Major disruptions to travel and infrastructure are likely. | Image: NOAA

Some Pocono Mountain ski resorts are closing today due to safety concerns for their guests and employees. Blue Mountain, Ski Big Bear, Big Boulder, and Elk Mountain all announced that the resorts will be closed on Sunday and plan to open on Monday. The concern for guests and employees takes priority, and most of these resorts do not have lodging available. That means guests and employees could get stranded at the ski resorts as the day progresses, with snow totals increasing and conditions deteriorating.

Although it does not happen often, extreme weather conditions have forced resorts across the country to close due to bitter cold, wind chills, and high winds. Many of these resorts are planning to reopen on Monday, January 26. This winter storm has been forecast to affect over 180 million people, with over 20 states issuing a state of emergency.

Some resorts in the Poconos will remain open or operate on a limited basis. Shawnee Mountain plans to operate on a limited basis on Sunday, depending on weather conditions. Jack Frost Resort will be open on Sunday as well, with lifts scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (subject to change due to weather). Camelback Mountain Resort posted on its social media that it will be open for normal operational hours, with first tracks starting at 7:30 a.m.

Skiers and snowboarders will get an extra day on the slopes at one ski resort in Pennsylvania due to this storm. Laurel Mountain, located in western Pennsylvania, is taking full advantage of the winter storm and will open this Monday, operating from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Laurel is usually closed on Mondays.

Snow totals in the Poconos range from 12 to 18 inches. However, traffic and driving could become extremely dangerous. “There is high confidence in major impacts from snowfall, sleet, and ice accumulations across much of the area, making travel very difficult, and potentially resulting in widespread closures and infrastructure impacts,” the National Weather Service posted on its website.

It may not happen often, but sometimes ski resorts do shut down due to extreme weather. The safety of guests and employees is what is most important, and resorts are making sure they do the right thing.

A major winter storm is expected to begin impacting the area Saturday night, continuing through early Monday afternoon. | Image: NOAA