Dust off the skis or snowboard because it’s a “White Friday” in the Poconos as some mountains get an early start on ski season.
Thanks to cold temps, some new high-tech snow-making equipment and even some fall snow, Blue Mountain in Palmerton, Pa. opened Friday morning with 50 percent off lift tickets for boarders or skiers looking to hit the slopes.
The full mountain wasn’t ready yet but skiers will get the chance to ride seven different trails accessible from five lifts. The Summit Lodge also opened for people looking to warm up.
Shawnee Mountain in East Stroudsburg also got a head start on ski season opening up three lifts and five of its 23 trails Friday morning.
Camelback Mountain in Tannersville will open up Saturday offering lift tickets for just $20.
The Pocono Mountains aren’t the only Pennsylvania ski resorts getting experience November skiing.
Tussey Mountain is opening for skiing earlier than normal thanks to several inches of snow that fell this week atop a two-foot base of man-made flakes. The resort in Boalsburg -- near State College -- has invested in newer equipment that can make snow in slightly warmer temperatures than its older equipment.
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The resort typically doesn't open until December, but plans to offer weekend skiing starting Friday until the resort receives -- or makes -- enough snow to allow for seven-days-a-week skiing.
Hidden Valley and Seven Springs Mountain Resort also opened on Friday in western Pennsylvania.
