Preview: If you’re jonesing for a dose of vertical and long runs, waste no time getting over to Elk. Its 150-plus skiable acres crushes that of most Mid-Atlantic areas, and a strong 1,000 vertical feet rides a lot bigger than the trail map indicates. There are more true black diamonds here (11) than anywhere around, and the nine blue runs are nearly as fun. By far, this is the most challenging and diverse terrain in eastern Pennsylvania. (Only western PA’s Blue Knob has bigger steeps and tougher track.) Look for long, narrow runs with changing grades, awesome turns, and bountiful moguls. And because the resort is somewhat further out than other Pocono areas, you can bank on limited congestion and smaller lift lines. Don’t expect fast chair rides, but do expect to lay plenty of tracks and get a lot of bang for your dollar. If there’s a drawback at Elk, it’s getting from your car to the lodge. Guests have to hop on the back of a shuttle truck from the parking lot—gear in tow—and take a ride uphill to the base lodge. To get around this, make arrangements for an advance ticket or get yourself a season pass. When you arrive, just park your ride in the lot and hop on the adjacent north quad or double chair to reach the summit. Can’t get out to the mountains because of your kids? No worries! Strap your gear up and bring the crew out to Elk. There are some great children’s programs available, or you can use Elk’s babysitting service. Child care availability is limited, so make your reservation at least 24 hours in advance. The service is offered on an hourly basis for kids at least two years of age. You wouldn’t just come here for the food, or would you? Make sure to stop for a bite at Elk’s Wintergarden Restaurant. After all, Elk’s food was voted #3 in the East by SKI Magazine. This chapter contains a thorough description of the resort including driving directions, mountain statistics, trail profiles, extensive lodging & dining information, travel tips, and much more.
© Copyright John Phillips published by Falcon Publishing all rights reserved.
Best Time to Go: Early December to April
This travel guide comes from:
Ski & Snowboard America: Mid-Atlantic Guide Book
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Date of Trip: 1/10/2005
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Review:
By far the best skiing in the Poconos. Some trails are wide and some are tight and turny. What fun it is to ski on this great snow, which is well-groomed. Good blues and blacks, even some respectable bumps. Lines are not long, but the chairs are painfully slow fixed-grippers that make you want to jump off and walk sometimes. Not much in the surrounding area for lodging, meals etc. though, so eat at the lodge, which has great food. Elk diner has tremendous "grease bomb" breakfast sandwiches in the morning if you are not wanting to live too long. Overall, its mostly locals, who love to ski here. The mountain has a mini-western, no-frills ski feel to it with good verticle and soft snow. If you get lost on this mountain, get yourself an Alheimer's screening.
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