Ski Big Bear facts for kids

Ski Big Bear is a fun place in Pennsylvania where you can go skiing and snowboarding. It's located in a town called Lackawaxen Township, Pike County, Pennsylvania, specifically in the area known as Masthope. While anyone can visit, it's also a special part of the Masthope Mountain Community. People who own property there get a season pass to the resort as part of their yearly community fees.

What makes Ski Big Bear a bit different is how it's set up. The main building, where you'll find the lodge, and the parking areas are actually at the very top of the mountain! This means you start your day by skiing or snowboarding down to the chairlifts. Then, the lifts take you back up to the top when you're ready for another run. The mountain has a vertical drop of 650 feet, which is the distance from the top to the bottom.

Exploring Ski Big Bear

Ski Big Bear offers a variety of slopes and ways to get around the mountain. Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced rider, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Hitting the Slopes: Trails for Everyone

Ski Big Bear has 18 different trails and paths that connect them, giving you lots of options for your day on the snow. The trails are marked by difficulty, so you can choose what's best for your skill level.

Easy Runs for Beginners

If you're new to skiing or snowboarding, these trails are perfect for learning and practicing. They are usually wide and have a gentle slope.

• Snowbird (This is a special learning area)
• Whispering Run
• Lower Jamboree
• Upper Eagles Pass
• Lower Eagles Pass
• Cruisin'

Intermediate Challenges

Once you feel comfortable on the easy trails, you can try these. They are a bit steeper and might have some turns that require more control.

• Upper Jamboree
• Grizzly
• Bailout
• Short Cut

Advanced Adventures

These trails are for experienced skiers and snowboarders. They are much steeper and can be more challenging.

• Upper Thundercloud
• Lower Thundercloud
• Devil's Dip
• Lower Polar Bear

Expert Only: Screamin' Demon

This trail is for the most skilled riders. It's very steep and challenging, so only try it if you are truly an expert!

Fun Freestyle Zones

If you like to do tricks or practice jumps, these areas are designed for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

• Terrain Park
• Devil's Bowl

Getting Up the Mountain: Lifts at Big Bear

To get back to the top of the mountain after skiing down, you'll use one of Ski Big Bear's lifts. They have different types to help you get where you need to go.

Chairlifts: Your Ride to the Top

Ski Big Bear has four double chairlifts. A double chairlift means two people can sit side-by-side. These lifts take you high up the mountain quickly.

• Thundercloud I: This lift can take you to many different parts of the mountain.
• Thundercloud II: Like Thundercloud I, this lift also serves the entire mountain.
• Grizzly: This lift is located in the middle of the mountain and is great for reaching the Terrain Park and nearby trails.
• Little Bear: This smaller lift helps you access the Snowbird learning area and the upper part of Whispering Run.

Magic Carpets: Easy Rides for Learners

For beginners and young children, Ski Big Bear has three "Magic Carpet" conveyor lifts. These are like moving sidewalks on the snow, making it very easy to get up a small hill without needing to sit on a chair.

• Magic Carpet I: This one is used in the Snowbird learning area.
• Magic Carpet II: Also in Snowbird, this carpet helps people get to the Snow Tubing Run.
• Sun Kid Carpet: Another easy-to-use carpet lift in the Snowbird area.