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Crystal Lake Ski Center

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Trails: 31 km (19 miles) of trails are groomed for cross-country skiing (classic and skating).
Trail fees: Adults $15, children (under 17) & seniors (over 59) $8 (winter 2007/8)
Tel: 570-584-4209
Snow report: Call the center or check their website for latest conditions
Nearest town: Hughesville, PA
Web site: Crystal Lake Ski Center
Trail map: Available at the center and on their website
Equipment rentals: Ski equipment, ice skates, snowshoes
Ski lessons: Yes
Other winter activities: Ice skating, snowshoeing
Facilities: Day lodge, cafeteria
Lodging on site: Eight cabins plus two backcountry cabins are on site
Lodging nearby: Williamsport has several hotels and other accommodations
Location of trails: Crystal Lake Ski Center is about 7 miles miles north of Tivoli at 1716 Crystal Lake Road, Hughesville, PA.
Weather forecast: Tivoli
Tourism info: Williamsport/Lycoming County VB
Map of local region: Hughesville area

Rate this XC Area

Number of ratings: 5
Average rating: 4.70  Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

5   Top   Down     Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Name of XC Area: Crystal Lake Ski Center
Times that I have skied there: A few times
I last skied there in: Mar, 2005
Trails that I skied: Almost all beginner/ intermediate, some advanced
My favorite trails: Blue moon is nice, Zingers will do just that.
Trail marking: Very good
Trail grooming: Very good
Rating: 5 stars
What I liked: There is something for everyone of any ability, both skaters and classic skiers.
What I disliked:
Comments: There is a nice range of rental gear for young and old, beginner to those wanting to try skate technique. Dottie, the proprietress, will tell you which trails she recommends for your ability. The onsite cabins are rustic and overlook both lakes. The large ski/camp cafeteria building is cool. Hughesville has the burger joints, etc. if you need those. The access road is unpaved for about 5 miles leading to Crystal Lake and is marked with signposts at all uncertainty points. After a good snow you will be most confident in an SUV or equivalent vehicle with all wheel or 4 wheel drive.
Submitted by: Rose
from: Greenbelt, MD
Date submitted: April 3, 2005

4   Up   Top     Down   Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Name of XC Area: Crystal Lake Ski Center
Times that I have skied there: Several times
I last skied there in: Feb, 2004
Trails that I skied: Almost all of them
My favorite trails: I'm not telling - try them all
Trail marking: Very good
Trail grooming: Very good
Rating: 5 stars
What I liked: Beautiful varied scenery, all types of trails for all levels of skiiers and it doesn't take all day to get there. My best option when seeking groomed trails.
What I disliked: Let's face it - PA just doesn't get the same snow conditions you can get farther north or out west. Even Baltimore has gotten snow that has missed central PA in recent years.
Comments: Always be careful on the road to and from Crystal Lake - at ALL times of the year!
Submitted by: WWH
from: Central PA
Date submitted: March 5, 2004

3   Up   Top     Down   Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Name of XC Area: Crystal Lake Ski Center
Times that I have skied there: Several times
I last skied there in: Dec, 2000
Trails that I skied:
My favorite trails: zig zags
Trail marking: Very good
Trail grooming: Fair
Rating: 4.5 stars
What I liked: Wide rage of trails from flat and easy to more advanced trails for the more adventurous
What I disliked: not all groomed all the time
Comments: Willamsport very close
Submitted by: MLS
from: Hanover, PA
Date submitted: Dec 16, 2003

2   Up   Top     Down   Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Name of XC Area: Crystal Lake Ski Center
Times that I have skied there: Weekly
I last skied there in: Feb, 2003
Trails that I skied: All of them
My favorite trails: Mountain Trail, Blue Moon, Porcupine
Trail marking: Very good
Trail grooming: Very good
Rating: 4.5 stars
What I liked: The layout of the trails is excellent and provides a very long season for the area. There is also great variety in terms of scenery and trails for every skill level.
What I disliked: Nothing to dislike
Comments: The only problem is the 7 mile mountain road. It can be ineteresting, but is usually plowed and sanded.
Submitted by: Ron
from:
Date submitted: Feb 21, 2003

1   Up   Top   Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Name of area: Crystal Lake Ski Center
Times that I have skied there: A few times
I last skied there in: Jan, 2003
Trails that I skied:
My favorite trails:
Trail marking: Very good
Trail grooming: Very good
Rating: 4.5 stars
What I liked: Essentally all of the trails were wooded and very scenic. The trails are well mapped and designated according to difficulty. There is something for everyone here. Relatively flat trails for the beginner and more challenging trails for the intermediate skier. (Since I am a marginal intermediate skier, I can't comment on the advanced trails which I avoided.)
What I disliked: there is really nothing to dislike about
Comments: Aside from the excellent skiing, I especially like the friendly atmosphere at Crystal Lake provided by Dottie and her staff. The lodge is especially nice (with its large fireplace) and is a good place to get warmed up and eat a home cooked meal.
Driving up the mountain road to Crystal Lake can be a little tricky when snow covered. It is especially harrowing when you leave since the road contains a number of steep grades. After getting stuck on my first visit to Crystal Lake, I invested in some tire chains for my Ford Escort Wagon. I haven't had any problems in subsequent visits.
Submitted by: Pete
from: Dover, Delaware
Date submitted: Jan 10, 2003

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