FAQ

• Am I allowed on the mountain without ski gear? Ski & Ride Academy Am I allowed on the mountain without ski gear?

  No, anyone without proper ski or snowboard equipment is not allowed on the lifts.

• Are children's ski/snowboard lessons available? Where are they held? Ski & Ride Academy Are children's ski/snowboard lessons available? Where are they held?

  Yes, we offer Children’s Lessons through Camelback Ski & Ride Academy. Children’s Lessons take place Monday – Friday | Ski & Ride Academy in Mountain Village and Saturday, Sunday and Holidays | Kids Learning Center at Adventure Base Camp.

  Children and their families will be permitted inside to get their rentals after getting their tickets from the kiosks outside. Lessons should be purchased online ahead of time.

• Are group and private lessons available for adults or families? Ski & Ride Academy Are group and private lessons available for adults or families?

  Yes, and yes again! Under the Camelback Ski & Ride Academy, we have Group Lessons for teens and adults, and Group Lessons for families looking to learn together in a private setting. These lessons will be located at Ski and Ride Academy at Mountain Village (Camelback Ski Mountain Base Area). These lessons are available for purchase online.

• Can I bring my own food? Ski & Ride Academy Can I bring my own food?

  Outside food & beverage is not permitted in restaurant and concession seating areas. These areas are for mountain’s Food and Beverage use only. There is no glass whatsoever allowed at the base of the mountain. We do allow sealed bottles of water and baby formula (as long as it’s not in a glass container).

• Can I reserve equipment in advance online? Ski & Ride Academy Can I reserve equipment in advance online?
  Yes, you can reserve your equipment online as well as pre-register for the equipment.
• Can I reuse my Adventure Card year after year? Ski & Ride Academy Can I reuse my Adventure Card year after year?
  Absolutely! Your Adventure Card is designed to last. Hold onto it between trips, and you can reload it each time you visit—whether it’s for skiing, snowboarding snowtubing, or mountain adventures.
• Can I see my child in the children's lesson? Ski & Ride Academy Can I see my child in the children's lesson?

  Yes, parents can watch the lesson. Both children's learning areas offer viewing of the lessons. View directions.

• Do I need a lift ticket if I am not skiing or snowboarding? Ski & Ride Academy Do I need a lift ticket if I am not skiing or snowboarding?

  If you plan on going on the snow, yes, you have to have a lift ticket. Buy here.

• Do lessons come with a locker? Ski & Ride Academy Do lessons come with a locker?

  Lessons do not come with a locker. Lockers are available on property on a first come first serve basis.

• Do you offer full day or half day lessons for children? Ski & Ride Academy Do you offer full day or half day lessons for children?

  Currently we do offer half day lessons for children and you can purchase both a morning and an afternoon session. Explore more here.

• How do I know the difficulty levels of the mountain trails? Ski & Ride Academy How do I know the difficulty levels of the mountain trails?

  Ski resorts across the country use a universal trail rating system. It’s your responsibility to stay on terrain that you can handle and avoid terrain that you cannot handle. The rating system utilizes four shapes to designate trail difficulty:

  • Green Circle: Beginner
  • Blue Square: More Difficult.
  • Black Diamond: Most Difficult.
  • Double Diamond: Extremely Difficult.
  • View Our Trail Map and Current Conditions
• How do I check in for my lesson? Ski & Ride Academy How do I check in for my lesson?

  Private Lesson, Clinics, Programs: Once you have your equipment and lift ticket, you will check in at the Ski & Ride Academy across from the exit of rentals

  Group lessons: Once you have your equipment and lift ticket, you will check in at the Ski & Ride Academy Learning Area next to the exit of rentals.

  Children’s lessons: On Weekends and Holidays, Pick up your rentals, lift ticket, and check in at the Kids Learning Center at Adventure Basecamp. Midweek, once you have your equipment and lift ticket, check in at the Ski & Ride Academy across from the exit of rentals.

• How does reloading work? Ski & Ride Academy How does reloading work?
  It couldn’t be easier! When you buy a new ticket online, it automatically uploads to your Adventure Card. There’s no need to pick up a new one or stand in line—just bring your existing card and head straight to your adventure.
• How much time do I need to plan for between arrival and lesson time? Ski & Ride Academy How much time do I need to plan for between arrival and lesson time?

  Arrive early enough so you won’t be rushed. On weekends and during prime (holiday) periods, plan to arrive at the Ski and Ride Academy Lesson Pre-check at least 90 minutes prior to your lesson start time if you have a family and friends lesson or private lesson and need equipment. On (non-holiday) midweek days, plan to arrive at Ski and Ride Academy Lesson Pre-check 45 minutes prior to your lesson start time. Remember… earlier is always better! If you have a children’s lesson package, arrive 45 minutes before your child’s lesson.

• How should I transport my equipment? Ski & Ride Academy How should I transport my equipment?

  If you are bringing your own gear to our Pocono ski resort, make sure to transport them in the proper way, this will make your trip from the parking lot to the ski resorts’ base area much easier:

  Skis:

  Place the skis base-to-base, with the brakes locked together. If you’re outdoors and have plenty of space, carry the skis on your shoulder, with the ski tips in your hand. Your other hand is free to carry your poles (and boots unless you’ve changed footwear at your car). When indoors or near other people, carry the skis upright, with the tips pointing up and your hand below the binding toe piece.

  Snowboard:

  Boarders have the advantage of more comfortable boots. Tuck your board under one arm like a stack of books and you’re on your way.

• If I purchase a beginner package, can I upgrade my beginner lift ticket if I’m feeling adventurous? Ski & Ride Academy If I purchase a beginner package, can I upgrade my beginner lift ticket if I’m feeling adventurous?

  After your lesson, if you feel like exploring trails that are more difficult you can upgrade your beginner lift ticket to a full mountain lift ticket for a discounted price of $25 on weekdays and $35 on weekends.

• Is equipment included with my ski/board lesson? Ski & Ride Academy Is equipment included with my ski/board lesson?

  Rental equipment is included with children’s lesson package and Group lesson Package. Rentals include a full ski or snowboard set for the whole day. You will receive skis or a snowboard with bindings, boots and a helmet. Poles are optional however included. Rentals do not include jackets, snowpants, goggles, or gloves. Please come dressed appropriately for your lesson. Private lessons do not come with rentals, you must buy them in Guest Services when you arrive.

• Should I rent or borrow equipment? Ski & Ride Academy Should I rent or borrow equipment?

  While borrowing a friend’s skis or snowboard sounds like a good way to save money, having properly fit gear is well worth it. You need gear that is appropriate for your skill level and that has been tested and maintained for safety and performance. Rentals will give you a much better experience. Not to mention, you don’t have to schlep rental equipment all over the place. You simply return it at the end of your day!

• Ski boots are weird, how do I know I have the right fit? Ski & Ride Academy Ski boots are weird, how do I know I have the right fit?

  Ski (and Snowboard) boots should be snug without being uncomfortable. They should feel like a strong hug or firm handshake without being tight or painful. Both kinds of boots are stiffer than a regular shoe for both performance and safety purposes. One key to success is the correct sock! Changing into a dry, mid-weight technical sock when you put on your boots can make a huge difference in how long your feet stay warm and dry. Also, make sure your sock is not bunched up.

• What are my responsibilities? Ski & Ride Academy What are my responsibilities?
  • Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
  • People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
  • Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
  • Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
  • You must prevent runaway equipment.
  • Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
  • Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  • You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
  • Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

  At each and every ski resort, this Skier Responsibility Code is taken very seriously. Any failure to ski responsibly, and to use good judgment and common sense, can result in the revocation of skiing privileges. There typically isn’t much tolerance for those who disobey the rules. Be aware, that in many cases, state law becomes involved in flagrant violation of boundary restrictions and unreported collisions. View Our Mountain Safety Page

  Most importantly, if everyone follows the Responsibility Code and adheres to these basic safety tips, a good and safe time can be had by everyone on the slopes.

• What are your equipment rental suggestions? Ski & Ride Academy What are your equipment rental suggestions?

  Boot Fitting:

  Both ski and snowboard boots are designed to hold your foot snugly to the surface of your skis or snowboard. Any movement of the foot within the boot translates into loss of control and lessens performance.

  For the best fit, make sure you:

  • Wear only one pair of socks.
  • Pull up your pant gaiter and the cuff of your first layer.
  • Do not tuck your first layer into your boots.

  Ski Boots are engineered to fit snugly. The critical area is the heel, which needs to be held tightly into the “heel cup” of the boot. Slide your foot into the boot, making sure that the tongue is pulled forward and out of the way. Push downwards on the heel of the boot to properly set your heel into the cup. Latch the buckles to a comfortable tightness, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Buckles may be readjusted after all have been fastened. Pay particular attention to the buckles on top of the instep of the foot as they hold your heel in place. When you stand up, your toes should have just enough room to wiggle. Press into the front of the boot by bending your knees. If your heel lifts up and out of the heel cup, the boots are too big. Camelback staff can be found in most locations throughout the ski resort and will be happy to assist you.

  Snowboard boots fit differently than ski boots. First you open the boot bladder wide and slide your foot into the boot. Use the pull loops to get the boot onto your foot. Slide the lace lock down while tightening the inner laces until the fit is snug but comfortable. Now tighten the outer laces as tight as possible. If done properly, your toes will almost be touching the end of the boot. Stand up, bend your knees and make sure your toes are snug, but not cramped. Make sure your heel is being grabbed by the boot bladder and not lifting. As always, if you have questions or need assistance, look for any of our staff in an orange jacket or Blue Jacket with the Camelback Mountain logo. They can be found all around the ski resort and will be happy to assist you.

  Ski/Snowboard Length:

  Correct length is a correlation of your height, weight and ability level. Modern shaped skis and snowboards turn much more easily than those of just a few years ago.

  Are You Goofy?

  Snowboarders have to decide on their stance on the board. Most people are right-foot dominant, meaning their right leg is their “balance” foot. In this case, the right foot goes in the back binding, facing the rider to the right on the board. This is known as a “regular” stance. Some people are left-foot dominant, and ride facing the left side of the board…this is known as “goofy” stance. Here’s how to tell which foot is dominant before you even set foot on the ski resort. If you run and slide on a linoleum floor in your socks, whichever foot goes second is your balance foot. This is the foot that does most of the work by supporting the majority of your weight.

  Helmets:

  Most snowboarders choose to wear helmets for a variety of reasons. Because beginner boarders tend to fall backwards a lot, helmets should be strongly considered. Advanced boarders like to do tricks which greatly increases the level of risk in the sport. Beginner skiers; however, tend to ski at slow speeds, and falls are usually forward or to one side. We suggest that you consider helmet use and make an informed, educated decision.

• What can I expect from my instructor? Ski & Ride Academy What can I expect from my instructor?

  Camelback Resort staffs the most talented and inspiring, professionally trained, ski and snowboard instructors who are dedicated to sharing their passion for these energizing winter sports. You’ll learn the skills you need in the learning area that you’ll use on the slopes. Our children’s lessons and group lessons are beginner lessons that teach you the basics of skiing or riding. As you continue on your journey in snowsports, private lessons are available to work on specific skills. Your instructor will ask what your goals are for the lesson and work with you to achieve those goals.

• What do we do if we purchase a snowboard lesson, but decide we want to do a ski lesson and vice versa? Ski & Ride Academy What do we do if we purchase a snowboard lesson, but decide we want to do a ski lesson and vice versa?
  Please contact the Ski and Ride Academy. They will be able to let you know if there is availability to switch the lesson.
• What is the age group for Children's Lessons? Ski & Ride Academy What is the age group for Children's Lessons?

  Children’s Beginner Group Lessons are for kids ages 4-12. Children’s Half-Day Lessons are for kids ages 6-14.

• What is the cancellation policy for my lesson? Ski & Ride Academy What is the cancellation policy for my lesson?
  • Cancellation Policies for all attractions:
  • Written Cancellation Policy: No refunds or exchanges.
  • Written Deposit Policy: 100% due at the time of purchase.
  • Other Policy: No refunds or exchanges, all tickets are nontransferable and not available for resale

  Camelback Ski Mountain Conditions Guarantee:

  • If you are not satisfied with the conditions on the mountain, you can go to guest services and get a return visit voucher. You must do this within the first hour of being on the mountain.
  • More information here.
• What kind of shape do I have to be in to hit the slopes? Ski & Ride Academy What kind of shape do I have to be in to hit the slopes?
  Skiing and snowboarding can be very physically demanding sports. If you are an athletic person that plays sports, chances are that you are in pretty good condition to ski or ride. Just remember to pace yourself. You do not have to push yourself to the limits. If you get tired, take a break and catch your breath, this way you can get your second wind and get out there again and again.
• What should I expect at our Pocono Ski Resort? Ski & Ride Academy What should I expect at our Pocono Ski Resort?

  You’ve made it to the snow! Now the fun begins. The instructors at our ski resort are trained to do one thing…teach. All our instructors are trained to teach first-time lessons in a very specific, effective method. You’ll start out by doing exercises to develop your balance and get you accustomed to the feeling of sliding, with a focus on teaching you to feel the ski or snowboards “edge.” Edge control is what the game is all about. By going through these simple exercises, you will quickly learn how to do the two rudimentary actions needed to progress…stopping when and where you want and turning when and where you want.

  You shouldn’t expect miracles your first time out. As we’ve said earlier, it takes three lessons for most people to reach the point where they can start to explore the mountain a little bit.

  Ski & Ride Academy

  Adaptive Programs

  Stay Focused:

  It’s important that you pay attention to your instructor. While the exercises may seem a bit repetitive, they are important in the big picture. Not everyone learns at the same pace, mostly because some people are naturally more athletic than others. Those who enjoy summer activities like surfing, skating or skateboarding will have a distinct edge over those who don’t, but you can do it!

• What should I expect for my lesson? Ski & Ride Academy What should I expect for my lesson?

  As a beginner, you should have reasonable expectations about your first day out on the mountain. Hopefully, many of the things below will give you a better idea of what to expect, but there are some important basics to be prepared for:

  • Pace yourself and set reasonable expectations, focus on fun.
  • Learning something new is not always easy, but it will be rewarding and exciting when you succeed.
  • Everyone learns at a different pace.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask your instructor questions, they are there to help you learn.
• What should I keep in mind in terms of safety? Ski & Ride Academy What should I keep in mind in terms of safety?

  The important thing to remember is not to overdo it. We don’t recommend a trip to the top of the mountain after your first visit…you probably won’t be ready for it. Spend some time on our ski resort’s learning trails practicing the exercises you learned in your lesson. Save the trip to the top for another day, when you’re more prepared. View Our Mountain Safety Page

• What should I NOT wear to the ski resort if I plan on going on the mountain? Ski & Ride Academy What should I NOT wear to the ski resort if I plan on going on the mountain?

  Avoid clothing that absorbs water, such as denim jeans or knit gloves. Choose wool or synthetic socks instead, and skip cotton socks. If these articles of clothing get wet, they will not dry fast. Just remember Wet = Cold and Cold = No Fun.

• Where can I find information on snow conditions? Ski & Ride Academy Where can I find information on snow conditions?

  On the snow conditions page

• Where should I go when I get to the ski resort? Ski & Ride Academy Where should I go when I get to the ski resort?

  Ticket Sales/Guest Services:

  This is the first place you will stop at the ski resort. If you purchased a lesson package online, go to the kiosk in front of Mountain Guest Services or at the Kids Learning Center at Adventure Basecamp to print your lift ticket. Every guest must have a lift ticket to go on snow. If you have any questions or need assistance look for any of our staff in an orange jacket with the Camelback Resort logo and they will be happy to assist you.

  Restrooms

  Restrooms are conveniently located in multiple areas around the ski resort. The closest restrooms to Ticket Sales/Guest Services Center are to the right in the breezeway by the Tune-Up Center.

  Rental Shop:

  After printing your lift ticket, proceed to one of our state-of-the-art rental facilities conveniently located across the Ski & Ride Academy and inside the Kids Learning Center at Adventure Basecamp. Once you have your rentals, you’re ready to check in for your lesson!

  By pre-purchasing your rental equipment your equipment will be set up and ready for you when you arrive. The fastest and most convenient way to get on snow, Online Rentals.