We are fortunate enough to live within driving distance of places to ski, snowtube, snowboard, and enjoy an indoor waterpark during the winter months. But there is only one destination where you can do these activities all in one place: Camelback Resort in Tannersville, Pennsylvania.
When my family and I were invited to visit Camelback Resort earlier this month, I was hesitant. Do we really have time to go on a family trip with Christmas less than three weeks away? Will there be snow to enjoy skiing and snowtubing? And is there going to be enough to do for both my adventurous son and my not-so-sporty daughter? The answer is yes, yes, and definitely YES!
Camelback Resort is only a two-hour’s drive from northern New Jersey, but it feels like a true escape from the holiday madness and a great destination for family fun. Situated high in the Pocono Mountains, Camelback Mountain’s 100 percent snowmaking capacity allows families to maximize the season and enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing for as long as possible.
We took advantage of Camelback Mountain’s reputation for being one of the area’s best places to learn to ski or ride. My son tried snowboarding for the first time, and my daughter chose to go skiing. I was impressed by how much of the resort is dedicated to beginners – the area where the lessons took place is very spacious, plus there are 15 acres of beginner trails and four magic carpets.
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Up to four lift tickets are included free with every stay at Camelback Lodge, which is a great value. But if you want to ski just for the day, new and beginner skiers can’t go wrong with the triple ticket max: $199 for three tickets to the lower mountain lifts, three rentals, and three lessons. For skiers who don’t need lessons, they can enjoy three full-access lift tickets and three rentals for the same price. (Note: these prices are only good until February 1.) If you have a fourth or fifth grader, you can save even more by applying for SkiPA’s Snowpass, which allows kids to ski free at participating Pennsylvania resorts including Camelback.
Skiing or snowboarding not your thing? You can still enjoy the outdoors by snowtubing at the largest snowtubing park in America. Elevate the excitement by trying “Galactic Snowtubing” – in the evening Camelback Mountain transforms the park into a party complete with disco lighting and dance music. My family had a blast!
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Once you’ve had your fill of the outdoors, shed the layers and enjoy 85 degree temperatures at Aquatopia, Camelback’s indoor waterpark complete with a Texlon transparent roof that allows plenty of light in the facility. Admission to Aquatopia is included in every stay at Camelback Lodge in addition to lift or snowtubing tickets. Yes, you read that right. This is such an incredible deal so definitely take advantage of it. You can check out of your hotel room in the morning and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the Lost River or seeking some thrills on the six waterslide options. The kids loved jumping over the gentle waves at the Ka-Na-Gawa Wavepool, and the AquaPlay Structure Kartrite’s Quest provides so much fun with its interactive geyser jets, water guns, water wheels, and the 1,000 gallon giant dumping bucket.
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Aquatopia opens at 10am, but if your early birds are up and want to do something before the waterpark opens, then check out the two-level Arcadia indoor adventure center. My kids loved the K2 Klimb ropes course and the many ticket redemption games. Other activities include a nine-hole mini golf experience and laser tag. These activities do have a separate charge, but are also really fun so definitely try them if you have the time. They even have a candy and ice cream shop for a sweet treat!
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We had a short stay at Camelback Resort, but I’m so glad we went because we will be talking about the fun we had for years to come. And isn’t that what the holidays are truly about - making memories that last a lifetime?
Macaroni Tips If You Go:
- If you have a fourth or fifth grader, apply for SkiPA's Snowpass in advance to save even more on lift tickets and lessons. Visit www.skiPA.com or click HERE for more information.
- Be sure to pack everything from snow suits to bathing suits. Your kids will not want to miss out on a thing during your stay so it's better to be overly prepared.
- To maximize your time on the slopes, rent your own skis or snowboard equipment.
- Invest in ski helmets for the kids - they can use it while they are skiing as well snowtubing.
- Camelback Lodge offers 16 different suites that can accommodate up to 14 people. We loved the King Bunk Suite which had a king sized bed, a queen sofa sleeper, and a separate room with two separate bunk beds for the kids.
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- Each room is equipped with a snack-size refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker as well as high-speed internet.
- There are lockers available for a small fee at the Camelback Mountain's base camp as well as at Aquatopia for your personal belongings.
- Berrelli's Italian restaurant is right on premises and is a great place for family-style meals and drinks by the outdoor fire tables.
- For more information about Camelback Resort, visit www.camelbackresorts.com
Disclosure: SkiPA and Camelback Resort paid for the cost of accommodations and snow and water activities at Camelback Lodge. All opinions are solely that of the author.
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