You don’t have to travel far to get away from it all. Crystal Springs Resort and Mountain Creek Resort, New Jersey’s very own “winter wonderlands,” are the destinations of the moment. Set just five miles apart in the heart of the state’s Skylands Region, these neighboring resorts are custom-made for your seasonal getaway.
Escape #1: Family Outdoor Holiday
Take the family to Mountain Creek for a close-to-home ski holiday. With 100% snowmaking capabilities, four mountain peaks, eight lifts and 46 trails—ranging in difficulty from Lower Horizon to Wacky Way—Mountain Creek is a great pick for family outdoor fun. In addition to alpine skiing, Mountain Creek offers extra-small to large freestyle parks for snowboarding and one of the area’s largest snow tubing parks. (Parents: Imagine all the fun of sledding without the climb back up the hill!) It’s easy to turn your ski day into a slope-side overnight getaway with The Appalachian's one- and two-bedroom accommodations with kitchens. Check out the resort’s stay packages and get the latest details on their COVID-19 policies.
Escape #2: Romantic Retreat
Whether the occasion is a special anniversary or just because, you can rekindle the romance in the pristine mountain setting of Crystal Springs Resort. Start by booking luxurious accommodations at Crystal Springs’ AAA Four Diamond Grand Cascades Lodge. (Booking tip: One-bedroom suites feature living rooms with gas fireplaces, as well as balconies with views—some with outdoor fireplaces.) Rooms in this striking Adirondacks-style lodge have been renovated to deliver a healing mind-body connection with the outdoors through the use of natural materials and light. Explore the resort’s stay packages and catch up on protocols they have put in place to keep guests safe during the pandemic.
Escape #3: Boards, Bikes & Brews
Ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure? Watch for the return of Mountain Creek’s Sno-Go. Billed as the “ultimate all-mountain snow bike,” Sno-Go pairs the bike-riding motion you love with the latest ski technology. Of course, you won’t want to miss Mountain Creek’s terrain parks, featuring ride-on progression boxes, large street-style rails and 50-foot jumps. Take a break “sunny side” at the Biergarten outdoor patio, where you can grab a burger or brat and a local draft beer, and warm up by one of the outdoor fireplaces. Late night? No worries! It’s just a short stroll to the Appalachian hotel.
Escape #4: Winter Wellness
Preserving your mental and physical wellbeing is more important than ever. An escape to the two award-winning day spas at Crystal Springs Resort is an excellent way to begin your wellness journey. For serenity with a generous dash of decadence, visit Reflections Spa & Salon, where you’ll be greeted by a sparkling ceiling adorned with 8,000 quartz crystals. Elements Spa & Salon, ranked one of the top 30 spas in America, mines the earth’s healing powers to create a unique, naturally inspiring spa experience. Elements Spa is located within the resort’s Minerals Hotel, which also offers spa and stay packages. Before reserving a treatment in either spa, please review their health and safety policies.
Escape #5: Skylands Exploration Extension
Extend your winter escape to Crystal Springs or Mountain Creek by discovering other seasonal attractions in the Skylands. Take a winter hike along the Appalachian Trail at Wawayanda State Park or go snowshoeing at High Point State Park, where you can catch a three-state view from High Point Monument. Or angle for perch and pickerel at Hopatcong State Park, where both Lake Hopatcong and Lake Musconetcong offer excellent ice fishing in the winter months. *Note: The park is currently under a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Watch and consuming fish is not recommended at this time. Please check the website for status updates before going fishing.
