There is a lot to do beyond the slopes!
Pennsylvania is a winter wonderland of sparkling snow, beautiful landscapes and seasonal weather, making it the perfect setting for a variety of winter activities that define the season–the ones you start looking forward to as fall kicks in, and a few others you might not have thought of. Read on to learn more about winter activities available in PA.
Have you ever wondered how ski resorts groom their ski runs? Find out by riding along in a Snowcat at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort in the Laurel Highlands. The resort offers rides late at night or in the early morning hours for approximately 45 minutes. This unique moonlit perspective of the slopes is a remarkable experience!
Hop on a luge sled, mini-bobsled or tube to slide down the luge track at Blue Mountain in the Pocono Mountains, the only USA Luge Track on the East Coast. Channel your inner Olympian as you twist and turn down the 2,000-foot course. You might even see an Olympian or an Olympic coach–Blue Mountain’s track is an official training and recruitment site for the USA Luge Team.
Wander the shores of Presque Isle State Park in Erie. You’ll find the famous ice dunes, formed by ice from the lake accumulating onshore and freezing together with the help of wave spray and snow. Ice dunes commonly reach six feet in height and cover much of the landscape here, creating an otherworldly effect that is surreal and beautiful at the same time. Be aware that they’re not as solid as they appear–ice dunes can form over water and are not entirely solid so climbing on them is not advised.
Slip on your snowsuit and get revved up to go snowmobiling in Potter County. The area boasts hundreds of miles of maintained trails that are clearly marked and easy to navigate. Accommodations and services in the area cater to snowmobilers so fuel, lodging and amenities are always easy to find. Reference Potter County’s detailed trail conditions report for weekly updates on the condition of each trail.
For more information on the locations mentioned in this article please visit the following sites:
Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau VisitErie Potter County