Night skiing: Save money and avoid crowds

Night skiing has become popular at Shawnee Mountain in the... — Night skiing has become popular at Shawnee Mountain in the Poconos. Credit: Handout

By VINNY VELLAMcClatchy-Tribune NewspapersFebruary 25, 2011

It's 4 p.m. at Blue Mountain Ski Area, a time when most skiers and snowboarders are pulling off their boots and trudging to their cars. But Brett Cotler and his friends walk against the crowd, fresh-faced and ready to hit the slopes.

"We woke up late," the Bradley Beach, N.J., native says with a laugh. "Besides, it's the Poconos. Morning skiing isn't that much different." Cotler and his buddies are experts at night skiing, practically a cult activity for winter sports enthusiasts looking to save a buck and avoid the crowds. Although relatively uncommon in the mountains of New England, night skiing is embraced by Pennsylvania's Pocono resorts: Of the eight ski areas, all but Jack Frost stay open till about 10 p.m.

WHO GOES

"Night skiing has always been popular, but is more so now, due to the tough economic times," says Kevin Furst, social-media coordinator for Shawnee Mountain. "Friday nights have become the most crowded for us; we usually have more than 1,700 skiers and snowboarders on the mountain." On average, lift tickets for weekend nights cost 40 percent less than day tickets - a saving of about $18 - giving skiers and boarders full access to the trails until closing. Most resorts, including Big Boulder and Sno Mountain, offer additional price reductions for college students. As a result, night skiing often has a youthful, party atmosphere. The lodges are packed with skiers and snowboarders sharing tips, bragging about their latest run and comparing equipment. At times, the crowds are as dense at night as they are during peak daylight hours.

Mixed in with the young crowd are seasoned veterans enjoying the lower rates, too.

"A good portion of the night skiers that come here are people who work 9-to-5 jobs," says Paul Best, a shift manager at Blue Mountain's learning center. "They can't ski during the day, so they come whenever they have some free time."

STAYING SAFE

Experts caution new skiers to build up some trail experience before hitting the slopes at night.

"Skiing conditions change greatly at night, when the weather is much colder," says Gerit Lewisch, Eastern Pennsylvania regional director of the National Ski Patrol.

The dropping temperatures pose a risk of frostbite, so Lewisch advises night skiers to put on an extra layer of clothing. Additionally, heavy daytime use usually wears the snow away, exposing patches of ice and turf that are harder to spot after dark.

"If you're skiing at night, you must realize that the slopes haven't been groomed for a couple of hours," Lewisch says.