DCSki Lost Ski Areas Archive

Mount Airy Lodge

Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania

Historical profile · Updated May 23, 2009 · 23 reader comments

DCSki Editorial Overview

The story in brief

Mount Airy Lodge stood near Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, about a mile from Route 611, combining a destination resort with a small ski hill. Its winter terrain was gentle and beginner-friendly, served by two side-by-side Hall double chairs and possibly a third lift, with accounts differing on the vertical rise — roughly 150 to 250 feet. The runs, some of which became golf holes in summer, included a short, more interesting pitch near the base. Snowmaking and an annual snowfall of about 60 inches are reported, but there was no night skiing.

For many visitors, Mount Airy was less a destination for challenging skiing than an approachable place to learn, enjoy a toboggan run, and spend a winter vacation. Families, school groups, honeymooners, and employees recall skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, sledding, fireworks, shows, and the lodge’s indoor pool and dining rooms. The ski operation appears to have faded by the 1980s as larger regional resorts gained prominence, while the property deteriorated. By the mid-2000s, the lifts had been removed and the lodge was demolished for redevelopment, ultimately making way for a casino site.

Generated from DCSki's historical profile and reader-contributed memories.

DCSki reader Mark Bedle writes about a lost ski area in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania:

“My family used to go there every winter to ski and ride the toboggan run. They went out of business in the 1980’s due to the bigger resorts in the area. Mount Aire I think had a couple of lifts and a couple of trails. The height couldn’t have been over 250 feet. It was a great place to learn to ski and I will never forget the trips. I was up there in the 80’s, but by that time the slopes were closed and the toboggan run had fallen into disrepair. I think a big court battle just took place and a developer has since torn down the lodge to make way for a golf course.”

Woody Bousquet uncovered a ski patch for “Mount Airy Lodge” in Mt. Pocono, PA, so we now believe the area name was Mount Airy Lodge, instead of Mount Aire Lodge.

A ski patch from Mount Airy Lodge. “The patch states ‘Mount Airy,’ rather than ‘Mount Aire,’ but it appears to be the same area described on DCSki as Mount Aire Lodge,” writes Woody Bousquet. Image provided by Woody Bousquet.

Woody also uncovered some web sites that mention Mount Airy Lodge. This web page describes some information about redevelopment, while this news article in the Pocono Record indicates that the current owner of Mount Airy Lodge received a state slots license in December, 2006.

Kevin Whipple provided the following information about Mount Airy Lodge in September, 2007:

“I have some additional information on Mount Airy Lodge, near Mount Pocono, PA in Monroe County.

The Mount Airy Resort is located one mile from Rte. 611 between Mount Pocono and Swiftwater. The old lodge has been ripped down to make way for the new slot casino. The lifts have been removed. The pictures I took are from 2004.

From ultimateskiguide.com, Mount Airy had 25 acres, a 250-foot vertical, snowmaking, no night skiing, 60” annual snowfall, 85% beginner, 15% intermediate, longest run of 1/2 mile, and 3 lifts.

I only know of two lifts, which were Hall (I think) double chairs. The vertical couldn’t have been more than 150 feet.

Most of the trails doubled as golf holes in the summer. Everything was of easy grade, but there was a nice little pitch towards the base. The clubhouse for the golf course was the ski lodge in the winter. I can’t say I was sad to see the old Mount Airy Lodge torn down as it had become an eyesore over the years. I also can’t say I’m happy to see a slot casino built in it’s place.”

Kevin provides the following photos.

The lift layout on a topographic map. Kevin writes that he can’t really see where 250 feet of vertical come from. The old Mount Airy Lodge was the big structure across from the lifts. Image provided by Kevin Whipple.

An old postcard from Mount Airy Lodge, courtesy of teachski.com. Image provided by teachski.com.

The old Mount Airy Lodge from the ski hill/golf course parking lot. This has been torn down since this photo was taken. Photo provided by Kevin Whipple.

Looking down the hill towards the base lodge/clubhouse, with the two doubles ascending from either side. Photo provided by Kevin Whipple.

The base of the double chair to the left of the lodge (skier’s right). Photo provided by Kevin Whipple.

Looking up the hill from the base of the double chair to the right of the lodge (skier’s left). Photo provided by Kevin Whipple.

The top unloading stations for the double chairs. Photo provided by Kevin Whipple.

Looking down the hill from atop the steepest part of the slope (a beautiful Par 3 as well, Kevin writes). The Mount Airy Lodge as it appeared prior to demolition looms behind the base lodge and lifts. Photo provided by Kevin Whipple.

Looking down the trail on skier’s right of the summit. Photo provided by Kevin Whipple.

Looking up from near the lodge at the easiest slope. This was on skier’s left of the double chairs. This is also the view from the tee box for Hole 1. Photo provided by Kevin Whipple.

The interesting but short pitch near the base of the hill. Photo provided by Kevin Whipple.

Looking at the steepest part of the hill (true blue grade). Photo provided by Kevin Whipple.

A 3-d view from Google Earth. Image provided by Kevin Whipple.

An aerial shot. Image provided by Kevin Whipple.

Living history

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Community archive

Reader Comments

kevin

February 5, 2007

mount airey lodge, offered two, side by side, hall double chairlifts, on maybe 150' of vertical. the trails were mostly golf holes in summer. very easy grade, with a moderate pitch near the base to keep things interesting. the chairlifts have been removed recently, the old mount airey lodge has been torn down to make room for a new pocono slot casino. the area still boasts a very fine golf coarse (many holes were ski runs).

kevin

February 5, 2007

Paul Hamilton

May 14, 2007

I never heard of a Mt. Aire, but Mount Airy Lodge in the Poconos was the destination of the 1969 Senior Class Trip for Salesianum High School, in Wilmington, Delaware. One of my classmates reluctantly decided to try skiing for the first time. He broke his leg! The rest of the Seniors simply had a ball. It was a great trip and one of my earliest adventures in skiing. I think I may have one of those Mt. Airy patches on my oldest ski jacket. This was one of my first trips away from where I learned to ski, Chadds Peak, also a lost area. Thanks for creating this site. I now live in Montana.

S.Neuhof

August 26, 2007

The Pennsbury High School class of 1974 had their class trip there. Fun was had by all. 150 students
attended. What happened to Jerry N ?

Jim

September 15, 2007

Back in 1989 my wife, daughter, and I spent a few days there on a winter vacation. It was the first time my daughter, who was then 5, tried skiing. She never made through the entire lesson before giving up. I persisted and spent the entire morning skiing in the rain. This was my 2nd time on skis, the 1st was at Ski Mountain in Pine Hill NJ in 1969 or 1970. This all led to a later in life love of skiing for both my daughter and I starting around 2000. We are both now ski patrollers at a PA resort.

Jim

September 15, 2007

Patricia Milam

October 23, 2007

My Father worked there one time, He was a local plummer. His name was Joseph S. Townsend He told us how awesome the place was and enjoyed his work. I am very proud of him. He also worked on an old house in stroudsburg but had gotten gravely ill and couldn't finish it. It is now an abuse center. He did that for me because I was in an abusive marriage. So his way was to help build a place for others to go to for help. He worked for Mr. Price. We want to come and see the casino.

Jack Hoffman

December 27, 2007

Does anyone remember the social director at Mt. Airy, named Kevin? Is that the Kevin who provided the photos? I went there for about 15 years (Stricklands and Mt. Airy), starting with 4 couples for a weekend and ended up with 30 couples having a blast weekend every February.

Heidi

January 4, 2008

Was Pococno Garden Lodge a part of Mt.Airy Lodge? My husband and I stayed at PGL 25 years ago and I wanted to go back for our 25th anniversary. Ican't seemed to find PGL, if anyone knows if it still is around please write back.

j. t. wetzel

February 9, 2008

Pocono Garden Lodge has been closed for years. Just like Mt. Airy Lodge, Pocono Garden Lodge was left to deteriorate. I don't think you would want to go back for your 25th anniversary.....check out this website if you are interested in seeing some photos of the abandoned Pocono Garden Lodge property. This website will show you how terrible the place looks. Also, you can see some photos of how Mt. Airy looked before it was demolished for the casino. www.ver.ca/bratchny/poconos/. Let us know if you would like to stay there.

j. t. wetzel

February 9, 2008

Attn: Correction to website listed above:

the website for photos of abandoned pocono gardens lodge & mt. airy lodge:

www.uer.ca/bratchny/poconos/

DCSki Reader

February 10, 2008

I worked at Mt Airy Lodge in the early 1980's and lived across the street at the Apple House. For a young girl from Florida ... the snow and cold weather was quite exciting.
Coy

Jennifer

February 19, 2008

I remember I had gone to Mt Airy Lodge with family and friends in the late 80's when I was about 8 yrs old or so. I'll never forget how upset I was that I didn't get to go skiing. On the flip side I had a blast on the tiny in-door ice skating rink and the a small tennis court.
I also remember roasting marshmallows in the fireplace and I still have a necklace charm I made from back then.
That was also the side where I got attacked by geese by the pond. Funny and fond memories

Kellie

April 11, 2008

I grew up in the Pocono's, fairly close to Mt Airy and have fond memories of watching fire works during the summer and riding snowmobiles in the winter. My friend's father was part owner during the 70s and 80s, so we were able to enjoy some of the fun things even though we weren't guests. I hated seeing how it deteriorated over the years.

patrick elias

July 2, 2008

I Miss Cooking In Mount airys Coffee Shop In The Early 80s.Meals On The Days Off Were In The Employees Dining Room "sidehall".Living Quarters Were Across The Street At The "600block".Ill Always Miss Mt. Airy.

vince Julie Anderson

August 6, 2008

Vince & I spent our honeymoon in l959, we had our own little private cottage, we have fond memories-wanted to spend a week-end for our 50th!!! So sorry to read about the demolition-maybe we'll go to the casino!

michael t.

August 14, 2008

i ran mt airy lodge ski area 84-88 also was aquatics director in summer,taught water skiing also and helped with special projects, still teaching skiing as a full time pro in northern new england at a popular destination resort...

Dave

March 6, 2009

My parents took me there once in tehearly 80's I remember having fun on teh uncrowded easy slopes and learning how to jump off a hay bale jump someone built. They also had a slope where you could ride Ski Bobs - a small bike like device with skis instead of wheels. We ended up getting snowed in during a blizard and having to stay an extra day or two.

Shirley Miller

March 29, 2009

One Comment Askes if anyone remembers Kevin, and yes I do. Kevin was an awesome Social Director at Pocono Gardens Lodge, where I was General Manager around 1997. I worked closely with him on many fun projects. He was always great with guests. Does anyone know where he is now. I also had a a couple of weeks standing in for Mr. Patrilak, (when he was hospitalized) as GM of Mount Airy and Stricklands. There were some wonderfull people working hard to keep those three properties going in those days. Does anyone know where are they now?. All three of these vacation spots, will be remembered most fondly by both the vacationers, honeymooners and
the devoted and loyal employees that shared the
experience. It left a mark in our hearts and historic fond memories. If anyone has any info.
please email me: shirleymiller4@yahoo.com

John Crockett

July 2, 2009

My mom worked as the social director there during WWII. She was a school teacher and worked there at least two summers. Fred Waring would have his orchester in the theater. Mom had her own car and would pick up guests at the train station to bring them to the hotel, once there they were captive. She met my father who lived in Philadelphia there one summer, he came back the next and the rest is history. I have an old Mt. Airy post card from then and pictures of my mother on the grounds. I kinda wanted to visit the place but I now know....it's gone !

Linda Doug Pearson

July 22, 2009

We were so disappointed to read that Mt. Airy Lodge had been destroyed. My husband and I spent our honeymoon there in 1970 and were discussing going back there next year for our 40th to reminisce but I guess that is not going to happen.

Harlen Wampole

December 28, 2009

My inlaws had stayed at the Mt. Airy Lodge when they first got married in the early '50's. Later they reserved a 'cabin' for us in the mid '90's. Our cabin had a small swimming pool with a sauna.
We had dinner and a show in the main building. It was a fun weekend and very crowded at check in time. It reminded me of what I'd seen in the movies of ski weekends!

Brian Hedman

February 14, 2011

My wife and I honeymooned there 24 years ago tomorrow (2/15/1987) for a week. We were 22 at the time. We had a great time! We had a private cabin with our own indoor pool along with the shower for two, heart shaped tub and king sized round bed. We went skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and sled riding. We still remember our waiter's name "Lisandro" who served us in the hotel dining room as well as for room service in the cabin. Very sad to see the pics of the place being demolished. I still have my brochure though!

Speak truth to powder.

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