their skills, includes lunch, and offers plenty of fun along the way. “It was here when I was a ski instructor and extremely popular,” Bays said. “We want to make getting on the snow fun and easy to access, and our kids’ programs are a big part of that.”
On the other side of the house, Glattfelder focuses on food and beverage and hotel operations. The slopes, terrain, and conditions are critical, but the guest experience is just as important as mountain operations in delivering great memories and encouraging them to return. “On the guest service end, we are really focused on training and ensuring our associates have the tools and resources to do their jobs to the best of their ability,” Bays said. One feature guests can look forward to is the return of the Summit House.
The Summit House is perched at the top of the mountain. It offers one of the most breathtaking views in the region, with sweeping panoramas stretching across the beautiful Pocono Mountains. However, it has been noticeably closed over the past few seasons and not utilized. This has changed under the new leadership at Camelback Resort, with the Summit House now open seven days a week. “We want our skiers and riders to take it in, grab a bit to eat, and enjoy the experience up there,” Bays said. “Everyone loves a good top-of-the-mountain lodge.”
Making a person pay for parking is something that will make any skier or snowboarder roll their eyes and be instantly annoyed. The sport is already expensive, with lift-ticket prices skyrocketing, food costs, and lodging. However, Camelback is doing the exact opposite of many other ski resorts nationwide, offering free general parking this season for its guests. Bays believes free parking should always be the norm, and it is about getting out on the snow and having a great time on the slopes. This season, Camelback guests can look forward to free general parking and no paid parking signs in the lots. “We had some fun with our operations team rolling over the paid parking signs with construction equipment, and we are happy to have 100% focus on the winter experience,” Bays said.
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Every March and April, skiers and snowboarders in the mid-Atlantic are forced to make that migration to New England to get some great spring skiing in. Most resorts in PA begin transitioning to summer operations during that period, and something seems to be missing. Spring skiing attracts locals and die-hards. It is a totally different atmosphere and vibe on the mountain, and PA is missing out on that. There is so much opportunity, being so close to major markets (Philadelphia, New York City, Atlantic City, Baltimore, Washington D.C.), for Camelback to have a fun and robust spring season. Bays said the mountain is committed to making snow in March and extending the season as long as possible. Particularly over on the east side of the mountain, where Stevenson Express, the Trails End Bar, and the hotel are located. “We’ll be extremely aggressive with snowmaking late into the season, and I can confidently go on record now and say we will be making snow in March, going as deep into the season as we can,” Bays said. “I think a lot of people will be surprised this year how long our season extends.”
Camelback Resort is on the IKON Pass and allows guests to visit for the first time and experience what makes Camelback and the Poconos special. The ability to take a trip to New England and also enjoy a day trip to Camelback is an incredible offering on one pass.
All of these are strong signs of a shift in how operations will be run at Camelback Resort going forward. Bays has been in the role for just over two months and has already made improvements. Bays knows how important it is to listen to guests and has heard overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding these changes. He wants to continue sharing the story that winter is a priority for Camelback Resort and remains committed to transparent, honest communication. The mountain published a detailed snow report this year that provides information for the day and highlights the exciting events happening on the mountain. The Poconos are a special place, and the people there mean a lot to Bays. The Pocono native is focused and determined on his opportunity to make Camelback Resort the best it can be and is stoked to be back. “The chance to elevate the entire resort, with many people whom I worked with here at Camelback in the past, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Bays said.
