Visitors can start cutting loose right away at Big Boulder Ski Area with its Saturday Night Lightening concert series. Every Saturday starting December 28, 2002, visitors can come to the Big Boulder Lodge for tribute bands covering favorite bands like Dave Matthews, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Ozzy Osbourne, Led Zeppelin, and more! The shows are free, and start at 7:00 p.m. The concert series is a great nightcap to an exciting day on the slopes, or a way to get the weekend started. The series will run until March 1, 2003.

The Winterfest Carnival on January 2 � 12, 2003 promises a full day of snowy fun. Alpine Mountain Ski and Ride Center is having games, clowns, face painting and special discounts for skiing, riding, and snow tubing for the whole family. Skiers and snowboarders can try their hand at racing down the mountain for prizes.

Beginner skiers can take advantage of the Pennsylvania Ski Area Association�s Learn to Ski Day on January 9, 2003. Several Pocono Mountains ski areas will be participating including Alpine Mountain, Blue Mountain, Camelback, and Shawnee Mountain. It will be a perfect chance for beginners to hit the slopes for the first time. There will be great discounts on ski packages that include lift tickets, rentals, and lessons; some as low as $10!

Blue Mountain will host a couple of exciting events that will thrill skiiers, boarders, bikers, and viewers. On January 12, 2003, the mountain will face an unexpected vehicle as bikes race down the snowy slopes for the Winter Downhill Bike Race. The popular Super Saturday Boardercross and Half Pipe Jam will be going on January 25, 2003. Skiers and boarders can race down the slopes and show their skills in the half pipe. Registration for both is at 9:00 a.m., helmets are required, and participants under 17 must have a parent sign the release form.

The national week for Take Your Daughter (or Kids) to the Snow Week is
January 27 � February 2, 2003. Some Pocono Mountains ski areas will be participating with their own variations. Alpine Mountain is inviting parents to bring their kids for special events, games, and discounts for skiing, riding, and snow tubing from 9:30 a.m. � 6:00 p.m. At Shawnee Mountain, daughters age 21 and under will receive a free youth/student lift ticket when a parent purchases a full price daily ticket. A special coupon is required, which is available in the Shawnee Mountain Winter Fun News or online at shawneemt.com. From January 27 � 31, 2003, Camelback will have a special deal for daughters when accompanied to the slopes by their fathers.

Those who thought you couldn�t play golf in the winter should come to Lake Wallenpaupack for the Ice Tee Golf Tournament. On February 9, 2003, visitors can play a challenging nine holes atop the frozen lake for lots of fun and great prizes. Players will warm up afterwards with a sumptuous dinner at Ehrhardt�s Waterfront Resort. Inclimate weather date is February 23, 2003.

On February 15 � 17, 2003, visitors can come to Jim Thorpe, the �Little Switzerland of America,� for the Winter Ice Festival. See ice carving demonstrations, feast on great food, enjoy entertainment, and visit Jim Thorpe�s quaint downtown shops and art galleries.

Games and activities for the whole family will be enjoyed at the 8th Annual Winter Carnival at Tanglwood Ski Area. There will also be a barbecue, D.J., live entertainment, and costumed characters. Visitors should mark February 22, 2003 on their calendar to attend this fun-filled carnival and enjoy a day of skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.

Visitors can join Coca-Cola and Yuengling Lager at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area for Shawnee Winter Carnival Day on February 23, 2003. There will be activities for all ages, demonstrations, ice sculpting, vendors, product sampling, giveaways, an outdoor barbecue, entertainment, apres ski party, and much more.

The Pocono Mountains (www.800poconos.com) will start to heat up on March 1, 2003 with the 16th Annual Chili Cook-Off at Daniels Top-O-The Poconos Resort. This popular culinary event allows folks to enter their favorite chili recipe to win cash and prizes, or just come for the fun and vote for the best tasting chili. There will be chili sampling and demonstrations, live entertainment, and all proceeds will benefit the Barrett Township Volunteer Ambulance Company.

Visitors can fast forward to summertime at the Beach Party being held at Jack Frost Mountain Ski Area on March 8. Snow will still be on the ground, but there will be a beach theme in the air with live entertainment, and games and activities for all ages. Participants can sign up for sled races down the mountain, a scavenger hunt, and more.

Media Contact:
Melissa Bilé, Public Relations Coordinator
prdept@poconos.org
570-421-5791 Phone
570-421-8868 Fax

The Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Inc. (PMVB, Inc.) is the Official Convention and Visitors Bureau for the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are the state designated destination marketing organization representing the four-county Pocono Mountains region of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne.

The mission of the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Inc. is to enhance the economic and environmental well-being of our region and members through the promotion of tourism and the comprehensive marketing of our destination.

We are an information source for individual visitors, group leaders, tour operators, meeting planners, travel agents, and residents of this region.