Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Ski Resort closed out its 1998-99 ski season last weekend, but is already moving full-steam ahead with its off-season activities.

The Whitetail Fly Fishing School and Guide Service, run by Dusty Wissmath, started on April 1 just days after the ski lifts stopped running. As in past years, classes are being offered on a regular basis, as well as guided excursions to local waters. One-day casting clinics will be held throughout the spring, summer, and fall; tuition is $125 and includes continental breakfast, lunch, and use of a Scott flyrod. Two-day clinics are $375, and students get to keep their rod and reel at the conclusion of the class.

Special fly fishing clinics include a Women’s Clinic from May 15-16. Fishing great Lefty Krey will offer tips and tricks in a Casting Clinic; the date has not yet been set.

For more information on Fly Fishing programs, call (717) 328-9400, extension 131.

The mountain biking season will get underway at Whitetail on May 22. This year, the resort has made a change and will be open to the general public from Friday through Monday. Previously, Whitetail had been open daily except Tuesdays, when it was closed for trail maintenance. As in past years, the Whitetail Express lift will run on weekends and holidays to haul bikers up the mountain. Tuesdays through Thursdays, Whitetail will only be open to groups with advance reservations.

For those who aren’t interested in fishing or mountain biking, Whitetail hopes to attract new visitors to the resort this summer with a selection of new offerings. Several outdoor skills programs will be offered, including backpacking, rock climbing, land navigation/orienteering, and a course or two in nature and wildlife photography. Backpackers will head to the Appalachian Trail for an overnight trip, while those taking the navigation/orienteering course will learn how to use low-tech as well as high-tech navigation devices, from map and compass to GPS.

Dates for these programs are still being set; expect to see one or two offerings of each sometime this summer.