POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa. January 15, 2015 - The temperatures are dropping and the fun is rising in the Pocono Mountains (PoconoMountains.com) this winter. Whether it's a festival, a polar plunge, snow shoeing, seeing a show or hitting the slopes, the four country region has something for everyone this season. Extend your weekend, and take on all that the Pocono Mountains has to offer.
Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month continues through January. Each of the region's seven ski areas is participating in the nationwide effort to get people outside this season. Each ski area has family-friendly facilities and trails ranging from beginner to expert, ensuring everyone in the family a chance to learn and build confidence as a skier and snowboarder.
The Pocono Mountains' ski areas are packed with races, festivals, demo days and charity events throughout the winter. Ski Season Events can be found on the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau's calendar of events. New events are added regularly, be sure to check back often.
Ski packages are available throughout the region including lessons, rental equipment, lodging, and other outdoor activities such as snow tubing. The Pocono Mountains Ski and Ride Card can be purchased for $55. The card, valid January 2015 - the end of the ski season allows cardholder one lift ticket at each of the participating ski areas.
There's more to the outdoor recreation than skiing and snowboarding during the winter months. Guests to the region can take in the beauty of the mountains while snowshoeing or cross country skiing, horseback riding, ice skating or playing a game of winter paintball.
You don't have to hit the trails to enjoy the winter season in the Pocono Mountains. The region plays host to winter athletic events, festivals, ice carvings and much more.
There are two chances to take a plunge into an icy lake for charity. The 2nd Annual Freezin' for a Reason Polar Plunge will take place on January 24 at Mauch Chunk Lake Park as a fundraiser for St. Joseph Regional Academy. The Paupack Plunge will take place at Pocono Action Sports at Lighthouse Harbor Marina on Lake Wallenpaupack on February 14 to raise money for two local dive and rescue teams.
On January 25 golfers will take to the frozen Lake Wallenpaupck with two nine-hole courses complete with lined fairways, greens, water traps, obstacles and roughs for the 24th Annual Ice Tee Golf Tournament.
Crystal Cabin Fever kicks off February 6 and runs through February 22. This year's theme, Under The Sea, will bring sea animals, mermaids, the sunken Titanic and Atlantis carved from 100 tons of ice. There will also be ice carving demonstrations, interactive ice displays and a 50 foot dual-run ice slide.
This Presidents' Day weekend, visit Jim Thorpe WinterFest weekend. There will be ice and wood carving, civil war re-enactors, the Famous Jim Thorpe Mug Walk, a magic show and much more!
After spending a day outdoors in the Pocono Mountains, come inside and let the region entertain you. From large-scale concerts to intimate performances, the Pocono Mountains hosts entertainment events of all sizes. See your favorite performers on stage or discover an up-and-coming artist at one of these Pocono Mountains' venues; Sherman Theater, Mauch Chunk Opera House, Penn's Peak or the Hawley Silk Mill. Guests to the region can also end the night with a show at Shawnee Playhouse or The Cooperage Project.
Whether you are looking for a cozy bed and breakfast, a family resort, a boutique hotel or a spa, the Pocono Mountains offers lodging facilities to suit every need or budget. Many of which are offering packages and special offers to accommodate different activities and events this winter.
About the Pocono Mountains
With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania's Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers. Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261miles of hiking and biking trails, over 30 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks.
Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at PoconoMountains.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667). Follow @PoconoTourism on Twitter to stay current with up-to-date information. Established in 1934, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit, membership organization. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.
