Royals Enjoy Montage Mountain

By James Leonard | News Editor

SCRANTON – University students are a short drive away from one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s biggest attractions.

Located at 1000 Montage Mountain Road, just off Interstate 81, exit 182 is Montage Mountain Ski Resorts.

Offering over 27 trails for skiers, snowboarders and even tubers to choose from, there is no shortage of new mountain sport experiences to be had. According to class of 2022 computer science major Theordore Nelson, the trail can be enjoyed countless times no matter how many times one decides to visit the mountain.

“Montage mountain is very approachable,” Nelson said. “From the summit you have access to a variety of trails from easier green ones all the way to black and double black diamond ones.”

Nelson said that it is easy for a group of friends to get to the mountain and spend some time there.

“No matter what skills you have on a snowboard or set of skis, the mountain is very easy for a group of varying skill levels to enjoy and have a great time,” Nelson said.

If individuals are interested in skiing, but don’t have a large group of experienced skiers to go to the mountain with, the university is home to the Mountain Sports Club.

The club, led by President Erin Hahn, frequently skis at the mountain.

“This is a great place to learn for a beginner skier especially if you are from the University of Scranton,” Hahn said. “The only downside is that there is no magic carpet for beginner skiers so for some beginners it may be challenging to get on the beginner ski lift for the first time.”

Hahn recalled one of her first times to the mountain as being an unforgettable experience as she and her ski-mates looked up at the mountain during a special light show.

“Every year the mountain has a torch light parade and fireworks,” Hahn said. “My first time at the mountain all of the workers went up on the lift and then slowly proceeded down the mountain. The mountain was pitch black but each skier was carrying a torch. Hundreds of workers skied down the mountain and it created something beautiful to watch. I highly recommend going to see this!”

Montage runs college specials Sunday nights for $35 to ski and get free rentals.

“It is great to have a ski mountain so close to the university,” Hahn said. “It gives students a chance to get off campus and have fun with their friends. It gives you a space to free your mind from the stresses of classes and to unwind for a little bit. Having a hobby that is stress free is so important for mental health which is why it is great to have Montage so close to us.”

According to Hahn, university club sanctioned ski trips are $20 for a lift ticket and $25 for ticket and rentals and transportation is included. Tickets will be sold at table sits the week or two before the event and can be found on Royal Sync or on information boards around campus.

The mountain sports club also has an Instagram @uofs_mountainsports.

The resort also offers a restaurant and bar called Slocum Hollow which serves craft cocktails and delicious eats for those looking to warm up after hitting the trails.

Montage Mountain’s hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday.