mdskier

Blue or Bear Creek?

Decided to take a "snow day" since sons had a half day and had a free baby sitter lined up. Let the sitter keep the 3 y.o. and took the 10 y.o. They were blowing snow all day. I was bummed that they closed Stembogan, just when I wanted to go over and hit it. Had a great time, however, and the $20 Tuesday price is AWESOME! Went in the terrain park--pretty bad compared to places like Blue--but fun enough for my 10 y.o. neophyte boarder. We did the "rail"--the flat one (don't know what it is called)--for the first time. We both loved it.

The crowd did not thin. We stayed until 5 and it was mighty crowded then. It took forever for us to get food around 1.

Sorry I missed all of you. I didn't get to the mountain until 10. I drove up from Maryland Friday night, and by the time I picked up my equipment and the equipment for my son and neice and pass at Buckman's, I didn't get to my mother-in-law's in Bucks County until after 10. Didn't get to bed until 1 am. So we got a late start the next day. I was there and we all had a great time, but it was WAY too crowded. I was disappointed I didn't get to meet any PASR's.

http://www.buckmans.com/buckmans-ski-snowb...ft-Tickets.aspx $44 for open to 5 pm. I'm renting there to because it is a bit cheaper.

Hey, I'll be there. I never met anyone from PASR before, so I'm excited. I've been using the boards for a few years, but mostly ski at Blue Knob near Altoona because I live near Washington DC. For the past two years, I've taken my son and two nieces to Bear Creek. This year we are going to Blue (sans my oldest niece who got married and now lives in Germany). We will be there for sure on Saturday and are going to Buckman's Friday night to get our tickets and rentals!

Not sure how far from Pittsburgh. It's near Altoona, if that helps you. I drive 2.5 hours from the Washington D.C. area, bypassing closer mountains because I like Blue Knob the best!

Thanks for the feedback. I checked and there are definitely good deals through the ski shops!

Checking out all the lodging sites, I don't see any good deals this year. I'll need lodging for 1 adult and two kids. Ideally want a package that includes at least one lift ticket....Anyone have any suggestions?

I abandoned my home on Inauguration day and took my son to Blue Knob for some skiing and boarding (I ski, he boards). It was cold, snowing, and a great time. Was surprised and happy to learn that Tuesdays are only $20 for all day passes! I sense some "sick" days coming up, all coinciding on Tuesdays!!!

I've been going to blue knob for several years now. I love it. Yeah, the lifts are slow. Yeah the lodge sucks. But, the skiing is great, it is rarely crowded, and it always feels like WINTER! Maybe because the slopes are on the North face of the mountain--away from the sun.

I agree. Looks like I'll be at the other Blue in PA--Blue Mountain--on Friday. I'm going to Bucks County for Txgiving, so will make a run to the Poconos.

Just got off the phone with them. I might hit it Sunday the 30th since there's no Eagles game! Anyone out there like the knob? Anyone out there having trouble viewing their website?

Well, now its going to be 15 days until the trip with the kids! Due to the extreme cold <30 deg. predicted for Saturday, my sister and I decided that the kids would transform into a whiney mass of blue-faced malcontents just hours after hitting the slopes. So, we all agreed to go on the 24th instead (I cannot stand Pres-weekend crowds). The only stipulation is we are definitely going no matter what the temp. I hope it doesn't get too warm!

I'm more an alpine guy, but this trip is more for my son and his cousins. I want him to start boarding/skiing but he wouldn't take a lesson without company. So I came up with a scheme to take his three cousins. BC is closest to my sister. I want to ski all day because I'm not driving all the way up there to ski for only a few hours. I hope to go to Blue Knob on President's day, maybe with son, maybe alone! Who knows. Blue Knob is fun and I usually go up from noon to close. Next year, we are going to start an annual 4-day ski trip, probably to different mountains ea. year. By then, my youngest will be able to ski too!

I wasn't too thrilled about going to BC with the 4 kids (see earlier post), but you guys are so enthusiastic about the place that I think I'll have fun. I usually ski Blue Knob. When I used to live in Bucks Cnty., I skied BC once (then Doe Mtn.,), and also went to Blue, JF and Elk. I think I also went to Denton, but only once. I went to Doe/BC with my girlfriend (now wife) and we had a great time.

I figured I would need the walkie talkies but wasn't sure. I think the kids are going to have a blast. I've already informed them to start collecting quarters! I'm bringing my son and his three cousins. They don't see much of each other, but they always have fun together. The "first-time boarding" package includes lesson, board rental and all day sking on 5 of the easiest trails--plenty I think for a group of first timers and beginners. I think only my son is going to want to go on the more difficult trails because he tends to like to put his body in the most extreme harm possible! Now, I have to make sure that the 17 (boy) and 18 (girl) year olds don't run off with the first hot girls/guys they see! They are to look after the other two while I enjoy the other trails! Thanks to all for your replies.

LOL! Thanks for your comments. I will tell them not to "sled" on the slope. I don't think they will anyway. My son (the 8 y.o.) has a "snowboard" which we take sledding with us and he loves it. Never does he use it as a sit-down sled. I do envision the 12 y.o. doing it if she sees someone else. By "spotty service" do you mean the food service?

I'm going to bring 2 older teens (18 and 17), a 12 yo and an 8 yo to Bear Creek for a day of skiing (boarding). I'm going to get each the first time boarding package because they are all doing it either for their first or second time and none have ever had lessons. I in turn will be skiing alone most of the day, and I plan to ski until close. My question is: When they get bored and cold, is there anything to do in the Lodge (video games, etc.) to keep them occupied while I stay out on the slopes? Obviously, the 18 and 17 yo's will be in charge of the smaller ones. Another question: How is the cell phone service up there? Should I bring walkie talkies in case our services don't work?