Scope the slopes: Pocono resorts offer easy access to ski conditions

Brian Myszkowski, Pocono Record
·3 min read

Getting ready to hit the slopes in the Poconos, but you're not sure what's going down at your favorite mountain? No need to worry, the area's best resorts and the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau have you covered.

While the winter has been a bit erratic for the those who love to shred the gnar, skiing and snowboarding still draw sizeable crowds to the local mountains. But if you want to be sure that everything is to your liking before you hit the road, there are several options to ensure a great trip.

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Hitting up Shawnee or Big Bear? Try SkiText

On Tuesday, the PMVB and SkiText announced a partnership to provide fast and easy access to information at select Pocono ski resorts in real time via text messaging.

SkiText, a new communication platform currently available at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area and Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain, helps these resorts communicate with skiers and snowboarders through their mobile devices.Curious about what trails are open or what the weather is like on Shawnee? How about the food and drink options at Big Bear? The SkiText service even allows users to purchase lift tickets.

A release from PMVB states "SkiText’s automated two-way text messaging system can provide skiers and snowboarders with the information needed to navigate a successful day on the slopes from the comfort of their mobile phones."

Signing up for the service is free — just text the word SKI to 844-SKI-TEXT or (844-754-8398), and once you get a message back, just follow the prompts to finish your subscription. Users can also sign up by visiting the PoconoSki.com website and clicking the SkiText banner.

“SkiText is just another way our ski resorts aim to make the experience on the mountain even better for guests,” Chris Barret, president and CEO of the PMVB, said. “SkiText offers guests resort-specific information that can assist in planning your trip from the beginning to end.”

According to PMVB's Brian Bossuyt, other mountains were invited to enjoy the program, though several have opted to develop their own programs.

If you can't make up your mind about which mountain you want to visit, Bossuyt recommends visiting poconoski.com to check out the list, along with special ski and snowsport packages.

An instructor from Camelback interacts with students. Resorts in the Poconos offer snowsport enthusiasts with different ways to monitor conditions on the slopes, from apps to trail cams.
An instructor from Camelback interacts with students. Resorts in the Poconos offer snowsport enthusiasts with different ways to monitor conditions on the slopes, from apps to trail cams.

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Conditions at Camelback, Blue Mountain, and Jack Frost-Big Boulder

More a fan of Camelback, Blue Mountain, or Jack Frost-Big Boulder? No problem, they've got their own easy ways to see what's up before you strap on your skis.

Camelback Resort's website offers information on general conditions, snow fall, lifts, and the status of each slope, all of which are updated daily. In addition, you can take a peak at the mountain via their live web cams.

Blue Mountain Resort also offers trail cams, a daily report, complete with weather conditions, open trails and lifts, dining options, and a daily trivia question.

Jack Frost-Big Boulder fans can find the snow and weather report right on the mountains' website. Those who want a little more information can also download the EpicMix app, which provides up-to-the-moment information on weather conditions, lifts, and trails. You can also contact emergency services with your precise location, and find your friends on the slopes.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: What are the ski conditions in the Poconos? Check out local slopes