IT'S A PARTY!

On February 14, 2010, Spring Mountain Ski Area celebrates its 10th Anniversary under the care of Richard and Gayle Buckman who took over the ownership and operation in 2000.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The slopes had been closed for over a year and were destined for development. After learning to ski at SpringMountain and opening their first Buckman’s Ski Shop to share their love of the sport with others, the Buckman family was compelled to try to save the recreation area.

Early in 1999, the Buckman’s approached the former owner to negotiate a sale price, but were unsuccessful. That fall, UpperSalfordTownship, who was also concerned about the possible development of the area, approached the Buckmans to see if a unique three-way public/private partnership could be formed to purchase the 180 acres from the former owner.

The Township took the lead and was successful in negotiating a purchase price. Under the agreement, the Buckmans bought 20+ acres at the bottom of the slopes which include the buildings, parking lots and all of the equipment. The Township purchased the 80 acres that form the slopes and created a 45-year lease for the acreage with the Buckmans. MontgomeryCounty purchased the remaining 80 acres located on either side of the slopes to add to their open space.

Settlement occurred on March 14, 2000. After a busy summer of re-roofing, gutting and restoring all the buildings, installing a state of the art snow making system, refurbishing lifts and other equipment, and adding tubing runs, Spring Mountain opened to the public once again in December of 2000.

In 2006, SpringMountain, became Spring Mountain Adventures adding the region's first canopy tour, rock climbing tower and Geo Caching Adventure.

In October, 2008, the early history of the mountain was loosely translated to form the background story for SCREAMMOUNTAIN....a haunted Ski Lodge and Hayride.

Celebrating their tenth successful winter season, the Buckman family has established the Philadelphia area's year-round destination for encouraging families to enjoy the mountain, its vast history, ecology and to seek new adventures and fun in the outdoors.

Valentines Day is a fitting day to celebrate their 10^th anniversary and their appreciation of those who support and patronize this enormous undertaking. Coming in the middle of the President’s Day Weekend, Sunday seemed the perfect day for all the fun events that are planned!

The day kicks off with a continental breakfast for season pass holders in the Alpine Restaurant.

Throughout the day there will be music, drawings, and lots of things to do along with skiing, tubing and snowboarding.

Ice Concepts, Inc. will be carving a special ice sculpture, creating the perfect photo opportunity for your and your family! Ice Concepts is based in Hatfield, PA and services the entire Philadelphia Area. Owner Kevin Gregory, and fellow Master Ice Carver Tony Young will not only be here at SpringMountain but leave later that week to represent the United States in their third Cultural Olympics Ice Carving Competition, which is part of the Olympics! For more info, visit their website at www.iceconceptsinc.com

Ms. Tia’s ARTS-N-SPARKS will be providing winter themed related crafts for guests to make. At her shop in Lederach, ARTS-N-SPARKS provides families with the opportunity to explore the arts and science, culture, language and the environment.

Enrichment programs and classes, private lessons and group sessions, birthday parties and family reunions are also available at Ms. Tia's Arts-N-Sparks. For more information, visit their website at www.arts-n-sparks.com

Science Explorers will be putting on an interactive show that will delight and amaze you! An innovative company, Science Explorers was founded in 1999 by Jennifer Moorehead with a mission to make science fun and to date, thousands of elementary aged children throughout Southeastern PA. have participated in their programs, including a summer program held at Spring Mountain! For more information on SCIENCE EXPLORERS, you can visit their web site at www.scienceexplorers.com

If you love animals, you’ll love meeting and watching the beautiful dogs on the Sled Dog Team that will be running a trail around the mountain at different times throughout the day. The dogs are owned by Joy and Doug Heitz of Howlin Huskies Kennels in Perkasie. You’ll be able to pet the dogs and ask questions about them and what they do from their trainers.

Topping off this special day, will be a Fireworks Display presented by Young Explosives Corp. of Rochester, N.Y. The Fireworks will be set off at 9:00 pm from the mountain and should be visible for miles around!

All the activities at Spring Mountain are included at no charge for ticket holders. Those wishing to see the ice sculptors, dogs and fireworks are also welcome at no charge, although no one without a ticket may access the snow. The Art and Science programs will be available for a small fee for those without a ticket. Delicious foods will be available for purchase, including Heart Shaped Pizzas! Free cake slices will be served from the cafeteria at 1:00 pm while supplies last.