Who says you have to travel far to experience a winter jet-away?
Although, the winter season is FINALLY over (it’s been the longest winter
ever), it’s never too late to get a head start on next year. Now that I have
some down time-my new role at work as a Business Banker has me exhausted most days- I
can share my experience about skiing in the Poconos and my
time spent at Skytop Lodge Resort.
Towards the end of 2014, I was looking for an
affordable escape from this brutal winter and decided on the Bahamas. However,
after some unexpected life events decided on committing to a trip that was
in the tri-state area. So here’s how I made the best of my weekend trip in
the Poconos!
Transportation
I decided to take Martz Trailways bus line for our trip the Poconos instead of renting a car. My ticket was $73 round-trip from Penn Station to the Mt. Pocono bus stop. I then called Skytop’s front desk after booking my bus ticket to arrange a pick-up with their shuttle bus. The bus ride was 2 hours long and the shuttle from the bus stop to the lodge was only 20 minutes. My advice is to call ahead and make sure your name and correct pick-up time is on their list.
I decided to take Martz Trailways bus line for our trip the Poconos instead of renting a car. My ticket was $73 round-trip from Penn Station to the Mt. Pocono bus stop. I then called Skytop’s front desk after booking my bus ticket to arrange a pick-up with their shuttle bus. The bus ride was 2 hours long and the shuttle from the bus stop to the lodge was only 20 minutes. My advice is to call ahead and make sure your name and correct pick-up time is on their list.
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| On the shuttle bus |
Skytop Lodge Resort
Now this is what
I call old-world charm! This was the first time I’ve ever stayed in a lodge and
I was very impressed. Skytop Lodge reminds me of a chateau that you would see
in France or any other region with French influence. If you ever been to a
country or members only club, then this is exactly what Skytop feels like…very
exclusive. Opened in 1928, Skytop’s story was envisioned and brought to life by
4 men who wanted to create a resort for families, couples and more to visit
throughout the year. This hidden gem is settled nicely at the mountaintops of
the Poconos. We stayed at the Main Lodge because I wanted easy access
to the indoor pool, jacuzzi, gym and multiple fireplaces throughout the lodge.
However, you also have the option of a more intimate feel by reserving a room
at the Inn or Cottage. Since I’ve
grown accustomed to more modern art deco type of hotels, staying at a lodge was
a very different, yet enjoyable experience.
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| The Main Lodge |
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| Relaxing in front of the fireplace |
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| Pictures of former guests at Skytop |
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| The Ladies Locker Room |
Winter Activities
I ended up
booking the “Winter Family Fun”
package which I would recommend so you don’t have to worry about paying for
every activity out of pocket. The package included skiing, snowboarding, ice
skating, snow shoeing and tobogganing. Additional activities that was not
included in the package was snow tubing, ice fishing, hiking, dog sledding
through Artic Paws Dog Sled Tours and
many more activities. I opted for ice skating and skiing (with a ski lesson) because,
I went too late in the season to go dog sledding or tobogganing (both were
closed and I was very sad about this).
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| My private ski lesson was much needed! |
What to Wear
The truth is
winter trips can be very pricey! Compared to typical vacations were you can
just wear your regular clothes; you can’t do the same for winter trips. For
skiing and/or snowboarding you will need a base
layer (think water-restraint long johns), mid-layer (fleece sweater and water-restraint leggings) and outer wear (ski jacket and ski pants). You
want to stay as warm and dry as possible. You’ll also need thick ski gloves,
ski goggles, and a hat or helmet. I first went shopping at Paragon Sports, but if you’re not an experienced skier, I would
shop with caution. Ski pants here could run you anywhere from $110-$400 (too
rich for my blood).
Next step, head to the sales rack! I purchased my ski pants Paragon on the sales rack for $90 a few years ago. You could try more affordable places like Burlington Coat Factory or Marshall’s for outer ski gear and Old Navy or Target for your base and mid layer. You could also rent your ski gear from Mountain Threads. If you are familiar with Rent-the-Runway, it’s pretty much the same concept. I was able to rent a ski jacket, ski pants, ski goggles and gloves all for $112. They could deliver the package to your home, office or to the ski resort directly (perfect if you don’t want to travel with heavy ski clothes). You mail the rented clothes back once your trip is over. Simple! As a last resort... borrow ski clothes from a friend!
Next step, head to the sales rack! I purchased my ski pants Paragon on the sales rack for $90 a few years ago. You could try more affordable places like Burlington Coat Factory or Marshall’s for outer ski gear and Old Navy or Target for your base and mid layer. You could also rent your ski gear from Mountain Threads. If you are familiar with Rent-the-Runway, it’s pretty much the same concept. I was able to rent a ski jacket, ski pants, ski goggles and gloves all for $112. They could deliver the package to your home, office or to the ski resort directly (perfect if you don’t want to travel with heavy ski clothes). You mail the rented clothes back once your trip is over. Simple! As a last resort... borrow ski clothes from a friend!
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| Paragon Sports |
Dining Experience
I spent majority
of our time dining at the Windsor Dining
Room. I selected the package that included the breakfast, lunch and dinner
option. It was sort-of like an all-inclusive deal. It was a cost
effective option, which allowed us not to worry about paying for anything once
we got there. Dinner was formal (men cannot enter without a jacket on); a
4-course menu (appetizer, soup or salad, main entrée and dessert) was served each
night and reservations must be made in advance. The cuisine and service was
impeccable! The highlight of the night was having the hotel manager stop by my
table to introduce himself. On our last day before getting back on the road I
had lunch at the Tap Room for a more relax feel…think your local sports bar.
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| Dinner at the Windsor Dining Room |
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| Drinks at the Tap Room |
Final Travel Tips
If I had to do it again I would plan my winter
trip from December-February. I went the 2nd weekend in March and some
activities were closed because it wasn’t cold enough.
Make sure to enjoy the pool, jazzcui and spa. I never really took advantage of hotel amenities but now I do!
Make sure to enjoy the pool, jazzcui and spa. I never really took advantage of hotel amenities but now I do!
Don’t be afraid to chit chat with other guests. I did and it definitely added to our trip.
Skytop doesn’t have a ski lift they use what is called a pomalift.
If you don’t want to be around children, this not the place for you. Skytop is a family-friendly resort.
The bar doesn’t open until Noon. Keep this in mind if
you can’t live without mimosas during an early brunch.
There’s a bonfire every night at 8:30pm. Skytop
provides the marshmallows. Get there early! I got there too late and missed
out (insert sad face emoji).
Good News: Skytop Lodge is open year round, so you don’t have to wait
until next winter to visit! As their website states, guests continue to return
because of “the spring flowers, summer adventures, fall foliage or winter
wonders."
Thank you again Skytop Lodge for upgrading my King Room to a King
Suite with a mountain view and for the impeccable hospitality throughout our
entire trip!
Skytop Lodge
One Skytop
Skytop, PA 18357
Have you ever
been on a winter trip? If not, is it something you would do?
