Ski Big Bear continues to experience extraordinary growth!
| 17 November 2009
Lackawaxen, PA - Recreation Management Corp. (d.b.a. Ski Big Bear) and Masthope Mountain Community are in the second year phase of a $3 million expansion plan that continues to enhance the winter experience for the entire lake region of the Pocono Mountains.
“The ski industry is an important part of our community and it is an industry based on the mechanical technology of snowmaking, snow grooming and lift operation. It’s essential to develop a short and long range business plan that provides for year round maintenance and refurbishment for all equipment, includes ongoing capital upgrades to replace older components with new equipment and technology and also adds something new every season,” says Ron Schmalzle, President of Recreation Management Corp, operator of Ski Big Bear.
“The sport of skiing is an investment for a family and we are committed to our goal of offering our customers one of longest winter seasons in the Pocono Mountains. Our customer has developed confidence that we will continue to invest in our product and offer the very best and safest product possible. We feel this dedication to our infrastructure coupled with an experienced and customer-focused staff is the reason for our extraordinary growth during this challenging economic period,” says Ron.
One of the major improvements for this season is replacing the original 35 year old Thundercloud chairlift with a new double/double chairlift. The new double/double chairlift is two new lifts sharing the same towers enabling Ski Big Bear to transport twice as many people. Combining this latest upgrade with last years second Magic Carpet lift, all 6 lifts are new or totally rebuilt within the last 12 years.
Other parts of this latest capital improvement plan include expanding an already impressive snowmaking plant to include a new fleet of low energy snowguns, tower and fan guns, increased water pumping capacity and expanded electrical capacity. The final stage of the capital improvement plan will include continued expansion of the terrain park by developing more terrain, building and purchasing more rails, boxes and equipment, re-grading parts of the mountain, adding drainage, increasing the parking capacity and eventually creating a new maintenance area and Ski Patrol Center. Ski Big Bear also plans to expand the rental shop building and continue to purchase new ski and snowboard equipment.
