COUDERSPORT – The holiday weekend marked the dawn of a new era
in the half-century history of Ski Denton, a resort along U.S.
Route 6 in the hills of central Potter County.
New owners who took over the facility last year held a
successful Denton Family Bike Fest this weekend, kicking off a
strategy to provide year-’round entertainment and recreational
opportunities at the former state park.
Lifts normally associated with skiing and snowboarding instead
carried mountain bike enthusiasts to the summit, about 2,440 feet
above sea level. From there, they could take their own bikes or
rentals on upwards of 50 trails suitable for everyone from a novice
to a downhill thrill-seeker, or access state forest trails with
routes up to 15 miles each way.
Freeride enthusiasts took turns on Denton’s new bicycle
playground, including teeter-totters, tabletops, beams and
decks.
More than a dozen people arrived with mountain boards, a wheeled
riding deck, similar to a skateboard, that is gaining in
popularity.
The Bike Fest also included clinics, guided rides, downhill and
cross country races with cash prizes, freeride exhibitions and
other events.
Ty Holmes, an accomplished downhill racer from Canton, Pa., was
among those attracted to the Family Bike Fest.
“This place is ideal,” said Holmes, who competes for Denali
Cycles of Rochester, Pa. “This event could really grow to become
something because the facilities are great.”
Several New York and Pennsylvania bike shops offered
demonstrations, free repairs and retail items for sale. Live music,
onsite camping, and food rounded out the weekend’s attractions.
Ski Denton is open each Saturday and Sunday.
“We believe we’re in sync with the new philosophy of tourist
promotion in this part of the state,” said Scott Carts, one of the
co-owners. “Potter County can capitalize on so many opportunities
for outdoor recreation.”
As part of an effort to keep Ski Denton operating year-’round,
Carts and his business partner, Shawn Schoonover, have also added
monthly folk music programs and to go with two major archery shows
on their off-season calendar of events. But their immediate focus
is on bicycles and mountain boards.
“We’re very excited about the mountain biking potential,” Carts
said. “It’s a hobby that’s growing more popular every year and
we’re anxious accommodate it and help it grow.”
On Oct. 6, Ski Denton will host the Mid-Atlantic Super Mountain
Bike Series finals, a race drawing competitors from several
states.
Also on the 2007 schedule are two archery events – the Eastern
Traditional Archery Rendezvous July 26-29 and the Potter County
Bowhunter Festival Oct. 17-19.
Ski Denton is also the site of the Songwriters’ Roundtable, a
monthly folk music series held in the lodge, with performances
scheduled June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1 and Oct. 4.
Carts said there are also discussions about a possible music
festival at the resort.
The ski area was carved out of Denton Hill State Park, a
700-acre site in the heart of the Susquehannock State Forest.
Construction of the resort began in 1958. It was state-operated
until 1979, when Ski Denton became a concession run by a private
contractor.
