Local Ski Resorts Set To Open This Weekend

With a lot being canceled this winter, it’s nice to know that getting outdoors to do some skiing and snowboarding is still on the table. And since there’s been a chill (and plenty of snow!), local resorts are starting to open this weekend, though with some COVID capacity restrictions and rules.

Mountain Creek, in Vernon, will open its South Peak on Thursday and Friday (12/17 & 12/18) to season pass and triple play cardholders and on Saturday and Sunday (12/19 & 12/20) Vernon Peek will be open to season pass, triple play and beginner lesson package purchasers. Day Tickets are currently not on sale due to capacity restrictions. Outdoor grab and go food and drink options will be open, but lodges and indoor dining will require advanced reservations. They ask that guests who are sick (or who have been exposed to those that are sick) stay home, and visitors must maintain a 6-foot social distance on the property. Masks or face coverings are mandatory on the entire property, except while eating, and all tickets must be purchased in advance.

Camelback Resort in the Poconos Mountains is opening six ski and snowboard trails and 11 snow tubing lanes on Friday, December 18. Its remaining trails and tubing lanes will be open as weather conditions permit. They’ve got a new Sunbowl Quad Lift this season that transports skiers to Camelback Village and new Snow Coaching at Coolmor Run so you can hone your skills with a spot coach in a safe, contained area. Indoor dining is currently prohibited in Pennsylvania, but there are outdoor dining options with the new Tacos & Beer Truck, the Summit House outdoor tented beer garden, heated tents at Trails End Pub & Grille and Berrelli’s and opening later this month, Graffiti Pizza and Sugar Shack for takeout orders. For COVID compliance, visitors must purchase tickets in advance, wear facial coverings in all public spaces like shops, lift lines and common areas and social distance, including on lifts.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in East Stroudsburg, PA is opening Friday, December 18. Masks or face coverings are required in indoor and outdoor spaces except when skiing, eating or drinking. Social distancing is required on the entire property. All tickets should be purchased in advance. Snow tubing starts on Saturday, but tickets are available only online.

Mount Peter, in Warwick, NY is tentatively opening December 23, with a possible early opening just for season pass holders. Guests will have to wear masks in lift lines and on lifts and in common areas and buildings, but they can be removed while actively skiing.