Skiing wanes; more on tap at Ski Denton

Skiiers enjoyed stillsnow covered slopes and balmy temperatures at Ski Denton last Saturday. Hooftallen / Photo

The skiing season may be over on Denton Hill, but mountain biking is just around the bend.

"This year went really well for us," said Shawn Schoonover, part-owner. Ski Denton was open from the beginning of December through the last weekend in March and closed with 95 percent of the trails and slopes open.

"This year it seemed like we had the snow," he said, pointing out that consistent cold temperatures helped keep the natural and manufactured snow on the ground longer.

People from downstate took advantage of the long season, coming to Potter County in March because the resort had more snow.

The resort hosted a weekend of Pennsylvania Alpine Racing Association races in early February, something Schoonover said they are trying to secure in years to come.

Now that the skiing is over, the staff is gearing up for the summer activities.

The first big event is a mountain biking festival on Memorial Day weekend, complete with demonstrations, clinics and tours.

The resort will be open for mountain biking 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through July 13 and then again from Aug. 30 to Oct. 12.

One of the new events for biking this year is a 20 to 25- mile cross county race. The race, which will be similar to one run last fall, will take cyclists up Denton Hill, down Lyman Run and back to the resort.

On top of that, the staff is looking to expand the number of biking trails and add more terrain features. Biking tours of the area are also in the mix, which will land participants in local hotels and restaurants, Schoonover offered in closing.