HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Traverse snowy landscapes, zip down snow-packed paths on an inner tube, explore the winter woods, or angle fish from atop a frozen lake this winter in Pennsylvania.
"As friends and family travel to Pennsylvania during the holidays and entire winter season, it is the perfect time to begin new traditions and explore the outdoor opportunities available in the commonwealth," said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary of tourism for the Department of Community and Economic Development. "VisitPa.com allows travelers to do some window shopping for their favorite winter activity with 11 webcams, eight of which are located at ski resorts across the commonwealth."
These webcams can be found at under the "PA Maps" tab of the VisitPA.com site.
Discover the roots of the commonwealth's ski industry at Jack Frost Big Boulder Resort, www.jfbb.com, in the Pocono Mountains. Big Boulder was the first commercial ski area in Pennsylvania when it opened in the winter of 1946 and was one of the first in the nation to successfully make their own snow.
Kids starting on the slopes get a special opportunity in Pennsylvania. Fourth and fifth graders can get a free Snowpass booklet from the Pennsylvania Ski Association, www.skipa.com, which offers free skiing and snowboarding at 21 participating ski resorts.
Snow tubing in Pennsylvania can be an exciting winter activity for the entire family. Along Dutch Country roads, Avalanche Xpress at Heritage Hills Resort, www.hhgr.com, features multiple snow tubing lanes to accommodate beginners and seasoned tubers.
Guests of the Woodloch Resort, www.woodloch.com, in the northeast Pennsylvania mountains, can tube down a lakefront hill or really pick up speed on the new extreme hill. Day passes are also available; advance reservations are required.
In Pennsylvania's Great Lakes Region, Presque Isle State Park, www.presqueisle.org, in Erie offers the chance to see the beautiful landscape while making your way on snowshoes.
The Great Allegheny Passage, www.atatrail.org, features 100 miles of rail-trail between McKeesport and Meyersdale - an ideal snowshoe trek through the Laurel Highlands.
State parks and national forests also provide premier snowmobiling opportunities on designated trails. In the Pennsylvania Wilds, explore 360 miles of groomed trails and incredible views along the Allegheny Snowmobile Loop, www.visitanf.com/winter_sports.html, in the Allegheny National Forest.
Anglers will find the perfect ice fishing in Glendale Lake at Prince Gallitzin State Park, www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/princegallitzin.aspx, in the Alleghenies. Here, anglers have been known to catch perch, walleye, pike and crappies.
Take to the ice at Philadelphia's RiverRink, www.riverrink.com, on the Delaware River waterfront. Skaters of all skill levels can enjoy a few laps around this outdoor rink and lessons are available.
The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, under the state Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to fulfilling the needs and aspirations of travelers by presenting them with the information and resources they need to plan and enjoy the activities, attractions and destinations that are uniquely Pennsylvania.
For more information about visiting Pennsylvania go to www.visitPA.com, or call (800) VISIT PA.
CONTACT:
Michael Chapaloney
717-720-1301
SOURCE Pennsylvania Tourism Office
