By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
Whoosh! Snowflakes brush against your cheeks as you fly down the mountain. You dodge trees and rocks while folks cheer you on as they ride the ski lift up the slope. Adrenaline and endorphins give you an incredible high.
Summer may be for the beach and surfing, but winter is for skiing. Carving through the snow can be fun, empowering and a great way to enjoy the bitter cold. But how can folks living along the Jersey Shore take part in this fun sport?
Here are our tips for hitting the slopes as a shore local:
Why Learn to Ski?
Winter sports give folks an opportunity to learn a new skill and develop a fun hobby, get active, and enjoy time in nature (especially during the winter). Folks in the Northeast can easily fall into a quasi-hibernation, eating and sleeping and watching Netflix until the cherry blossoms bloom. Skiing is an accessible way to take advantage of the cold weather and celebrate the winter season.
Where Can I Ski?
There’s no doubt that the Jersey Shore is a wintersport desert, so here are your options. You can drive up to Bear Mountain in about two and a half hours each way or High Mountain in the same amount of time. If you’d prefer to stay in New Jersey, check out Campgaw Mountain in Vernon Township. If you are willing to drive over three hours, consider Camelback Mountain Resort, Elk Mountain, or Shawnee Mountain.
How Can I Learn to Ski?
You need three major supplies to learn to ski: elevation, gear, and snow. We recommend booking an overnight stay at a nearby mountain and taking beginner lessons, then practicing on the beginner or “Bunny Hill.”
The American Dream Mall offers Big SNOW, an indoor ski slope with artificial snow. You can practice on the small hill as much as you want, without the pressure of advanced skiers or the cost of a Pocono resort.
Who Can Ski?
Skiing is an excellent activity for people of all ages and abilities. You could even ski in a sports wheelchair! If you are a parent, gather your children and spouse and take a weekend getaway to the mountain. If skiing is outside of your ability, you could go tubing or enjoy the amenities of the lodge. Make sure to take pictures!
Where Can I Purchase Gear?
The Alpine Ski Shop in Egg Harbor Township has everything you need to hit the slopes this season. The store sells clothing and equipment for skiers, snowboarders, and tubers, including boots, poles, boards, helmets, goggles, and even discounted lift tickets.
“Almo’s Alpine Ski & Snowboard Shop is a family owned business established in 1976. Our shop is run by knowledgeable staff who are avid skiers and snowboarders that have a passion for the sport and industry. We carry all the top lines in skis, snowboards, apparel and accessories,” reads their website.
For more information, check out their website at http://alpineskishopnj.net/.
