In Memory of Nemo

Mother Nature delivered her biggest snowfall of the season (so far!), with Winter Storm Nemo coming through on Feb. 8 into the early hours of Feb. 9 and leaving behind over a foot of fresh Jersey powder for skiers and riders to shred.  The snow was incredible and well worth getting up early to shovel one's driveway and head to the mountain!  First tracks were pristine, while conditions stayed primed for days on end.  If you missed the action, here are some photos and a video documenting this epic occasion...

What a Weekend!

MLK Holiday and Then Some

This past weekend was a great one to "get out & play" at Mountain Creek. Apparently a whole lot of people thought so too, as the resort saw record attendance numbers! The return of cold temps and snowmaking allowed us to open more trails with awesome surface conditions for skiing and riding.   Some guests took advantage of the holiday and stayed for overnight getaways. Others showed up for a day trip at Drop Zone snow tubing, or to parade around in pink for breast cancer awareness. Many also took lessons for the first time - and can now call themselves "beginner" skiers or snowboarders. Thanks to all who came out to visit!  We hope you had as much fun as we did.

Here are some photo highlights from MLK Day:

Little shredder getting a lesson in the Burton Riglet Park.

Making some turns on fresh-made snow.

Snow tubing fun at Drop Zone.

Skiers admiring views of the Vernon Valley.

Park Crew keeping the features in check.

And below is a video recap from Saturday's amazing fundraising event, the Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer snowshoe race and walk!

Mountain Creek Opens New Sojourn Chairlift

Mountain Creek is pleased to announce the inauguration of the new Sojourn Chairlift for the 2013 winter season. The first official riders, Sparta resident Geof Doubleday and his son Christian, along with Mountain Creek President Bill Benneyan and resort owner Andy Mulvihill cut the ribbon and popped Champagne at Saturday’s 9:30 a.m. ceremony while others who had turned out to mark the historic occasion looked on. The purchase and operation of this new double lift, installed over the summer at a cost of over one million dollars, is another step in the resort’s aggressive multi-year development plan designed to improve the overall guest experience.

Mulvihill, Doubleday and son Christian about to cut the ribbon.

Following last season’s unprecedented $20 million in improvements and upgrades to the resort – which included the unveiling of the new 50,000+ square foot Red Tail Lodge, America’s largest snow tubing park, and a revolutionary new rental and learning center – Mountain Creek resumed management of its water park and bike park this summer, adding five new rides and attractions plus several new mountain biking trails. The investments continued for this winter with the Sojourn lift’s completion, allowing skiers and snowboarders uninterrupted on-snow access between all four mountain peaks.

“We’re committed to improving our guests’ experiences both on and off the snow,” said Mulvihill. When the first Sojourn Chairlift was retired, guests were transported between Red Tail Lodge and South Lodge by shuttle bus. “Skiers and snowboarders will now enjoy more time on the snow with convenient two-way lift access between resort peaks and lodges.”

The new chair replaces the previous Sojourn Chairlift, a fixed-grip double built in 1971 by the Borvig Corp. connecting South Peak and Granite Peak.  The original Sojourn Double Chairlift was retired in 2010 after 39 years of service. The new Sojourn Chairlift was built by Borvig’s successor, Partek of Pine Island, NY, and installed by Ropeway Construction also out of Pine Island, NY. The lift follows the existing footprint along Southern Sojourn trail.

Benneyan helps the Doubledays board Chair #1.

Doubleday was the winner of Mountain Creek’s Sojourn Chair Sweepstakes, scoring the first official ride on Chair #1, two lift tickets, as well as a piece of vintage New Jersey ski memorabilia: his very own chair from the original Sojourn lift.  “I’ve been skiing here for 40 years and I rode the original lift many times, so this is awesome for me,” Doubleday said.  “I already know where I’m putting the old chair: on a big tree outside my house where a swing used to hang.”

Here's a video with highlights from the grand opening, including remarks by Mulvihill and Benneyan plus previews of the lift ride and a run down Southern Sojourn trail.

Another Opening Day in the Books

This past Saturday, December 29th marked the beginning of the 2012-2013 snow sports season at Mountain Creek.  The excitement was tangible as many a die-hard skier/snowboarder arrived bright and early trying to snag first chairs and first tracks at both Vernon and South Peaks.  Locals and non-locals alike came out to make turns, some satisfying the craving they'd been feeling for months and some experiencing something completely new.

Not only was Opening Day amazing for the sheer prospect of guests doing what they love in the height of the holiday season, but to top it off, a storm also came through with about 5 inches of natural snowfall accumulating.  There was something magical about beginning a new chapter at the resort with real snow flakes flying.  A fresh coating on the slopes made conditions ideal and the atmosphere a true Winter Wonderland.

Here are some photo highlights from Opening Day:

Happy guests at Vernon

A lesson in the Progression Center

First chair at South

Hitting terrain park features

Enjoying a pint in the Biergarten

Also, below is the video recap of Opening Day:

Mountain Creek is now open daily and weather has been great for snowmaking production, allowing us to expand skiable terrain rapidly.  Please check the Mountain Report for the most up-to-date operating information.  See you out there!

Enter to Win an Experience Downhill Package for Two!

Want to experience downhill mountain biking? Click here to enter our Facebook Sweepstakes for your chance to win an Experience Downhill Package for two at Mountain Creek Bike Park! This all-inclusive package gives you everything you need for your first downhill biking experience - 2 hour standard down hill bike rental & trail access, protective equipment and guided downhill instruction. Come on, get in on our world and be ready to have a blast! 

Best Edit Contest Results

We know that Creek has some serious talent, both on the snow and behind the lens, but we were blown away by all the video submissions we received this year. Skilled riders and skiers, editing that rivals the best in the industry (look out Brain Farm!), and of course, some unique tastes in music... You guys did us proud. After an intense and entertaining deliberation that had the whole office wishing their job was as cool as ours, the critics have spoken. Here's how it all played out...

Best Snowboard Edit: Brandon Schmidt
Prize: Burton Snowboard & Bindings

1st Runner Up: Matt Genovese
Prize: Mountain Creek Swag

2nd Runner Up: Nick Nolan
Prize: Mountain Creek Swag

Dishonorable Mention (Video Not Shown - NC-17 Rated): "Creek Kidz 3" Chris Szczypala
Prize: Mountain Creek Swag


Best Ski Edit: Sam Zahner
Prize: Head Skis & Bindings

Thanks to our friends over at Burton Snowboards Mid-Atlantic and Red Bull for hooking us up with awesome prizes. Keep your cameras rolling, and be sure to share your edits with us on Facebook.

Mountain Creek ‘Best Edit’ Contest

Are you the next big filmmaker? Or maybe just a skier or rider who likes to mess around with a camera while shredding with your buddies? Submit your 2011-2012 season edit to videocontest@mountaincreek.com – complete with name, shipping address, phone number and YouTube/Vimeo URL - for a chance to win a 2012-2013 All-Access Season Pass AND a Burton Snowboard or pair of Head Skis. Entries must be received by May 31, 2012 and the winner will be announced on Facebook June 5, 2012. All participants will receive a Mountain Creek RIDE sticker. Go. Get creative.

A Sea of Pink

The Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series returned to Mountain Creek this weekend for it's fifth annual New Jersey 3k snowshoe race and 3k & 5k walks. The festivities kicked off on Friday with an evening stroll followed by hot cocoa, cookies and good company at The Appalachian.

Racers and walkers arrived to 6" of fresh snow Saturday morning, which provided perfect romping conditions and allowed many snowshoers to hit the trails for the first time this season. To say these winter enthusiasts were in their glory would be an understatement. Nearly 400 out 550 registered participants braved the storm to take a snowy step closer to ending breast cancer - the leading cause of cancer death among women.

Rompers made their way to the top of Vernon Peak by way of the Cabriolet. The spirit was vibrant as first-time and returning participants dressed in bright pink boas, tutus and winter accessories took to the slopes in memory and honor of loved ones affected by breast cancer.

Over $65,000 was raised to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure North Jersey Affiliate.

Skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers can 'Paint the Mountain Pink' this weekend with a $1 donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure at the Red Tail Lodge and South Lodge ticket windows.

View the complete photo gallery on our Facebook Page and check back this week for a video recap.

Winter Lives at Mountain Creek this MLK Weekend

You might not have snow in your backyard, but we do...and tons of it! With more open terrain than any other ski resort in New Jersey or the Poconos, winter lives here at Mountain Creek.

This is the perfect weekend to declare your own "hit the snow" day, and get out and play! Martin Luther King Weekend promises to be a blast for outdoor adventure seekers and warm weather enthusiasts alike. From the good ol’ winter activities you grew up with to the modern accommodations and amenities at Crystal Springs Resort, we have you covered - including skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing at America’s largest snow tube park, roaring fires, convenient lodging packages, top-rated spas, the tropical Biosphere pool complex and two indoor pools, award-winning dining and hot entertainment!

Reserve Saturday and Sunday, receive 50% OFF Friday or Monday! Call 973-827-5996 Ext. 2 for reservations or book online. Promo code MLK12.

MLK Weekend Entertainment Calendar:

Thursday, January 12^th

• The fun begins on Thursday at KINK with furious ping pong action and Magic Hat specials from 7 PM – 10 PM.

 Friday, January 13^th

• Don’t miss New England’s après ski legend Bruce Jacques, known for his comedy spoofs on groups and artists such as Guns and Roses and Britney Spears, at Schuss Friday evening from 7 PM – 10 PM. Here’s your chance to try one of our gourmet wood-fired pizzas or signature shot skis. Plus, enjoy Coors Light and Grey Goose specials.     
• Then, the party continues at KINK with beer pong and DJ entertainment 9PM to close.

 Saturday, January 14^th

• “America’s Rock & Roll Phenomenon” The Nerds perform live Saturday night at 10PM at the new Red Tail Lodge! FREE VIP admission for all Saturday night Hawks Nest dining guests. Tickets are $15 at the door (no advanced ticket sales). Sailor Jerry and Coors Light specials all night.

 Sunday, January 15^th  

• Catch Big Blue on one of two dozen TV screens or wind down after a day on the slopes with Dave Crum as he plays acoustic covers Sunday evening from 4 PM – 7 PM at Schuss. 

Call 973-827-2000 for more information or visit our Event Calendar online.

It’s a jam-packed holiday weekend of fun for all ages at New Jersey’s winter playground. We’ll see you on the mountain!

Resolve to Ski or Ride More!

Make your New Year’s Resolution last all season long with Mountain Creek’s new Resolution Pack. Get 4 Anytime Lift Tickets for $139.99 – that’s direct-to-lift access, no blackout dates, no restrictions, no kidding! 

PLUS, we’re throwing in 2 free snowtubing sessions at Drop Zone - America's largest snow tube park.

  

Purchase the Resolution Pack online or call 973-827-2000. Hurry! Offer ends January 16, 2012.

January is Learn to Ski or Snowboard Month

If you’ve ever thought about learning a snowsport, now is the time to do it. January is Learn to Ski or Snowboard Month, and to celebrate, we’re offering a 2-for-1 ‘Bring a Friend’ Learn To Package complete with everything you need to get started, including a lift ticket, rental equipment and 90-minute group lesson for the crazy low price of $99.99. Valid Monday – Friday (non-holidays).

Whether you’re a first timer or advance rider, there’s always room for improvement. Our experienced and passionate instructors at the new Progression Center use terrain-assisted teaching methods guaranteed to make your on-snow experience more enjoyable and fun than ever before.  

‘Experience Snowboarding’ or ‘Go Skiing’ - call 973-827-2000 for reservations.