snow

Ice Skating in PA: Go for Gold at Woodloch Resort

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Ice Skating in PA: Go for Gold at Woodloch!

So many young Americans dream about being the next Mike Modano or Michelle Kwan within seconds of successfully taking that first stride on a fresh sheet of ice. Upon winter’s arrival, families across North America flood their backyards in hopes of creating a homemade ice rink—one that supplants all others because it’s uniquely yours. Woodloch, America’s number one family resort, employs hundreds of people, many of whom grew up dreaming about donning a Flyers sweater and lighting the lamp at the Wells Fargo Center. Conversely, many kids daydream about landing a quadruple jump at the Winter Olympics. Well, here at Woodloch, we bring the NHL and the Olympics right to you, in the form of an authentic Lake Teedyuskung ice rink and a synthetic, four-season facility.

Synthetic Ice Skating Glory

Thanks to our brilliantly-engineered EZ Glide 500, we have ice year-round at Woodloch. This 9,000-square-foot rink is a covered, semi-open facility that’s a marvelous place for your youngest ones to learn how to skate, shoot, pass, and, of course, score! For those that have “mastered” the art of ice skating, the memory of that first spill-free ice skating session is indelible—much like that first bike ride. Skate rentals start at $5. Although, we suggest guests bring your own blades to save a few bucks.

Skate Circles on Pristine Lake Teedyuskung

Once temperatures dip well before freezing, Lake Teedyuskung gradually transforms into a dreamlike figure skating destination. With the Pocono Mountains as your backdrop, your whole family can glide, spin, and stride on this 5,700-acre frozen pond. Once the lake boasts approximately five inches of ice (we’ll make that call), guests are free to lace up their skates and give Lake Teedyuskung a whirl. As you can imagine, snowfall often plays a role in this process. We meticulously shovel an ice rink-sized (and shaped) surface that plays host to countless skaters for the rest of the winter. Remember: No pucks—just blades.

As always, please keep in mind that some on-site activities and amenities may be affected by COVID-19. Both the lake’s ice rink and the indoor facility may or may not be open, depending on restrictions and seasonality. If that’s the case, trade your skates for a snow tube, or skis!

The Ultimate Family Resort in Pennsylvania

The all-inclusive experience at Woodloch includes all meals, spacious accommodations, nightly live entertainment, and countless daily activities, as noted in our Activity Sheet. Besides winter-based sports, on-site activities include batting cages, paintball, rock climbing, trivia, bingo, silent DJ parties, and so many more incredible, family-focused experiences. Woodloch’s sprawling campus includes so many indoor and outdoor adventures that you’ll naturally forget about work deadlines, social media, and at-home learning.

Please thoroughly read through the Woodloch Wellness Standard before booking directly. Surely, there’s a package that’s tailor-made for your wonderful family!

Filed Under: Activities, Winter Tagged With: family winter vacations, lake, snow

Blizzard 2018 | Woodloch Resort

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Woodloch “Unplugged” – Weathering the 2018 Blizzard

~shared by J. Ranner

If I can sum up everything I’ve learned over the past three decades of my life, it would be in two statements from two of my favorite movies:

“Plan to be surprised.” – Dan in Real Life
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

This past weekend at our resort, I think both of my life mottoes came to fruition.

If you had visited Woodloch during the President’s Week midwinter recess, you probably wouldn’t have believed it. Everyone assumed that Phil the Groundhog was wrong and that we would be getting an early springtime after all- temperatures soared as high as 73(!) degrees with lots of sunshine. Our grounds were bare of any snow (save for our man-made tube runs), the lake was just about thawed and everyone had a little bit of spring fever.

And cue THE SURPRISE.

Winter isn’t over after all. March came in like a lion with Winter Storm Riley, featuring heavy rain on March 1^st that transitioned into snow. Over the course of 24 hours, Woodloch was covered in about 20 inches of wet heavy snow. Coupled with sustained winds of 30 miles per hour gusting up to 60 mph, it was a recipe for a power outage. Which (surprise) happened just as our first March weekend guests were set to arrive.

Trying to stay ahead of the storm, efforts were made Thursday to either encourage early arrivals while dozens of our guests had to cancel. Needless to say, we still had approximately 400 guests weather the storm with limited electricity and running water. They were here to have a good time and by-golly, we were going to give them one. Even if it had to be a little “unplugged.” With a little optimism (“the light”) great things are possible!

Thankfully, Woodloch has emergency generators that switch on in the event of power failures. Emergency lighting, water and even our North Lodge stage and Nightclub can operate in some capacity. While we were able to do our famous Winter Olympics, Cake Wars and even some Name That Tune and Movie Game, amenities like Bumper Cars, our Indoor Pools and game rooms were unavailable.

Our guests kept their smiles as they still enjoyed archery, skating, snow tubing (there was no shortage of powder, to be sure), indoor Forest Playground (courtesy of flood lights, maybe even adding to the “jungle ambiance”) and all sorts of trivia. Proving the fact that we don’t need technology or even electricity to have a good time- often, we just need each other.

The hardworking folks at Pennsylvania Power & Light (PPL) sprung into action and restored power to our resort at approximately 5:30 Saturday evening- roughly 36 hours without power. As the adage goes, “the show went on” as our Broadway style Theme Show took the stage as usual.

At the end of the day (and as we still continue to dig ourselves out of this) we are reminded of how fortunate we are. Between all of the relief workers braving the elements to restore energy, PENN DOT and emergency personnel keeping everyone safe and our own staff for making it to work (many even staying over), we consider ourselves very fortunate to have what we have. Without the teamwork (and our guests that had faith in us), the weekend could have been a mess instead of something that we’ll smile back on when strolling down memory lane.

Filed Under: community, Winter Tagged With: blizzard, snow

Favorite Winter Activities at our Poconos Resort | Woodloch Resort

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GET ON THE MOUNTAIN FOR SOME COOL WINTER FUN

Winter is here. Actually, it seems like it’s everywhere throughout the continental United States! Ice in the south and lots of snow in the north have made it one of the best winter seasons. Especially when traveling to Pennsylvania for some fantastic winter fun. Here are our favorite things to do when the weather gets cold, and the snow begins to fall at Woodloch, our beautiful Poconos resort.

Fun on the Hills

Snow-tubing is one of our top favorite winter activities! We’ve got two hills that we’ve built, and we’re pumping human-made snow, every day! That means it can be a snow day here at our Poconos resort, any day of the week. You’ll zoom down the tube runs at lightning speeds while screaming with joy.

Winter Competitions

With the real Winter Olympics coming up in the next few weeks, challenge your family with our very own Woodloch Winter Olympics. You’ll embark on a series of challenges that will help get you playing in the snow and having a blast with your whole gang!

An Indoor Splash

Make sure you don’t freeze your toes off and warm up at our indoor waterpark, where balmy temps are always guaranteed! Our corkscrew water slide will have you zipping into endless fun. Plus, our 500-gallon water dumping station will keep the kiddos busy for hours. With all this water, we know you’ll have gallons upon gallons of fun this winter season with the whole family.

Whether you spend your days outside playing in the snow, sliding down our hills, enjoying some time indoors at our waterpark, or you just enjoy time with family and friends, we’ve got it all at our Poconos resort. All you have to do now is book your winter getaway to Woodloch Resort, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Olympic game. Person in a cart getting pushed by a team member.

Man and woman standing in the indoor pool

Historic photo of Woodloch resort exterior.

Filed Under: Activities, Winter Tagged With: ice, skating, snow, tubing, winter

Three Simple Steps to a Kickin’ Winter Vacation! | Woodloch Resort

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Three Simple Ways to a Kickin’ Poconos Ski and Stay Vacation

I hear griping all the time from people all around me “I hate winter” or “you can keep the snow” blah blah blah. It’s pretty clear to me that these people just don’t understand winter and they’re certainly not using it to their advantage. If YOU are one of those people, watch this video… it’ll change your life.

In the Pocono Mountains, we’re supposed to have snow! It’s a good thing we do too, because we know how to have fun with snow. So, let’s hike up our snow pants and hit the slopes!

Woodloch is a proud partner of one of the best ski mountains in the northeast. No, it’s not the biggest, nor the fastest, but it has the best hospitality, and it’s where skiers have the most fun! (See why we make such good friends? I’m noticing a trend.) Ski-Big Bear is like a hidden gem, during the mid-weeks this sleepy hillside can feel like your own personal ski mountain. If you’re a beginner, there is no better place to learn in the Northeast, because everyone at Ski-Big Bear loves skiing and they love to share this beautiful sport with others.

Our partnership benefits our guests!

15% savings on lift tickets anytime (excluding holidays), who doesn’t like to save a little cash?
Woodloch’s Ski & Stay midweeks feature FREE SKIING for the whole family AND kids stay, play, and eat free. If it’s free it’s for me!
With the SKIHAUS promo code, you can save 15% in a vacation rental at Woodloch
We have really cool co-branded lift tickets! I mean, how cool is that?
Woodloch guests get the VIP treatment at Ski-Big Bear, because you’re awesome.

So what are the steps?

1: Watch the video!
2: Book a Poconos ski and stay package at Woodloch.
3: Hit the slopes at Ski-Big Bear and enjoy your permasmile

Filed Under: Uncategorized, Winter Tagged With: skiing, snow

Woodloch Express: Winter Snow Report | Woodloch Resort

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Woodloch Express: Winter Snow Report for the Pocono Mountains

It might be sunny and 37 degrees on this January afternoon, but snow is here in the Pocono Mountains!

Right now the Farmer’s Almanac states that the Poconos region is in for a wet, cold, and snowy rest of January. As we head into February that forecast will change. Looking ahead, it seems like we’ll get some snow showers in February with sunny and cooler temperatures.

Even with the rest of January looking to be a little snowier for us in the Mountains. It’s still best to bring warm clothes when you visit us this winter! You never know when a cold front might come through. Jackets, boots, hats, and gloves are perfect for traveling to Woodloch during the winter months.

What happens if we have a warmer winter? No worries, here! We also have our own snow-making capabilities. That means more snow for everyone, and winter activities can proceed as usual. Get out and have some fun in the snow with snowboarding, tubing, skiing, ice skating, and so much more.

Family fun never ceases at Woodloch!

On days when it is snowy or rainy, we have plenty of indoor activities to keep everyone entertained. Woodloch Feud, Winter Olympics and much more. You might even want to relax your tired muscles in our very own Spa.

What more could you want from a winter getaway? Maybe some delicious hot chocolate to warm your soul after a day outside!

With the New Year here, we can’t wait to make some lasting memories in the snow. Make your New Year resolution at Woodloch Resort. We’re looking forward to seeing you this winter season for your next outdoor adventure through the snow.

Filed Under: Winter Tagged With: snow

How We Make Our Own Winter Wonderland in the Poconos | Woodloch Resort

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Making a Winter Wonderland in the Poconos

Whenever the leaves fall and the temperatures start to get just a little chilly, one question seems to be on EVERYONE’s minds as we head to winter: how much will it SNOW?

A valid question, and from time to time it seems even Mother Nature isn’t certain of how much snowfall will make its way to Northeastern Pennsylvania. It all becomes kind of… a game.

But here at Woodloch- TripAdvisor’s #1 Hotel for Families in America– we love games. So we’ll play.

What do we do when we don’t get the snow we need from the sky? Answer: WE MAKE IT SNOW! That’s right, since 1991, Woodloch has been manufacturing piles and piles of artificial snow to keep our guests happy all season long. Once temperatures consistently reach 20 degrees and below, we fire up our snow guns and magically transform a blank canvas of grass into a towering mountain of white. Woodloch sculpts their own snow tube runs!

We get a lot of questions on our snow-making operation so we thought we’d give you the behind-the-scenes scoop on the magic!

Woodloch has three “snow guns” similar to those found at ski resorts. At peak operation, they transform 60 to 70 gallons of water into snow per minute!
With ideal conditions, i.e. very low temperatures and humidity, the guns can make more than enough snow to fill four triaxle dumptrucks in eight hours!
Our “Snow Cat,” which resembles a bulldozer and a tank, is used by our staff to craft our tube runs. It is also used throughout the season for one to two hours a day grooming our runs.
On average, we need about 10 solid nights of snowmaking to have enough powder to manufacture our tube runs. In total, it takes us about two weeks to manufacture and sculpt our tube runs!
Water for the runs is supplied to us by both Lake Teedyuskung and our private water tower.
The snow will typically stay with us through the winter season as long as temperatures aren’t unseasonably warm. The last of it is pushed in the lake around the start of April. If it wasn’t, the massive quantities would linger on the beachfront until about May!

Our snowmaking operation is a neverending effort to keep both of our snow tube runs open for as long as conditions permit! The “Cats” also groom and sculpt our
Olympic areas so we can keep the fun going all winter long!

If you haven’t yet had the chance to see these mechanical marvels in action, you have the perfect opportunity right now! Round up your friends and family, and grab a snow tube … I’ll race you to the bottom! We can’t wait to see you this winter!!