The joys of brisk air, snowflakes, rosy cheeks and other outdoor thrills await in the Sussex Skylands this winter.
There’s one sure way to put the “win” in your winter this year: Head to the Sussex Skylands for thrills when it chills. Get your outdoor on — in layers.
“We go by the Scandinavian mantra, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing,’” said Sussex County Chamber of Commerce President Tammie Horsfield. “What we mean by this is simple: Bundle up and come play outside in the Sussex Skylands this winter. The special joys of brisk air, snowflakes, rosy cheeks and the beautiful kind of tired you feel after a day outdoors is here waiting for you.”
Following are the top six ways to experience shivers of excitement in the Sussex Skylands this winter season:
The Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village will present a dazzling winter wonderland from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30.
1. Let There Be A Light Show
Sussex County’s favorite stadium will once again host a dazzling winter wonderland as Skylands Stadium, located at 94 Champion Place in Augusta, showcases a mile-long drive-through course glittering with displays and an enchanting Christmas Village full of fun-filled activities, delicious treats, memory-making photo ops and much more. The Light Show & Christmas Village is running on select dates and times from Nov. 23 – Dec. 30, open rain, snow,or shine. Printed and mobile tickets are accepted.
The Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village is offered at $29 per car, or go for the VIP experience at $79 per car.
At Mountain Creek, the Sno-Go Bike, easy for anyone to learn, is the newest sport on the mountain.
2. Take a Peek at Mountain Creek
What goes up, must come down; and there’s more than one way to get from the top to the bottom of Mountain Creek’s four peaks. Schuss on skis, shred on a snowboard, sail on a snow tube, and now, slide on a Sno-Go Bike — the newest sport on the mountain that’s easy for anyone to learn. A Sno-Go has two back skis and one in front that’s connected to handlebars, so no more ski poles. A rhythmic lean from side to side gets you moving — just like riding a bike. “Look, Ma — no pedals!” There are no brakes either, but stopping is a piece of cake (forget the pizza).
Mountain Creek operates day and night, with flexible access options offered. While single-day lift tickets must be reserved in advance to ensure availability, season and triple-play passes allow anytime access with no reservation required. You can rent equipment, book a lesson and purchase tickets for a two-hour tubing session, too.
Outdoor enthusiasts in the Sussex Skylands will discover natural beauty well worth wearing some extra woolies .
The miles of trails in Sussex County’s state parks lead to stunning winter vistas with perspectives visible only when the trees are bare. From the rugged 5.5-mile Ghost Lake Trail at Jenny Jump State Park to a short, easier hike through Stokes State Forest to Stony Brook Falls, outdoor enthusiasts will discover natural beauty well worth wearing some extra woolies.
Soft, wide pathways make for easy walking along Sussex County’s rail-trails, abandoned railroad lines with tracks long removed but history and scenery intact. Four rail-trails run through the county, with excellent wildlife observation along the way. Chug along the Paulinskill Valley Trail (27 miles), the Sussex Branch Trail (20 miles), the Great Valley Rail Trail (4 miles) or the Lehigh & Hudson River Rail Trail (4 miles).
Hiking, fat tire and mountain biking, and horseback riding are always in season.
4. Aim for Arctic Activities
Hiking, fat tire and mountain biking, and horseback riding are always in season; but cold and snow are essential to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, dog sledding, and ice fishing — between Sussex County’s State Parks and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Skylands has it all.
High Point Cross Country Ski Center at High Point State Park offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as a promise to have the most natural snow in the region, given its elevation. (They don’t call it High Point for nothing.) A recent new addition is nighttime cross-country skiing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. Equipment rentals and lessons make this an ideal center for beginners, but avid Nordic skiers also give high marks to High Point.
Crystal Springs Resort offers two plush hotels, indoor pools, outdoor snow pools, sumptuous spas, distinctive dining and a host of special winter package deals.
5. Come in from the Cold
Consider a luxurious stay at one of Crystal Springs Resort’s two plush hotels, indoor pools, outdoor snow pools, sumptuous spas, distinctive dining and a host of special winter package deals for couples, families, girlfriend getaways, foodies and wine connoisseurs. Guests have an array of on- and off-site activities from which to choose, including eco-friendly Glice skating (a synthetic ice surface), axe throwing, paint and sip — even pony rides for the kids.
A winter workshop at Crystal Springs offers fun family activities.
6. Order Something Hearth-Warming
If you can’t stay the night, at least stay for dinner; and what could be better than dining fireside? Reserve a table at one of the following rustic restaurants and fancy yourself enjoying the fare by the fire:
The Walpack Inn — Charming, nostalgic, and tucked just far enough off the beaten path in Walpack Center, this not-so-hidden gem is famous for its prime rib and has been packing its walls and throwing logs on the fire for more than 70 years.
The Mohawk House — Your hosts are the owners of Mohawk Meadows Farm and their menu brings the harvest to the table. Mohawk House, on a grand country estate in Sparta, warms its guests inside and out — with one magnificent fireplace in the dining room and another on the outdoor patio.
The Homestead Rest — Serving up comfort food in a casual setting with live local entertainment, The Homestead Rest in Sparta is a satisfying pub with an inviting fireplace and Western charm.
The Irish Cottage Inn — With a stone exterior and thatched roof to capture the look, a cozy fireplace in the main dining room to add to the warmth, and authentic Irish fare to tempt your appetite, this pub in Franklin will make you want to pour a Guinness and toast the Skylands.
When the temperature drops, the great northwest Skylands region elevates the season, taking you from cool to cozy, ski slope to sauna, ice fishing to fireside. So pack accordingly, and pick your frosty pleasure.
