LONGSWAMP TWP., Pa. — Those checking ski conditions for Bear Creek Mountain Resort, the region's popular non-Poconos ski resort, were greeted with a disappointing popup on its website Wednesday morning.
"Operational Update, Dec. 27 and beyond: The slopes will remain closed until snowmaking weather returns. Stay tuned for updates. Think snow & cold temps!"
The live stream of the resort's trail cameras show melting, very patchy slopes not fit for safe skiing or snowboarding.
The closure was first announced to start at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday on the resort's Facebook page, which was met by winter sports fanatics echoing the resort's frustration.
One said, "This weather SUCKS!" and got at least nine likes.
Bear Creek Mountain Resort is in Longswamp Township, Berks County, with its address reflecting the nearby Macungie area.
Representatives for the ski resort were not immediately available for comment.
Other resorts to close early, not at full strength
Larger ski resorts nearby in the Pocono Mountains, such as Blue Mountain and Camelback, have not announced any similar full shuttering, but both have many closed lifts and trails across their resorts.
Because of inclement, rainy weather expected today, Blue Mountain is set to close for skiing, riding and tubing at 4 p.m. Wednesday, but will return to its 8 a.m.-to-9 p.m. holiday hours Thursday.
Camelback, celebrating its 60th season in operation this year, will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, but is scheduled to return to its normal weekday 9 a.m.-to-9 p.m. schedule, also Thursday.
LehighValleyNews.com previously spoke to nearby ski resorts about the impact of rainy days and the challenge of limited snowmaking opportunities after Bear Creek similarly closed for a period of time in January 2023.
Snowmaking conditions arise at a balance between air temperature and humidity below freezing — ideally in the low teens, with low humidity, according to Gary Kline, director of marketing and experience at Bear Creek.
The Lehigh Valley has not had accumulating snow so far in this winter season.
