Cyclists loving Ski Denton
Ski resort offering mountain bike events

Ty Holmes, an accomplished downhill racer from Canton, will return to Ski Denton to participate in the Oct. 6 Mid-Atlantic Super Mountain Bike series finals. He competes for Denali Cycles of Rochester, Pa.

A Potter County resort is becoming a popular destination for mountain bikers as well as tourists who want to get a mountain-top look at the scenery.

"We have had about double the turnout of last year for mountain bikers,' reports Scott Carts, who owns and operates Ski Denton with his wife Jodi and another couple, Shawn and Celeste Schoonover.

They've been developing the resort into a year-'round facility, hosting additional public events to go along with the seasonal attractions of skiing and mountain biking. Two of the major archery festivals in the eastern U.S. are also held at Ski Denton.

Earlier this year, the resort hosted its first Denton Family Bike Fest, which was a success and is expected to become a Memorial Day weekend tradition.

Lifts normally associated with skiing and snowboarding currently carry mountain bicyclists and mountain boarders to the summit, about 2,440 feet above sea level. From there, they can take their own bikes or rentals on upwards of 50 trails suitable for everyone from a novice to a downhill thrill-seeker, or access state forest trails with routes up to 15 miles each way.

"We are also seeing a large number of tourists stopping to ride the lift to the top of the mountain just for the view," Carts said. "We have a picnic area up there and trails where they can walk and enjoy the woods." That round-trip fare is $5.00.

"We believe we're in sync with the new philosophy of tourist promotion in this part of the state," Carts continued. "Potter County can capitalize on so many opportunities for outdoor recreation."

The operators are gearing up for a big weekend. On Oct. 6, Ski Denton will host the Mid-Atlantic Super Mountain Bike Series finals, a race drawing competitors from several states. For the more casual cyclist or the daredevil, Ski Denton is open each Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.