White Haven, PA –- Small is a size. Attitude that’s something altogether different. Once upon a time, small ski resorts were referred to as “learning areas.”

But modern snowgrooming and snowmaking systems have changed all that. Now, those once small hills have developed an attitude along with terrain contouring that offers variety and challenge for skiers and snowboarders on modest altitude.

Pennsylvania has become a major player in the world of “pocket” ski areas that rise over valleys throughout the state. They’ve added pizzazz to once sparse lodges. Now you’ll find cocktail lounges, full service restaurants, ski shops and all the amenities, enjoyed at destination resorts. But the basic mission hasn’t been forgotten: Take new winter enthusiasts, teach them in a forgiving and protected environment close to home, and prepare them for the exhilaration of a Rocky Mountain high or a New England Odyssey on snow. Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association President Gregg Confer notes, “Thanks to their close proximity to population centers and their affordable packages these small areas introduce thousands of new skiers and snowboarders to the sport. Many youngsters learn to ski and ride during school sponsored programs. “And” Confer adds, “Unlike high school sports – nobody ever gets cut or sits on the bench.” So where are they?

Come along. Close to Philadelphia and it’s booming suburbs, BEAR CREEK is nestled in pristine rural countryside near Macungie in Berks County. It has grown to include a modern hotel with a rustic touch, a first class restaurant, lounge and spacious cafeteria. Step into that lodge and you feel like you’re in New England.

 On the hill, Bear Creek has carved a dynamic terrain park, expanded and recontoured slopes to provide long runs and mogul studded challenge. Seventeen varied trails are served by an impressive array of lifts that include 2 quads and boosted the summit bound capacity to over 10,500 an hour. In short, lift lines here are a thing of the past. A full service snowsport school, well stocked rental shop, night action, even babysitting service makes Bear Creek an imposing gateway to big mountain skiing. EAGLE ROCK vistas rock the western Pocono Mountains. The view from the trails and summit encompass lakes and distant mountains as a bonus for skiers and riders. This compact resort is part of a golf and vacation home community that offers a learning experience for beginners and expert challenge on trails that live up to names like, “Screaming Eagle” and “Majestic.” For snowboarders, a mile long terrain park is packed with rails, gaps and jumps for an adventure in the extreme. Meanwhile, 13 trails provide a comfort level for new skiers and riders while allowing advanced sliders to flex some muscle. There’s night skiing, a professional ski school, rental shop, a lodge with a panoramic view and overnight accommodations. And for those who like their downhill action on the easy side, a new tubing park here is the rage.

Family friendly ALPINE MOUNTAIN near Analomink in the Pocono Mountains has launched a couple of generations into the skiing and snowboarding world. Alpine is a mountain that’s lighted for night skiing, covered from base to summit by a state-ofthe- art snowmaking system and backed by a ski school that takes rank beginners and sends them off to the challenge of rarified atmospheres, far to the north and west. Twenty-one trails and a dynamic half-pipe studded terrain park make learning fun and life for experienced skiers, easy. Special events crowd the calendar at this popular area where overnight accommodations and weekend entertainment make Alpine a compact destination resort. SKI BIG BEAR at Lackawaxen in the northeastern section of the Poconos is a true getaway destination where uncrowded slopes and short lift lines open a door to an unhurried experience on snow. Skiing, snowboarding and tubing all compete for winter attention during brisk days and under the lights for nighttime excitement.

 Total snowmaking on 18 varied trails and a thrill-aminute terrain park keeps Big Bear humming from December through March. A professional school and dedicated childrens program make the Bear a magnet for families looking for togetherness weekends. TANGLWOOD overlooking the expansive Lake Wallenpaupack has been catering to generations of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania families who make summer and winter pilgrimages into the northern Pocono Mountains.

Tanglwood’s 9 compact slopes and trails are completely covered by modern snowmaking and the area is alive with night skiing, racing and ski school programs to keep the kids interested, active and moving ahead toward big mountain challenge. The excitement doesn’t stop there. Weekend entertainment in a vibrant lounge provides nighttime action for adults indoors while the youngsters are overloading on skiing and riding, outdoors. Central Pennsylvania makes the most of it’s wintertime snowbelt and terrain. Thousands of Penn State students spend as much time during weekday nights and weekend days on the slopes of TUSSEY MOUNTAIN, as they do studying. Rising over “Happy Valley” Tussey caters to University students on 8 varied slopes covered by modern snowmaking and blazing under the lights for night skiing. Snowboarders can catch some air in the popular half-pipe while tubers plunge down 5 chutes at “Avalanche Canyon Snow Tube Park” A note to visiting parents: don’t forget to pack your skis. Farther north near Morris, Pennsylvania SKI SAWMILL just keeps growing while attracting skiers and riders to wintertime thrills on the slopes. It’s the place to go for groups that want a day on the snow while sharing fun nights together at reasonable prices.

Sawmill features a unique “bunkhouse” that can accommodate 80 people in four separate bunk rooms, sleeping 20 each. This season Sawmill has opened the new “Mountain Lodge”, a modern 10 room hotel that includes 2 Jacuzzi suites and a large common room for ski groups to gather after a day of ploughing down 13 varied slopes and trails. Riders get their kicks in a terrain park and half-pipe.

 For non-skiers in the crowd, the tubing park goes day and night. And now for something completely different. For winter enthusiasts who want their sliding and gliding on more level terrain, take a Nordic break at CRYSTAL LAKE near Hughesville, Pennsylvania. Here you’ll find 960 acres of mountain woodlands studded with spectacular lakes and ponds for some of the best cross-country skiing in Pennsylvania. Many of the trails have been designed and set for various experience levels and are regularly groomed. But for those hearty Nordic skiers who want to rough it, there’s plenty of opportunity here for off-trail exploration on skis or snowshoes. Accommodations at Crystal Lake are cabins for as few as 4 or as many as 20 people. Before heading out on the trails, hearty breakfasts are served. After, it’s home cooking in a modern dining hall. These small and vibrant Pennsylvania resorts have grown up. They are unique in dedicated visitors who form new and lasting friendships, while watching their performance on snow build like an avalanche. Many of these areas have formed partnerships with New England resorts to give regular visitors here a preferred status and special pricing there. Each of these resorts participate in a unique “Fourth Grade Program” under the sponsorship of the PENNSYLVANIA SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION. The program offers free skiing throughout the season for any fourth grade student

2006-12-14