Spring Skiing Pros and Cons
Arialle Hess
Skiing is a winter activity, however, it can leak into early
spring. If you are lucky enough to live near a mountain resort that
is open during this time of year, you are probably aware of the
effect the change of seasons has on this sport.
At Bear Creek, “spring” skiing typically starts in
the beginning of March and continues until the snow is gone. With
continuous snowmaking from the Mountain Operations team all winter
long, the snow on the slopes lasts longer than what’s in your
backyard. So, even though your street is clear and the birds are
chirping, don’t forget there are still plenty of turns to be
made on the mountain.
Skiers and snowboarders have mixed feelings about spring
skiing. Those for and against have reputable arguments, but at the
end of the day most skiers and riders will enjoy whatever is left
of winter.
We encourage all guests to come out and experience spring
skiing in PA and decide for yourself!
Weather Conditions
PROS: Warmer weather allows for less layers.
The time for bundling up is finally over. It’s a wonderful
feeling when you don’t have to worry about freezing fingers
and your toes going numb after a few runs. Get out and enjoy those
warm sunny days!
Another pro is a late-season snow storm. Although the rising
temps normally yield rain, there is always one that takes us by
surprise. All winter enthusiasts secretly hope for one last dumping
of snow to coat the slopes.
CONS: Possible rain; the one thing every
winter enthusiast dreads to see in the forecast. With the temps on
the rise, any precipitation will most likely be liquid. Although
most resorts do operate in the rain, it definitely doesn’t
make the Top 10 Best Ski Days.
Slope Conditions
PROS: Soft snow makes turning easier. The
first half of the day provides skiers and riders with optimal
conditions.
Before the sun starts beaming, the soft snow makes digging in
your edges easy and carving super fun, but it’s still firm
enough that your skis glide; giving you all the confidence to make
you feel like an expert skier.
Another pro is it doesn’t …
Planning Your 2021 Vacation to Bear Creek
Arialle Hess
Almost an entire year has passed since anyone took a real
vacation. As we find ourselves almost two months into 2021 with a
vaccine and commonplace regulations, a vacation is no longer just a
pastime memory.
If you’re itching for an immediate winter getaway, Bear
Creek should be your 2021 vacation destination.
With plenty of natural and man-made snow, the slopes at Bear
Creek are groomed and ready for shredding. Whether you want to ski,
ride, or snow tube, hotel guests can take advantage of all the
resort offerings.
There is still time for a winter getaway and the popular
Midweek Ski & Stay hotel package is still available.
It’s the resort’s best-selling package because it helps
you get the most out of your winter experience.
It’s All Inclusive
The Midweek Ski & Stay package is a bundled deal. Starting
at just $259*, the package includes an overnight stay, 2 extended
day lift tickets for day of arrival, and 2 extended day lift
tickets for following day.
Hotel guests who have booked this package don’t have to
worry about pre-purchasing tickets online before they sell out.
Your tickets are set aside and ready for pick up upon your
arrival.
*Cost based upon room type.
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.
As part of the package, hotel guests also receive 40% off
rental equipment if needed. This includes skis, poles, snowboards,
boots and helmets. Any winter sports items that you need can be
purchased upon arrival at the hotel front desk; no online
pre-purchase necessary.
If you prefer to take a lesson before hitting the slopes, our
hotel will directly contact the Snowsports School to help get you
set up. Ski and snowboard lessons for hotel guests are $48 for ages
8 and up.
Although the package is based upon double occupancy, Bear
Creek can make adjustments to the amount of guests arriving.
It’s only $69 to add an extra guest onto the package, and
children 5 and under are FREE!
If your legs need a rest day, hotel guests have access to snow
tubing for an additional cost. Tickets for snow tubing are also
available at the hotel front desk; no online pre-purchase
necessary.
Should I Buy or Rent Skis
Arialle Hess
Many people are looking to get outside this winter. When
Googling for things to do, skiing and snowboarding have bombarded
the search engine results, causing an influx of newbies out on the
mountain. If this was you this past December, we are super excited
to welcome you to the world of winter sports and we want to make
sure you are fully knowledgeable about skiing before diving in head
first.
We know winter sports can be expensive, so understanding your
options will give you a great foundation for the decision making
process.
Even if you are not a complete newbie, making that first ski
purchase can be daunting, especially for Eastern PA folks who live
amongst smaller mountains that now experience temperate winters.
There’s always a fine line between renting and buying, so we
have compiled a list of factors that you should take into
consideration before making your decision. Take a look at the pros
and cons for each to see if you should keep
renting or finally make the leap.
Cost
Assuming you are hooked on skiing, start writing down how much
it costs you to rent during a season and do some simple math. Skis
are not cheap, but continuously renting can add up fast, too.
Cost was first on our list because it’s probably the
biggest decision-making factor, although the impact varies from
person to person depending on how much, or how little, you
ski.
Renting for a few seasons is a good idea to save you money
until you find the pair that speaks to your soul. Rental skis are
tested and tuned constantly throughout the season, so you will not
only be getting safe gear, but maintained gear as well. If you own,
you are responsible for keeping up on all the maintenance, whether
doing it yourself or scheduling an appointment at your local
shop.
For those on the fence, below are some cost-saving
tips for your first pair.
If you have a pair in mind that you know you would like to own
(ie carving, moguls, park, etc), search for them in your size on
third party sites such as skis.com. These sites always have great
deals, especially at the end of the season. If you can snag skis at
a discounted rate, the feeling of having your own equipment not
marked up …
6 Reasons You Need Ski Lessons
Arialle Hess
Do you need ski lessons? Our answer is yes.
The ski industry has made some incredible technological
advancements when it comes to beginner skis. The new skis make
learning so much easier and more fun, but that doesn’t mean
you should skip taking a lesson.
Learning to ski with your friends is definitely fun but a bit
dangerous, being self-taught can be confidence-building yet
progression can plateau, but utilizing your local mountain’s
ski school program is a very smart choice. Bear Creek is a small
mountain that specializes in beginner-friendly terrain and staff;
perfect for first-timers. The team has compiled a list of six
reasons why your next visit should include a lesson
with one of our pros.
1. Safety
Skiing can be incredibly fun but also dangerous if you
don’t take the proper precautions. Safety is the number one
concern for our guests while out on the slopes. You won’t
have much fun if you sustain and injury while skiing. One way to
ensure your safety is to take a lesson with a professionally
trained instructor.
Learning how to ski doesn’t just mean connecting your
turns. Instructors are tasked with making sure to teach you the
necessary skill set to ski safely every time you hit the slopes.
From riding the chair lift, to controlling your speed, there are
many areas for potential accidents we want you to avoid.
At Bear Creek we hold ourselves accountable to two things, a
Responsibility
Code and Smart Style skiing. Both focus on being aware of your
surroundings because you aren’t the only one having fun out
there. Every first-timer gets the run-down upon their first
lesson.
Those employed by Bear Creek’s Snowports School have won
awards from the PSIA (Prof. Ski Instructors Assoc.) and AASI
(American Assoc. of Snowboard Instructors). Having a group of very
talented and certified instructors ensures you’re in good
hands.
2. Injury Prevention
< …10 Reasons to Purchase a Ski Season Pass
Arialle Hess
Are you looking to get out and do something this
year? Well, you don’t have to wait around for summer to
arrive. What better way to get outside than by skiing or
snowboarding?! Purchase a season pass and you can carve until your
heart is content. If you are not sure whether you should purchase a
season pass or stick to day-tickets, below is a list of 10 reasons
purchasing a season pass definitely has its perks.
1. Best way to ensure you have access to the slopes
Due to COVID-19 state regulations, your ski trip experience may look a little different this year. Many ski resorts are limiting day-ticket sales, so buying a ski season pass is one way to make sure you can hit the slopes.
For the 20/21 season Bear Creek is not restricting access to season pass holders, nor requiring SPH to reserve their slope time. You can carve until your heart’s content.
2. More flexibility in accessing the slopes
If you have already decided to purchase a pass, your next decision is “Which pass should I buy?” Bear Creek is offering two passes for the 20/21 ski season: a Value Pass and an Unlimited Loyalty Pass.
If you prefer having the freedom to come and go whenever your schedule allows, an Unlimited Pass is worth the extra money. Plus, you won’t feel cheated if a stellar storm rolls in on a blackout date.
However, a Value Pass is great for people who need a budget-friendly option. This pass is valid Monday-Friday, so you can still get in some turns after work.
3. It’s cost effective in the long run
A season pass is still significantly more expensive than a few day-tickets and might leave you wondering if a season ski pass is worth it.
If you ski on average of six times a season, a Bear Creek season pass is definitely worth it.
Bear Creek also offers discounted rates on season passes during the off-season, so you can shop smart and avoid paying full price.
The resort also offers payment plans to help disperse the cost, giving you the ability to manage your finances in a way that works best for you.
4. Fast track to the lift lines
Don’t get stuck in the ticket line the day after a snowstorm. With a season pass, you can jump out of your car and into the lift line.
Having a season pass helps avoid waiting in lines, giving you more time out on the slopes.
