**Camelback Resort Extends Winter Season Amid April Sunshine**
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Camelback Resort, located in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, is making headlines by embracing an unprecedented winter season, with plans to keep the snow alive even as spring sets in. The resort has recently turned its snow machines back on, signalling their commitment to extend winter sports activities well into April.
On April 20, the vice president and general manager of Camelback Resort, Jason Bays, shared the exciting news via social media. “We’re making snow tonight. On April 20. In Pennsylvania,” he remarked, highlighting that this season is now 11 days longer than the previous record, set in 1963. Instead of bidding farewell to winter, the resort has switched gears to continue providing their winter offerings.
The Poconos Mountains resort opened for the current ski season on December 3, and more than four months later, they are still actively welcoming skiers and snowboarders. The demand for lift tickets and rental equipment has surged, leading to a complete sell-out of ski and snowboard rentals for the upcoming weekends, as noted on the resort’s website.
Bays acknowledged the unusual nature of this decision, stating, “Yes, it might sound a little crazy. And yes… we probably are.” However, he attributed this extended season to a “full stop” commitment to delivering the longest winter sports season in the state, bolstered by strong attendance and a record-breaking April for visitor numbers.
Interestingly, Camelback Resort is not only focused on winter sports; it is simultaneously offering a variety of summer activities. Bays defined the current experience at Camelback as “full-on adventure,” combining skiing, zip lines, mountain coasters, and the Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark. He remarked, “This isn’t a ‘shoulder season’ at Camelback. It’s something you won’t find anywhere else right now.”
Visitors are drawn to the resort from all over the country, with some travelling from as far away as Nashville and Cleveland, excited to partake in the unique offerings this spring. “We’re not closing for the season. We’re redefining it,” Bays asserted, emphasising the unprecedented blend of winter and summer activities available at Camelback.
In supporting their extended winter season, the resort has deployed more than 50 snow machines, drawing on a powerful water supply of 1,000 gallons per minute to maintain their slopes. So far, Camelback has recorded over 130 days of operation this year, alongside a reported 54 inches of natural snowfall since December.
What sets Camelback apart is that it remains the only ski mountain operational in Pennsylvania. While other resorts may have transitioned to springtime activities, Camelback’s seasonal strategy presents a unique contrast that invites winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy skiing and snowboarding amidst budding flowers and warmer weather.
This innovative approach to embracing both winter and summer attractions showcases Camelback Resort’s dedication to providing a distinct experience, making it a focal point for adventure-seekers during what would ordinarily be considered the off-season. With plans to maintain operations beyond traditional timelines, the resort is not only redefining its own seasonal identity but also setting a new standard for ski resorts across the country.