From an Idaho ski area doubling its size to the biggest East Coast expansion in over a decade, hearing about current ski areas opening more terrain or adding lifts is awesome. What really perks us up though is the idea of a defunct ski resort re-opening. It’s the idea of an entirely new place to go after years of closure. And this time it’s one that plays host to arguably some of the steepest terrain in the East. Denton Hill Ski Area reopening.
Why It Closed
Some 255 miles northwest of Philadelphia in a remote part of PA without a huge population base or other larger ski areas, this small mom and pop ski area shuttered its doors in 2014-15. The reason the private business stated was because of two bad winters for snowfall and the increase in heating costs.
Community Brings It Back
There’s a few reasons they’re re-opening Denton. Firstly, in one of the most rural parts of the state, the business helped bring roughly 10,000 people monthly to the area. That’s a huge boost to the local economy. Secondly, it’s one of the few ski areas within state park property in Pennsylvania. So with that, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources sought a new operator. They found three locals with experience to re-open as Denton Go, LLC.
Friendly Ski Slopes And Two Rowdy Ones
Out of its 22 trails, most are geared towards beginners and intermediates. But there are two that need to be highlighted. As we talked above, it’s home to arguably one of the steepest trails in the East – Avalanche. A supposed 66-degree pitch as well as the gladed trail leading into Avalanche (and sharing its pitch), The Extreme, was rated a triple black diamond.
Big Snow And Remote… Means Quality Skiing
What will get powder hounds excited though is its location. Located in the upper elevations between 1,800 to 2,400 feet above sea-level, it gets pummeled with lake effect averaging over 100 inches of snow per year. Combine that with its remote location and other larger ski areas closer to major population centers, it doesn’t get the crowds either making for a special place in the East.
Not Just Skiing
Denton Go, LLC plans to reopen Denton Hill State Park for four-season operations. In addition to the winter downhill skiing, they’re also introducing snow tubing. During the spring, summer and fall operations, Denton Go, LLC will become the go-to place for activities during the day for dark-sky and Pennsylvania Wilds tourists. And a visitor center will provide information on area attractions and onsite activities as well.
With the state of Pennsylvania finally finding someone to take over the business and promising to help with $10 million in capital investments, the future looks bright. As of today, the current opening date isn’t set.
