saltyant

I don't know what you're talking about, that's an actual photo of my fortune cookie wrapper and fortune.

Same, debating whether I want to get up early or save $14 and go at 12. Don't go to Camelback unless you enjoy going really, really slow (see my brand new report)

It has always been my dream to try cross-country skiing, and today my dream was finally realized at Camelback Mountain. The day had started off promising with ample freshies inbound. I headed to East Gourmet Buffet and had pepper chicken, oysters, white rice, bananas with red gel, and tap water. I tipped the waitress one dollar. Then I headed to Camelback and received the awesome news that preferred parking was free for all today. My day was just getting better and better, and I saved 72 steps (mostly uphill). Little did I know that I would need all the energy I could muster to survive cross-country skiing. The snow was coming down like crazy, and the mountain looked identical to Colorado. I knew crowds would be pretty heavy because other mountains (i.e. Blue) are in extreme remote Alpine tundra backcountry and only accessible by sled dog. I called it right - Upper Marc Antony was indistinguishable from the Schuylkill Expressway at rush hour. Due to the massive undertaking earlier this season to open snowtubing before Blue, no other trails were available, and all skiers congested the narrow passage, causing major delays and several near-misses. At this time I discovered two new cross-country trails. The first was at the top of Upper Marc Antony, and the second was right before Honeymoon. Due to the slow snow, getting down the mountain required an incredible amount of exertion at both of these spots. I pushed and pushed and wore my arms out. I also tried using the ice skating technique, but that wore my legs out after a while. A former instructor gave me a lesson on how to ski cross-country more efficiently. I improved a little after receiving his wisdom, but by this time my energy levels were drained, and ski wax was far beyond my reach. I made 25 runs today, less than half compared to last Saturday when conditions were epic. To conclude, the scenery today was spectacular, and the snow was amazing. If Camelback had opened either Upper Cleo, or even James’s Way, those trails would have replaced the need to ski on ultra flat terrain, and I'd likely still be skiing for 4 more minutes. Those two trails would not have required a lot of snow, and Upper Cleo would have also alleviated much of the congestion on Upper Marc Antony. Overall, I am a little disappointed with the terrain today, which could have been much, much more fun especially with the surprise blizzard. But a Camelback official assured me that half the mountain will be open by next weekend. Hopefully by this time the gnarliness will return to Camelback.

Possibly. At BK now. Once I get home I'll reassess available options. I just know I cant do another day of these 2 trails at CB.

Up to 73 seasonal runs on Upper Marc Antony and Honeymoon. Kind of getting repetitive. But still fun enough to keep riding the lift back up and doing another run.

Im only taking 5-10 minute breaks in the lodge. Cross country skiing is exhausting and I need frequent breaks. i'm an old man. Hell I'm almost 30.

I poached some glades. Skiied between like 2 trees.

Sitting in the lodge. Yep kept going though Im exhausted . probably will leave in a few hours.

Im bored. I dont know how many more times i can do the same trail. In the lodge again for the third time after 15 runs. Lots of crying babby.

I just got a full tune up 2 weeks ago. Honeymoon is ok but Honeymoon way is uphill and I cant generate enough momentum off Upper Marc Antony to make that uphill segment. I'm already doing full french fries so I'm not sure how carvings going to help. Took another lodge break, trails are getting congested with literal first time skiiers and now theres a line at the lift. Maybe I'll sit here for 3 hours until everyone goes home to Jersey but there isnt even free wifi.

Skiied 3 runs and I'm in the lodge already. Looks very beautiful here but was definitely much more fun skiing last weekend. The trails are too flat for this slow snow and I dont have much stamina left to keep doing this cross country crap. Plus trails are getting congested and death cookies on lower Honeymoon. This is a little disappointing as I had such high expectations. I might try Shawnee tomorrow, at least you dont have to cross country ski there. Also no free food today.

Ok. I'll let you know how it is. I'll be going late morning/afternoon. If Blue would get even one more trail open I might go there tomorrow. Just starting to get bored with the same trails open at each mountain week after week.

Thanks GSS, that is such a cool picture.

Looks like Shawnee beats everyone at being first to open mid-week. http://wnep.com/2017/12/08/shawnee-mountain-ski-area-to-open-daily/

Excellent point. My drive to Blue Mountain requires treacherous mountainous passes with runaway truck ramps. I may see you there afterall. Intellicast is saying the storm will begin around 10 am, so I'll try to arrive before I-80 becomes snowcovered.

Ok. Haven't eaten yet. I'm waiting for the all-you-can-eat buffet tomorrow.

I took the Camelback discussion to the Camelback thread as instructed by GrilledSteezeSandwich and Toast269420 and I'm still getting in trouble??

Thanks. Think you'll stay at Blue after 11 with the storm coming? And I might see Ski2Live since I'll be going a little earlier than originally planned due to the change in the forecast.

Update for all PASR Camelback skiiers - Guns are still firing as of 2:18 PM this afternoon. The resort is truly beginning to look like a winter wonderland, and it's only going to get better in 24 hours with freshies inbound. Temps are looking excellent for continuous snowmaking operations. Stoke levels are reaching all-time highs.

Nah, he witnessed my first chair AND first run of the season which earned me an epic high-five, thereby permanently exonerating my gaper status. East Gourmet in Bartonsville as usual. I haven't located any decent buffets anywhere else, so I'll have to backtrack a little to pursue freshies. Yes, I tip them for bringing my ice water and fortune cookie, but usually not too much since I have to do most of the work myself (i.e. getting up and filling my plates).

Idk, skiing at Camelback is probably too cool to be skiing on Mickey Mouse skis. I don't want the camel mascot to think I'm a jerry or something,

WNEP just stated the blizzard tomorrow will begin around 1 pm. I think I'll leave around 11 AM, stop for discounted Chinese buffet, and then proceed to pursue freshies and free refills. I think this plan will optimize my strategic positioning to ensure true powder skiing from 1-5 PM, and I'll still get to enjoy skiing under the lights on empty slopes.

He retired but made an appearance at the big John Oliver train unveiling a few months ago. I got to shake hands with him and asked him if he could bring us a few nor-easter's this year. As a bonus I was briefly featured on a live television broadcast, one of my proudest achievements.

NEPA weatherman and local celebrity.