There may not be snow on the ground, but the cold spell forecast over the next week should help area ski resorts make enough snow for thousands of Alpine skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.
When people think of snow sports, thoughts generally turn first and foremost to skiing and snowboarding. Thanks to improvements in man-made snow capabilities, Pennsylvania skiers and shredders take delight in knowing that even if there isn't natural snow around, there are plenty of good runs to be made.
Other winter sports aren't as lucky. Cross country skiers and snowmobile enthusiasts need natural snow in order to get their winter on.
Pennsylvania's state parks and forests welcome the snow sports enthusiasts when the snow hits.
"Our state parks roll out the welcome mat to visitors entering a new world of outdoor excitement and adventure," said Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan.
The state parks and forests are open for snowmobiles and ATVs, but recreation enthusiasts need to remember that hunting and fishing are also taking place on many of the state-owned lands and precautions should be observed from interfering with people taking part in those pastimes.
Pennsylvania's state parks and forests have more than 2,984 miles of marked, multi-use state forest roads, closed roads and trails in 18 of the Commonwealth's 20 state forest districts and all 32 of its state parks. Winter ATV trails in seven state forest districts opened on Dec. 11.
DCNR also offers a variety of organized winter activities on the properties it managed. Go online to http://www.getoutdoorspa.state.pa.us to find events near you. Delaware Canal Park in Easton, Promised Land State Park in Pike County and Nescopeck State Park in Luzerne County are all offering First Day Hikes on Jan. 1.
S'no joke: The colder temperatures that are hitting the area after today's Winter Solstice (or Mayan Doomsday, whichever you prefer) will be welcome by the winter outdoors crowd, and the possibility of moisture hitting the area with the cold front next week means we may have some snow accumulation by Wednesday or Thursday.
With the kids off from school, one can only hope that enough snow hits our region to make it a winter playground beyond just the area's ski resorts. Artificial snow is being cranked out on the slopes and conditions should be good for the holidays.
Ski and shred time: Bear Creek (www.bcmountainresport.com) in Macungie is resuming its snow making on Saturday and hopes to be open in time for Christmas. The resort is holding a Winter Solstice Party 7-11 p.m. today with music by Jake Kaligis & the New Constitution.
Blue Mountain Ski Resort (www.skibluemt.com) in Palmerton was closed as of Thursday but is also in snow-making mode.
Camelback Mountain Resort (www.skicamelback.com) plans on re-opening for the weekend.
Jack Frost (www.jfbb.com) also plans to open 8 a.m. Saturday thanks to man-made snow, and it's twin, Big Boulder, is having an air bag competition this weekend as well.
Elk Mountain (www.elkskier.com) opened this past Tuesday with a 12-24-inch base and machine groomed, frozen granular conditions on the slopes that did open.
Sno Mountain (www.snomtn.com), formerly Montage Mountain near Scranton, is still waiting to announce its opening day.
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