Pennsylvania’s Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area is currently putting the finishing touches on a brand new lodge and 53-room hotel. The 110,000 sqare-foot, $18 million dollars project began in April and should be finished just in time for the 2004-2005 winter season.

“The construction is moving along smoothly thanks to the great team of people we have working on this project,” said Mark Schroetel, General Manager of the ski area. “With a hotel on site, we will be able to accommodate our out of state guests and host weddings and banquets in the off season to make the resort fully operational year round.”

These additions will bring an indoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, banquet facilities, and an expanded dining area. The 57,000 square-foot lodge will include guest service amenities on the ground floor, such as restrooms and locker rooms, season pass and group sales offices, a new day care center and a ski school and children’s learning center. The top floor will include a 17,375 square-foot cafeteria and family dining area, and a 1,400 square-foot area for picnickers. The Grille at Bear Creek, a new full service bar and grille, will adjoin the family dining facility.

The hotel, located adjacent to the lodge, will include traditional hotel rooms as well as two-room suites sleeping up to eight. The hotel will have its own private parking area.

A new rental shop is being constructed 40 feet from the new lodge and ticket windows.

Bear Creek is also introducing the Burton Method Center this season. This program is geared towards bringing new snowboarders up to speed quickly, and includes specially designed gear for learning. Bear Creek is purchasing a new fleet of Burton snowboards for the rental shop.

Finally, Bear Creek has invested $290,000 in terrain park improvements, adding new boxes, rails, and a wall-ride. The resort also purchased a Zaugg and Pisten Bully groomer.