Liberty Mountain Resort in Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania has gone to the dogs! It has also gone to the possums and other pets which could enjoy trying their paws on snowboarding, or just playing on the slopes with their people. Oh yes, humans were also allowed to ski and snowboard - the plucky resort plans to stay open through Saturday, March 30, 2013, conditions permitting. There is excellent spring skiing and all the trails are open and well covered. The slopes are not crowded and the lift lines are not long. Some snow also fell on Monday, March 25.

First - the animals. Sunday, March 24 was a “bring your pet to the slopes” event. Some pets tried to snowboard and compete with Ratatouille, Liberty’s world-famous snowboarding possum. Dream on! His video received several million hits on YouTube. But there were other contests for pets - best costume, best tricks, strongest tail wag, and more. Afterwards there was a “Yappy Hour” at McKee’s Tavern.

A snowboarding dachshund? Canines have all the fun. Photo provided by Liberty Mountain Resort.

Season Pass holders were also rewarded for their loyalty. They were served a complimentary buffet. Of course, the real reward was the great season on the slopes. At this rate, machine made snow and groomers will put Mother Nature out of business. Everyone mourns the lack of natural snow from the sky. But, as long as it comes from hoses and blow guns, we will take it!

Lisa and Kristine overshadowed by the Legend of Liberty, Ratatouille, the snowboarding champion. Photo provided by Charles Sneiderman.

The season is not over yet. There is one more week of snow, featuring spring break specials. Then comes golf and summer season. Liberty rents out facilities for weddings and other events. There is always time for rebuilding and improvements over the summer. Then there is the Fall Foliage Festival in the autumn, and cold weather returns soon enough!