BLUE MOUNTAIN GEARS UP FOR BUSY 2023–34 SNOW SEASON
POCONO MOUNTAINS SKI RESORT ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE OPENING DATE FOR 46TH ANNUAL SKI SEASON
PALMERTON, Penn. — Blue Mountain Resort is targeting Friday, November 24, to kick off the 2023–24 ski season, with plans to once again open with even more trails than previous years thanks to the resorts newly installed enhanced snowmaking techniques. With new state-of-the-art snow making equipment, skiers, boarders and snowtubers can hit the slopes early and often this winter season. And as the resort prepares for an early start to its 46th skiing season, a number of upgrades will make snow sports here even more exhilarating than ever. Home to Pennsylvania’s highest vertical at 1,082 feet, Blue Mountain features varied and challenging terrain as well as some of the longest runs in the state. An expansive 171 skiable acres, the resort’s 40 trails accommodate all skill levels and include 14 beginner, six intermediate, 11 expert, four expert-only and five terrain parks.
The Star of the Season: New Snowmaking Equipment
Blue Mountain has installed top-of-the-line snowmaking technology, including 74 TechnoAlpin TL8 stick guns and 26 TechnoAlpin fan guns (all fully automated) and has replaced approximately 20,000 feet of airline and waterline piping used for snowmaking. This new equipment will provide more efficient snowmaking capabilities and improved snow quality allowing for an earlier start to the snowtubing season as well. With these recent investments, Blue Mountain now has one of the largest snowmaking systems in the country.
New Lights and a Renamed Run in Honor of the Resort’s Founder
The resort has made multiple sustainable upgrades, most recently new LED lights on Paradise, Central Park, Barb’s Way, Shuttle and Burma Road. The popular Trails End run — serviced by all lifts — will be renamed Barb’s Way in honor of the resort’s former owner, Barb Green.
Snowtubing to Open Earlier Than Ever
With 46 lanes — each over 1,000 feet long — Blue Mountain houses the largest snowtubing park in the nation. And with the new snowmaking equipment all 46 lanes are targeted to open December 7, earlier than last year. All lanes will feature all-lit nighttime, after-dark Sonic Tubing with music and disco lighting. The tubing park is serviced by three lifts, and tubers can choose between single or double tubes.
Beginner Ski and Snowboard Lessons for Family and Friends at the Learning Center
Blue Mountain Resort’s award-winning Learning Center features Family & Friends Beginner Lessons, so groups of skiers and snowboarders can learn together regardless of age or ability. Beginner lessons are designed for budding snow buffs three years and older — at least one person in the lesson group 13 or older must accompany the younger children. This lesson is for first timers and beginners who choose either a ski or snowboard lesson, and the beginner lift ticket is included, allowing participants to practice on the valley carpets and use the Valley Triple and Vista chairlifts. Ski or snowboard equipment rental is included with the lesson. Private lessons are available for all ages and skill levels.
A variety of packages, passes, equipment rentals and more are available at Blue Mountain. More information is available at https://www.skibluemt.com/.
Racing Teams Including New Slopestyle
Blue Mountain has an impressive racing program organized by the resort’s Competition Center. With five teams: Alpine (under 10 to under 21): Cross Team (Junior, Advanced and Elite), Moguls, Mountaineers (a developmental race team) and the new Slopestyle team — along with new rails and jumps — the racing program is designed to promote the growth, development and training of U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association junior skiers — encouraging healthy competition amongst all ages and aptitudes.
Delicious Eats
New this year, the Brats & Beer Food Truck features a Bavarian-style courtyard around the truck with brats and German-style beers to go; La Colombe Coffee is now available in both the Summit and Valley lodges; and Wood Fired Pizza & Pub is replacing Cornerstone in the Summit Courtyard.
On-mountain dining at Slopeside Pub & Grill offers stunning mountain views along with indoor and outdoor seating with crackling fires and a full menu of appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, handcrafted sandwiches and chef specialties. At the Waffle Cabin, just outside Valley Lodge, warm sugar waffles and hot chocolate Belgian-style sate hungry snow fans on the run or who want to relax for a break and sit outdoors to enjoy the views. The resort has an array of food trucks such as Tipsy Taco, Hoppy Trails and Street Sweet to help fuel active skiers, snowtubers and snowboarders of all ages. Winter sports enthusiasts can whet their appetites at the Last Run Lounge, Trails End Bar and Café options at the Summit, Valley and Tubing lodges.
About Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain Resort is a year-round resort located along the Kittatinny Ridge in the Pocono Mountain region adjacent to the Appalachian Trail near Palmerton, Pennsylvania. Originally opened in 1977 as Little Gap Ski Area, it was renamed Blue Mountain Resort in 1989. With the highest vertical drop of any ski resort in Pennsylvania, it features 40 ski trails, 14 lifts, 29 mountain biking trails, a ropes course, rock climbing wall and more. The property offers camping and glamping sites and dining at Slopeside Pub & Grill along with spaces for indoor and outdoor weddings, groups and corporate retreats. More information is available at www.skibluemt.com. Social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter.
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