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What's New On The Nearby Slopes - Part 2

Pennsylvania is a ski-trail rich state that extends far beyond our familiar Pocono Mountain favorites. Last week, in an article based on information I compiled and edited for the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association we looked at the local and Pocono resorts. Now let's go further north and west for a preview of what's new this season on the more distant Pennsylvania slopes. -- Jay Lloyd

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Montage Terrain Park (credit: Montage Mountain photo)

MONTAGE MOUNTAIN at Scranton is launching the new season with an offer that wannabe skiers and riders can't refuse. For the month of December, up to the 23rd, first time sliders will cash in on "First-Timer Free Fridays". Just show up at Montage on Fridays when lift tickets and rentals will be free. You will have to take a "First-Timer" lesson. But don't break out the coin. That's free too. And beginning January 11th, Montage will host a prize and fun fueled Rail Jam series that launches every other Wednesday. At the impressively stocked Montage rental shop there are more choices this winter for skiing and riding 24 slopes, trails, a terrain park and 10 lifts with the addition of 150 sets of new Elan skis. If you can get away Monday through Wednesday Open to Close adult lift tickets go for $30. Thursday through Sunday adult tags check out at $62. Look for all the tariffs at: http://www.montagemountainresorts.com/snowsports/.

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Elk Mountain (credit: Jay Lloyd)

This past summer ELK MOUNTAIN continued its tree planting program and concentrated efforts on the Tioga Spur Trail by planting an additional nearly 700 Norway and White Spruce trees. The summer months also allowed Elk to mow the slopes and trails to create a finely tuned platform for the snow which has already begun to fall. Elk regulars will see a  new look on the lifts with major overhauls and repainting. The mountain has also added 13 state-or-the-art snow guns to an already impressive arsenal, covering the expansive 1,000 vertical foot hill that holds 27 trails and 2 terrain parks, serviced by 6 lifts. Adult all-ay lift tags go for $66 on weekends, $54 midweek. Check out all the rates and discounts http://www.elkskier.com/tickets-passes/lift-tickets.

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(credit: May Lloyd)

SKI BIG BEAR at Lackawaxen is pumping up the weekend hours to put more sliding and riding in your life. Look for earlier first runs on Thursdays and Saturdays and later last runs on Sundays. Upwardly mobile snow buffs will have more learning terrain to traverse this winter and another conveyor lift to get you to the top of beginner territory in easy style. It rounds out the inventory of 4 lifts carrying skiers and riders to 15 trails, 2 terrain parks and the snow tubing hill. Big Bear is also one of the few mountains that offers 4 trails of varying skill levels for cross-country skiing. And here's one for the book. Ski Big Bear will try to bust the Guinness Book of World Records for the planet's largest ski lesson. The gang will gather on the lesson trails, Friday, January 6th at 1pm. If you want to be part of history, be there. All-day adult tix go for $59 on weekends and $45 midweek. Look for discounts and all rates at http://ski-bigbear.com/dailytickets.

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Liberty Mountain Ski Resort (credit: Liberty Mountain photo)

LIBERTY MOUNTAIN near historic Gettysburg has transformed its arrival circle into a hub of winter wonderland activity with a gleaming new Alpine ice skating rink at the center of a bustling pedestrian courtyard. It's bordered by McKee's Tavern outdoor seating. Take a break from the slopes, rent your skates and glide on ice. Or just unwind with a drink and watch the skaters. New eateries are in the mix. The Eagle and Owl provides a pub grub Mecca with as many as 20 craft beers on hand. At Ike's Chop House the scale moves up with hand-cut steaks and chops. On the mountain, snowmaking gets a boost on 21 trails, terrain parks and the tubing center. Gear renters will find a new fleet of boards, skis, boots & bindings. Eight hour adult lift tags this winter will go for $73 on weekends and $62 midweek. But there are ticket plans to cut the cost of sliding. Check the breaks here: http://www.libertymountainresort.com/winter-sports-liberty/tickets-packages/daily-rates.

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Tussey Tubing (credit: Jay Lloyd)

If you plan a visit to State College this winter, take your gear and visit TUSSEY MOUNTAIN, a student favorite with 7 trails and a terrain park served by 5 lifts. If you don't ski and ride you can still have a thrill in the chill with a dynamically expanded Snow Tubing Park that holds more lanes and spectator seating. For tubers, getting up the hill will be a snap with a new artificial tow path for the tube lift. On the slopes and trails, look for more snow, earlier than ever as Tussey's arsenal of snow guns has been expanded. If you want to travel light, new skis, snowboards, boots and helmets have been beefing up the rental inventory. Adult open-to-close lift tags will check in at $48 on weekends, $38 midweek. All the rates and discounts pop out here: http://www.tusseymountain.com/schedule-rates/.

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Seven Springs (credit: Seven Springs photo)

Snow grooming is the key at SEVEN SPRINGS in the Alleghenies of western Pennsylvania this winter. Two brand new Cats have been added to the high-tech fleet of groomers for ballroom conditions on 33 slopes, trails and 7 terrain parks, accessed by 10 lifts. A powerful new winch snowcat will be used to build and maintain the only Olympic-size Superpipe on the East Coast and improve headwall grooming on the challenging black diamond slopes. A battery of brand new snow guns has been strategically planted to create dramatically enhanced snowmaking capability. Off the mountain, Seven Springs  launches the "Seven Ten Bistro", a hip little alcove serving eclectic food pinned with a bowling inspired menu that includes out-of-the-ordinary shared plates and cool twists on salads and sandwiches. You'll find the Bistro next to the Bowling Alley. The Matterhorn Lounge has also undergone a major renovation. It now features several VIP areas, a new dance floor and tableside service. And for a new experience in luxury getaways, The Tyrol Chalets, located near the hotel and within walking distance of slopes will debut this winter. The chalets feature convenient parking, ski lockers, private decks overlooking the slopes and premium entertainment centers. Prices are still being set. Check here for the latest ticket rates and discounts: http://www.7springs.com/ski-and-ride/schedule-rates/.

Notes: Penn State students and visiting parents make Tussey Mountain part of a weekend family get-together. Rental equipment is plentiful but don't forget to bring ski pants, parka and the rest of your ski wearables and be ready for a spontaneous slide on the slopes. Seven Springs, about 4 hours from home, may seem like a schlep for a ski weekend, but many skiers in our area suddenly find they have to attend a conference or wedding at this major Pennsylvania conference center. The slopes will be right outside the door.

Think snow!

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