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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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