Lehigh Valley InSite

Do You Plan on Pond Skimming at Blue Mountain Ski Area?

Even though you may think the ski and snowboard season is quickly coming to an end, each year there is one classic event in Lehigh Valley that is not to be missed: pond skimming. My son turned me on to my first Pond Skimming Competition at Blue Mountain Ski Area about two years ago, and now I can't wait to see it each year.

There are usually a couple hundred people registered, from kids as young as seven to full-grown adults, and there are plenty of spectators too (even a dog or two). The competition is usually sponsored by a local business and they have a semi-professional commentator.

I am thankful my son doesn't participate in the event, he just spectates like me. After watching so many people take the plunge or nearly injure themselves, I am quite alright with his decision each year. Check out this video from 2008 to see for yourself. Craziness at its finest!

 

Do you think you will check out this year's event on March 20? It truly is one not to be missed. 

Valentine's Weekend in Easton is a success

 
Valentine's Weekend in Lehigh Valley's Easton was a success from what I could see. They had multiple events taking place on Saturday, 2/12; 2nd Annual Snowflakes for Easton Snow Day, two events at State Theatre, and a Rail Jam.

I happened to be there for the Drinky's First Annual Red Bull Rail Jam because my son was one of the snowboard competitors, and I was amazed at the crowds that were in Centre Square! It was bitter cold with winds ripping through the town and there were even a few real snowflakes coming down, which made the event seem more authentic. I mean, who would think Center Square in Easton would be home to a "ski slope" with rails? Well, Jack Frost/Big Boulder helped by setting the stage and the city helped by trucking in the snow. Overall I would say the spectators weren't disappointed, unless they got there late and couldn't get close enough to see the competition or they couldn't find a parking spot in the city.

The drop-in for the course was 16-feet and they had three different rails set up. The contest was only open to experienced riders due to the limited amount of space they had to work with. There were some minor course issues that had to be fixed mid-way through so they opted for an intermission to fix the damage. That was fine with me because my toes were freezing!

My mom and I decided to try to find a bite to eat. We totally forgot it was a holiday weekend and every place was jam packed or reservations were needed. We were lucky enough to grab a table at Pearly Baker's Ale House on the stage near the front of the restaurant. I've been to Pearly's before and have had better experiences, but I think that was just due to the crazy busy scene they were dealing with. I don't think anyone in Easton thought there would be soooo many people taking over their restaurants and bars. I will definitely head back for another meal, just at a quieter time, so I can actually hear the person I am dining with.

Where did you head for Valentine's weekend? Did you find yourself in Easton? I know I'll be heading back next year for the event.

 

 

My first skiing experience in Lehigh Valley, PA

Lehigh Valley is covered in snow, which reminds me of the first time I tried skiing. I was in 7th grade when I signed up to go on a ski trip with my church youth group to Bear Creek Mountain Resort (although back then it was called Doe Mountain). As we pulled up to the base of the mountain, which was brightly lit in the night sky, I was in awe  - although now, with all the terrain parks, halfpipe and massive slope-side resort, it's even more impressive.

After figuring out how to get those rental boots on, I walked out to the man-made-snow-covered mountain holding my rental skis and polls pointing in all directions. I was wearing jeans, my winter coat, some gloves and an ear-warmer. Looking back, I realize I must've looked completely clueless. But, wait, it gets better!

I was signed up for a lesson on the bunny hill. I don't know if I missed the explanation of how to use the rope tow or what, but when the time came for me to grab the moving rope that was going to pull me to the top of the small hill, I totally biffed it! I gripped the rope so tight it jerked me off my feet, face first up the slope. My knees buckled, so laying on my stomach, my skis were now tangled in the rope, which was still moving me up the mountain. They had to stop the whole thing to untangle me. And because I was wearing jeans instead of snow pants and rolling around on the snow, I was soaked, looking like I had a major "accident."

Unfortunately, that's where my memory fades, but I didn't give up. I joined ski club at school, got my own pair of skis, boots and poles (along with a pair of ski pants), got a season pass for Blue Mountain (check out this doozy of a story) and eventually made my way to New York, Vermont and Montana. But it all began at a little place in Macungie.

Have you hit the slopes yet this year?

This post was originally published on February 26, 2010.

Fun times last weekend in Lehigh Valley

For those of you NOT familiar with Steve McDaniel, he’s a great musician who plays around Lehigh Valley. I usually try to see Steve perform when he plays at Five Points Inn in Mount Bethel.  I like to go see him there for two reasons:  1) Five Points is ‘small town’ bar; you can walk in there alone and know that within minutes you’ll see someone to talk to, and 2) it’s not a ‘pricey’ place to spend a night out. So last Friday night, a couple friends and I went to see Steve perform solo at Five Points. As usual, I wasn’t disappointed – by the bar or the performer. He even played several of my favorite songs. I can’t wait to see him again (he’ll be back on April 16).

The other highlight of my weekend was Sunday when some friends and I went to Blue Mountain Ski Area, not to ski or board but to watch their annual pond skimming contest. Each competitor receives two tries to get across the ‘pond’ they build just for the occasion. This was my first time to pond skimming at Blue Mountain, but apparently to shake things up this year, they added a ramp, which seemed to work!

Skiers of every age were attempting the stunt, but it seemed as though less than half actually made it. My friends and I could not help but laugh every time someone ended up in the water. It is even funnier when the contestants are dressed up in costumes and the go for a swim. This year’s costumes ranged from a cow, an alligator, formal wear, a Hawaiian outfit, and I believe I saw someone skim by in a Snuggie. 

The highlight of the event for me was the guy who purposely wiped out in the pond, causing a tidal wave to soak the crowd along one side of the pond. I say it was the highlight because I wasn’t standing on that side! 

What sort of fun things did you do last weekend? 

This post was written by Lehigh Valley InSite guest blogger Rheanna Meehan.

Bye bye winter! Helloooo spring!

Lehigh Valley's ski and snowboard season is quickly coming to a close, much to the dismay of my snowboard-crazy son. Bear Creek Mountain Resort closed last weekend and Blue Mountain Ski Area will be closing this Sunday. But not before hosting their annual pond skimming contest at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

I've witnessed Blue Mountain's pond skimming contests the past two years, enjoying it immensely both times. 

In 2008, there were a couple hundred people registered, from kids as young as seven to full-grown adults. There were plenty of spectators too (even a dog). 

Last year, my coworker Kate and I had fun trying to determine which "character" we enjoyed the most: the person in the chicken costume, the two guys in the speedos, the pirate, the girls in the bikinis, the little kids who barely had enough weight to get across the pond or the Hawaiian guy in the grass skirt and lei.

Here's a fun clip from last year's event:

 

I'll also be at Blue on Saturday to watch my son compete in the BigAirBAG competition. That event doesn't start until 6 p.m., but we'll probably hit the mountain early to watch the Triple Threat Rail Jam at noon and the Cardboard Box Derby at 1 p.m.

So if you're looking for an excuse to get out and enjoy the spring-like weather that has finally arrived in Lehigh Valley - and are looking for a little good-time entertainment - meet me up at Blue Mountain!

First time on skis: a true story

Lehigh Valley is covered in snow, which reminds me of the first time I tried skiing. I was in 7th grade when I signed up to go on a ski trip with my church youth group to Bear Creek Mountain Resort (although back then it was called Doe Mountain). As we pulled up to the base of the mountain, which was brightly lit in the night sky, I was in awe  - although now, with all the terrain parks, halfpipe and massive slope-side resort, it's even more impressive!

After figuring out how to get those rental boots on, I walked out to the man-made-snow-covered mountain holding my pair of rental skis and polls pointing in all directions. I was wearing jeans, my winter coat, some gloves and an ear-warmer. Looking back, I realize I must've looked completely clueless! But, wait, it gets better!

I was signed up for a lesson on the bunny hill. I don't know if I missed the explanation of how to use the rope tow or what, but when the time came for me to grab the moving rope that was going to pull me to the top of the small hill, I totally biffed it! I gripped the rope so tight it jerked me off my feet, face first up the slope. My knees buckled, so laying on my stomach, my skis were now tangled in the rope, which was still moving me up the mountain. They had to stop the whole thing to untangle me. And because I was wearing jeans instead of snow pants and rolling around on the snow, I was soaked, looking like I had a major "accident." How embarrassing!

Unfortunately, that's where my memory fades, but I didn't give up. I joined ski club at school, got my own pair of skis, boots and poles (along with a pair of ski pants), got a season pass for Blue Mountain (check out this doozy of a story) and eventually made my way to Vermont and Montana. But it all began at a little place in Macungie!

Anyone else care to share their embarrassing "first time on skis" story?

My time spent at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie

Last week I attended a SKAL dinner meeting at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie. But all work and no play makes for a boring life, so I made a point to arrive several hours beforemy meeting to go snowtubing, something I had never done at Bear Creek before.

As I wandered up the pathway from Bear Creek's beautiful lodge to the tubing park, I glanced at my ticket and realized that the tubing park didn't open until 5:30 p.m., a good half hour away. Luckily, I ran into some of my fellow meeting folks who were heading to The Grille for cocktails so I joined them. The Grille at Bear Creek is very elegant with a fireplace set directly behind the bar. It has the feeling of an out West kind of place with stone walls throughout.

After I finished my cocktail it was time to hit the tubing park. I thought there would be a huge line, but there were only five of us in the park. I picked up my tube and hopped on the conveyor belt, which led me up the mountain at a snail's pace. Once at the top, I was given the rules: Lie on your stomach and use your feet to stop yourself at the bottom (otherwise you’ll be flying into a net). The runs were super fast and I had a blast.

Once I got inside for dinner in the Fireside Suite, I noticed we had an incredible view of the mountain through the glass windows as well as a private deck, a fireplace and huge plasma TV. The food was incredible and the service was impeccable!

I'm hoping for more meetings at Bear Creek, but if not I know I will be heading there with my family to enjoy the luxury items (The Spa, an outdoor heated pool, The Waffle Hut!) of a high-end resort in my backyard!

What do you like about Bear Creek?

(Photo credit: The Morning Call)

Parkettes builds athletes one at a time in Lehigh Valley

Last weekend, my son competed on the Gatorade Free Flow Tour for a chance to get on the Winter Dew Tour and participate against some of the biggest names in snowboarding. Unfortunately he missed heading to the final round by one point! He is pretty upset about it to say the least.

Jared has competed before but not on a level like this so all-in-all it was a great learning experience for him. This was the first competition I was actually able to see so it was kind of neat for me to be a part of it too.

As I sat in the lodge for most of the day, I heard some interesting conversations from some of the other parents talking about their kids and what they do to improve and get ready for a snowboarding competition like this. One mentioned that her son just joined a gymnastics group to gain strength and flexibility and to help with the flips and tricks. A light bulb went off in my head at that very moment! Lehigh Valley has one of the best facilities in the country for Jared to better himself at … the Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center in Allentown. This place has turned out some of the best athletes around, including Olympians!

I think Jared would be in heaven at the facility. There’s foam pits, trampolines, horses, floor mats, physio balls and more. What kid, or adult for that matter, wouldn’t be in heaven? Take a look for yourself! I am even thinking about it for myself.

Jared’s dream is to make it pro in the world of snowboarding one day, and I definitely think a facility like Parkettes could help him achieve his goal while also improving his self esteem and endurance. What do you think?

Wintertime fun at Blue Mountain Ski Area

I just returned from nearly two full weeks off from work and guess how I spent most of it. If you said, "In the car driving around Lehigh Valley with my recently turned 16-year-old son," you're right.

I usually spend a ton of time with Jared in the car each winter because he holds a season-pass to Blue Mountain Ski Area, which is a 30-minute commute each way for us. What's different though this year is that he did most of the driving while I observe, grab the door handle and indent my foot in the floor! (Actually, he's doing quite well with it, but it's still weird to have him in the driver's seat.)

Blue Mountain is like his second home. And this year, they've got some new features, which makes it even more exciting for him.

Here's a few of their new features:

1. There's a BigAirBAG to land into while practicing jumps. Being the "extreme" snowboarder that he is, Jared's not a fan of this addition because you can't do flips into it, but for novice riders, it helps them gage the air underneath them. (There is a fee to use it.)

2. There's a new trail called Nightmare, a double black diamond, which Jared did give a go but he's more of a terrain park guy.

3. Speaking of parks, there's a new urban-style terrain park called Central Park, which is set up like a city scene including handrails and stair sets. Jared loves it, if only because it's different.

4. Another new addition at Blue Mountain that Jared loves is the new Moon Doggie service that takes pictures and videos of him while he rides (for an additional fee).

5. Finally, Blue Mountain got a new Park Bully groomer to move the features in the terrain parks around, which will keep things fresh for regular riders like Jared.

So, I know what I'll be doing for the next two months or so. Will you be heading to Blue Mountain Ski Area for a wintertime adventure? 

A farewell to the Lehigh Valley ski season

My son was severely depressed when 5:00 p.m. rolled around yesterday and he took his last run for the season at Blue Mountain Ski Area. Bear Creek Mountain Resort also closed yesterday, marking the official end to skiing and snowboarding season in Lehigh Valley. 

Besides being their closing day, Blue Mountain also held their annual Pond Skimming Competition (Bear Creek's was the previous weekend). I decided to go check it out because last year I had a blast. Kate from the office decided to meet me there cause she thought it would be a ton of fun ... and that it was! 

Kate and I were trying to determine which "character" we enjoyed the most: the person in the chicken costume, the two guys in the speedos, the pirate, the girls in the bikinis, the little kids who barely had enough weight to get across the pond or the Hawaiian guy in the grass skirt and lei. 

There is one more snowboarding event at Blue Mountain this season that my son will get to experience and that is the Grateful Shred Rail Jam, scheduled for Saturday, April 18th. Last year it was about 75 degrees on the day they held it and everyone had a great time being back on the snow. As an avid boarder, my son wouldn't miss this event for the world! 

After that, I'll have to spend the next seven months trying to keep my 15-year old at bay until the season starts again. He is an avid bike rider and likes to fish and golf so hopefully that will keep him busy. Any other suggestions?