Congratulations to all of the Class of 2024 graduates. There is lots of news happening in Hoboken and Jersey City. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week — from all around the internet. Among the local news: Grammy award-winning artist Wyclef Jean will headline Jersey City’s Fourth of July festival; a third-grader from Hoboken wins the PATH summer poster contest; and two local roadways will close for work over one year. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on June 16th, 2024.
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Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories):
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- Hoboken Housing Authority and Mama Johnson Field to be Upgraded Via $765k Federal Grant
- Meryendang Pinoy, Filipino Street Food Restaurant Opening in Jersey City Soon
- SWAT Team Responded to Residential Building in Hoboken
- New $345 Million Courthouse in Jersey City is Almost Complete
- Third-Grader from Hoboken Wins PATH Summer Poster Contest
- Backyard Space at The Hive in Jersey City Gets Shut Down Due to Noise Complaint
- 23 People Displaced After 4-Alarm Fire in Bayonne
- NJDEP Continues Construction to Protect Hoboken from Storm Surge Flooding
- $52K in Cash and Jewelry Stolen in Jersey City Gunpoint Robbery
- Hoboken Non-Profit Computers 4 People Donates 176 Laptops To College-Bound Students
Hoboken Police Warn About Cellphone Thefts
The Hoboken Police have warned the community about an increase in cellphone pickpocketing incidents. According to a press release, “Investigators have received over two dozen reports of so-called “apple picking,” or cellphone thefts and pickpocketing in Hoboken so far this year. The thefts take place in crowded local bars and restaurants, in which criminals stake out the establishment and wait for patrons to leave their phones unattended, out of sight, or easily accessible.” Residents are reminded to not leave their cell phones out of sight. If your cellphone is stolen, file a police report immediately. Anyone with information on recent cellphone thefts or pickpocketing is asked to contact Police Officer Daniel Grossi with the Hoboken Detective Bureau, at [email protected].
Hoboken Native Paige Goldsack Joins Hoboken Fire Department
Photo courtesy of Nick Goldsack.
Paige Goldsack, a Hoboken native, was sworn to the Hoboken Fire Department at a ceremony on June 13th at the Mayor’s office. Paige’s father is also a Hoboken firefighter, and she and her twin sister Jenna grew up volunteering at the fire department and the Hoboken Community Shelter. Paige completed the Bergen County Fire Academy on June 5th. Congrats, Paige!
Grammy Award-Winning Artist Wyclef Jean to Headline
Jersey City’s Fourth of July Festival
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Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced via a press release that the city’s Fourth of July celebration will feature a free concert headlined by Grammy winner Wyclef Jean at 8PM, preceded by a free performance from Fat Joe at 7PM. Funk Flex will return to DJ the July 4th event again this year, taking the stage at 6PM. The event will conclude with the legendary Fireworks by Grucci set to light up the sky over the Hudson River beginning at 9:25PM. Visit the city’s website for more information on the event, transportation, directions, and what to bring. Anyone attending the event is strongly encouraged to arrive by foot, bike, or public transportation, as parking will be extremely limited. Roads surrounding Montgomery Street along the waterfront will be closed for the duration of the event. Bike JC will also host a free bicycle valet at Exchange Place.
Hoboken Housing Authority and Mama Johnson Field to be Upgraded Via $765k Federal Grant
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The City of Hoboken is planning upgrades to Hoboken Housing Authority properties, including Mama Johnson Field, via an over $765,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Per a City of Hoboken press release, the Community Development Block Grant will be used to renovate the indoor restrooms at Mama Johnson Field, as well as upgrade new driveway gates and improve lighting on the main HHA campus. A public hearing addressing the matter will be held on June 24th at 6PM in the ground floor conference room at Hoboken City Hall. Following the hearing, the city council will formally vote to authorize the funding allocations.
23 People Displaced After 4-Alarm Fire in Bayonne
A four-alarm fire in Bayonne displaced 23 people across four buildings, with no injuries reported. Per the Hudson County View, the Bayonne Fire Department was dispatched to 31 West 11th Street on a reported structure fire at 10:41PM on June 8th. Firefighters found heavy fire conditions in the two-story single-family home, extending to 29 and 33 West 11th Street. Multiple homes on 11th and 12th Street were evacuated. The fire was declared under control at 1:43AM. There are currently 23 displaced occupants across four homes and they are under the care of the Red Cross and Bayonne OEM.
SWAT Team Responded to Residential Building in Hoboken
A SWAT Team responded on the evening of June 9th to a residential building in Hoboken. Per Patch Hoboken, law enforcement officials were able to safely remove a person who was having a crisis. Hoboken spokeswoman Marci Rubin released the following statement: “I can confirm Hoboken Police, Hoboken Fire, Hudson County SWAT, Port Authority PD, and a Jersey City Medical Center Crisis Team responded to the 50 block of Park Avenue earlier today. The situation has been resolved safely.”
Hoboken Resident Wins National Merit Scholarship
Several National Merit Scholarship winners from New Jersey were announced this week, including one from Hoboken. Per Patch Hoboken, National Merit Scholarships guarantee students $1,000 to $10,000 per year during college. The student announced for the last round of awards is Micah D. Goodman, a High Tech High School student from Hoboken. His chosen probable career field is Computer Science and his college for fall is Rutgers University.
This Jersey City Coffee Shop Was a Filming Location for the New Timothée Chalamet Movie
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The charming Snapdragon Coffee + Social, located at 190 Monticello Avenue, has been McGinley Square’s best-kept secret for a while and has recently been used as a filming location for A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothee Chalamet. And while it may seem that Snapdragon’s stunning space is the star of the show, there’s a lot more to love about this local favorite in addition to its recent movie role. Click here for more.
Two Roadways Are Closed for One Year for NJDOT Project in Kearny
Two roadways in the industrial section of Kearny will be closed for the next 12 months. Per NJ.com, Central Avenue, also known as County Road 659, northbound and Pennsylvania Avenue eastbound were closed and detoured on June 7th, as part of the $82.4 million Portway, Fish House Road/Pennsylvania Avenue project. Pennsylvania Avenue West at the intersection of Central Avenue is also closed. The closures are necessary for deep pile supported utility relocations, sewer and gas main replacement, drainage upgrades, and railroad crossing improvements.
$122 Million Energy Saving Plan for Jersey City School District Enters Construction Phase
Solar panels have been installed at Charles E. Trefurt Elementary School and other Jersey City schools as part of the district’s $122 million Energy Saving Improvement Program (ESIP). Per NJ.com, the construction phase of the program is underway, starting with Dickinson High School and School 3. Work at Ferris High School will start as early as next week.
Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children Gala Honors Saint Peter’s President
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Saint Peter’s University President Eugene Cornacchia was honored at the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children Gala (SFIC), where several students from St. Nicholas School in Jersey City served as ambassadors. Per the Hudson County View, the SFIC raised $470,000 through its recent gala at West Orange’s Pleasantdale Chateau on May 8th, surpassing the target goal by over $100,000. The funds will be used to provide partial tuition assistance scholarships for underprivileged students attending the Archdiocese of Newark Catholic schools. In addition to Cornacchia, Auxiliary Bishop Michael A. Saporito, regional vicar of Bergen County and Andrew P. Schafer, retired executive director of Catholic Cemeteries were also honored at the gala.
Secaucus Resident and CFO of Epoch Times is Charged With
Money Laundering
The CFO of the Epoch Times news site, who lives in Secaucus, was arrested on federal charges of $67 million in money laundering. Per Patch Secaucus, Weidong “Bill” Guan was arrested on the morning of June 2nd without incident at his home on 7th Street. The arrest was announced in a United States Attorney’s Office press release. Guan worked at the Epoch Times‘ headquarters in Manhattan.
Timothée Chalamet is Spotted Again in Hoboken for
A Complete Unknown Filming
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Last week, on June 5th, Timothée Chalamet was photographed signing an autograph for a young Hoboken resident on 11th + Bloomfield Streets. Little City Books on 1st + Bloomfield Street also underwent a little bit of a makeover last week, and on June 10th, locals spotted the actor filming at the Hoboken bookshop. Little City Books was closed until June 13th. Click here for more.
Le Dîner en Blanc Returns to Jersey City for 2024
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There’s much to love about summer in Hoboken + Jersey City: free outdoor movies, fitness classes, festivals, and activities abound. If you have a penchant for pop-up picnics and summer fashion, though, there’s an August event you won’t want to miss. Le Dîner en Blanc, the popular Parisian-inspired outdoor dinner party characterized by its famous all-white dress code, will take place in Jersey City for a third year in a row on Thursday, August 16th. Click here for more.
New $345 Million Courthouse in Jersey City is Almost Complete
Construction work on Hudson County’s modern courthouse facility, the Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex in Jersey City, is in the final stages. Per Jersey Digs, this will pave the way for a massive new neighborhood park. This project was approved by the Hudson County Board of Commissioners in 2020. It will replace Hudson County’s Administration Building at 595 Newark Street with a new five-story structure across the street. The complex will include a 75-seat public food court, a self-help law library, a children’s play area, training spaces, and a 459-space parking garage built into the design.
New Jersey City University President Testifies Before State Legislators on School’s Financial Troubles
New Jersey City University is on track to meet goals set by the state-appointed fiscal monitor, but the school has a long way to go before reaching financial independence. Per NJ.com, Interim President Andres Acebo and Fiscal Monitor Henry Amoroso testified on June 10th before a joint session of the state Higher Education Committee on the university’s progress. The university is facing nearly $300 million in debt and capital needs. In June 2022, its board declared a financial emergency and laid off top staff, including administrators. A report later revealed former university president Sue Henderson and other administrators mismanaged $14 million in pandemic relief funds before Henderson was allowed to resign with a $288,000 severance payment, a car, and a housing subsidy.
$52K in Cash and Jewelry Stolen in Jersey City Gunpoint Robbery
A DJ at a Jersey City club was robbed at gunpoint of approximately $52,000 in cash and jewelry on the morning of June 9th. Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione, press secretary for the City of Jersey City shared with the HG team, that the armed robbery was reported at 3:35AM in the area of Summit and Newark Avenue in Journal Square. The victim told police two men wearing ski masks and brandishing a handgun jumped into his car and robbed him of his belongings, with a total estimated worth of approximately $52,000. It is believed that at least one of the assailants had been in the club while the DJ performed.
Hoboken Rent Control Referendum’s Curing Deadline Is Extended
A landlord-led referendum proposal to change Hoboken’s rent control laws was granted an extra week to garner enough valid signatures to place the question on the ballot. Per NJ.com, the city clerk had recently determined the petition signature requirement was hundreds lower than initially announced. The deadline to “cure” the signatures petition previously submitted by the Mile Square Taxpayers Association (MSTA) to launch the referendum has been extended to June 17th. The original deadline was June 10th.
Hoboken Community Center’s Taste of Hoboken Event Happened on 6/11
Photo Credit: Rebecca Ferrier Photography
For over 20 years, Hoboken Community Center (HCC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the well-being of Hoboken residents, has hosted an annual fundraiser event called Taste of Hoboken. This year the event took place at Maxwell Place Park on June 11th. It featured over 20 local restaurants for residents to sample. Click here for more.
Third-Grader from Hoboken Wins PATH Summer Poster Contest
Miriam Rasul, a third-grader at Wallace Elementary School in Hoboken, was chosen as the winner of the annual Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Summer Poster Contest at the Hoboken Terminal on June 6th. Per NJ.com, Miriam’s depiction of a train riding the crest of an ocean wave beat out hundreds of other entries across three age categories of Hoboken students. Miriam’s poster will adorn PATH train cars this summer.
Backyard Space at The Hive in Jersey City Shut Down Due to Noise Complaint
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Owners of popular coffee shop, The Hive, shared on June 12th via Instagram that the backyard space at the Jersey City location got shut down due to a noise complaint. They also shared that they need a special license to use the space, which is something that they didn’t know about. They are working to fix the oversight and as soon as they get the green light to reopen the backyard space they will share the news.
City of Hoboken Wins Library Champion Award and Hoboken Public Library Director is Named NJLA Librarian of the Year
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The City of Hoboken announced on June 12th that the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) awarded the City the prestigious Library Champion Award. Per a City of Hoboken press release, Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu was also named the NJLA 2024 Librarian of the Year, making her the first recipient from Hudson County to receive the distinguished accolade. Jennie has been the director of the Hoboken Public Library since 2021 and has implemented several community-focused initiatives, including pop-up libraries in schools and the installation of book lockers in collaboration with the Hoboken Historical Museum.
Food Festival + Block Party Returned to Hoboken After 20-Year Hiatus
A once-popular Hoboken food festival returned to the Mile Square for the first time in over 20 years. The last Feast of Saint Anthony was in 2003, but on June 14th and June 15th, 2024, the block party + food festival came back on Jefferson Street with food vendors, a beer garden, live music, and entertainment. The family-friendly event was hosted by St. Francis Church. Click here for more.
“Skip The Stuff” Ordinance to Reduce Plastic Waste is Approved by Hoboken Council
The Hoboken City Council unanimously approved (9-0) a “skip the stuff” ordinance as part of an effort to reduce single-use plastic waste. Per the Hudson County View, sponsored by 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher and co-sponsored by Council President Jen Giattino and Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour, the “skip the stuff” ordinance mandates that restaurants only include items like plastic utensils and condiment packets in deliveries if customers specifically request them. Hoboken Business Alliance Executive Director Roxanne Earley indicated that they are in full support of the initiative. If signed by Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, the law will go into effect on September 1st, giving businesses a 60-day window to comply.
Jersey City Bar Loses its Liquor License
512 Quantum Sound, a Jersey City Heights bar, lost its liquor license last month after several violent incidents. Per the Hudson County View, the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) board considered “nine counts of operating in a manner constituting a public nuisance” between April 3rd, 2021, and January 21st, 2024 against 512 Quantum Sound. The owners did not attend the hearing, but citing state statute, the board proceeded and passed the measure.
Two Gang Members Charged with Conspiring to Sell Cocaine and Heroin in Jersey City
Two Jersey City street gang members have been charged with conspiring to sell cocaine and heroin, with one also facing weapons charges. Per the Hudson County View, Anthony Phillips, also known as “Ant” and “Little Ant,” 31, of Jersey City, was charged by complaint on April 30th with conspiring with Shannon Tisdale, aka “Doonk,” 32, of Jersey City, to distribute heroin and cocaine. Phillips was also charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Phillips and Tisdale each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Jersey City Ranks Near Top for Sustainability in a Lawnstarter Study
In a ranking of U.S. cities, Jersey City has ranked near the top for sustainability. According to the Jersey City Times, a study conducted by the website Lawnstarter, ranked Jersey City at number 25 out of the country’s 500 largest cities. The study analyzed and weighted five categories; Policy, Sustainable Development, Pollution, Transportation, and Food Production. With an overall score of 44.6, Jersey City excelled in Policy (21), Transportation (3), and Food Production (4), which includes, among other things, access to farmers’ markets, food stores and farms.
Psilocybin Bill is Expected to Eliminate Prohibitions on Use
A bill to legalize medical psilocybin is expected to cut decriminalization provisions and allow expungement for past and prospective convictions related to the drug. Per Politico Pro, the bill, NJ S2283 (24R), currently proposes eliminating prohibitions on the use, possession, transportation and home growth of up to four grams of psilocybin for people 21 and older. It also includes measures that would allow for expungement for past and pending cases related to psilocybin possession. It is still a felony in the state of New Jersey to grow cannabis at home, even though the drug has been available to buy recreationally since 2022.
Meryendang Pinoy, Filipino Street Food Restaurant, Opening in Jersey City Soon
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Meryendang Pinoy is bringing its Filipino street food to 283 Newark Avenue in Jersey City. The new Filipino eatery will be taking over the space of the former Hawaiian restaurant, Pokay. Per its Instagram account, the restaurant will be opening soon, but no official date has been set.
Hoboken Non-Profit Computers 4 People Donates 176 Laptops To College-Bound Students
Photo Credit: Computers 4 People
Computers 4 People, a local leading tech non-profit fostering digital equity, is helping students overcome financial barriers through their innovative College-Bound Laptop Scholarship. For the fourth year in a row, Computers 4 People has been providing students with refurbished laptops so that they can pursue their higher education goals and achieve their dreams. Per a Computers 4 People press release, this year’s College-Bound Laptop Scholarship will provide 176 graduating seniors from under-resourced backgrounds with professionally refurbished laptops, in partnership with 41 High Schools. The College-Bound Laptop Scholarship is made possible by the generosity of individuals and organizations that have donated their unused laptops.
Jersey City Municipal Council Designates First Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day
The Jersey City City Council is set to introduce a resolution to memorialize the first Friday in June as “National Gun Violence Awareness Day.” Per the Hudson County View, the resolution is set to pass later this month. In 2024 alone, there have been almost 200 mass shootings and over 2,000 children killed as a result of gun violence.
NJDEP Continues Construction to Protect Hoboken from
Storm Surge Flooding
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will continue construction of the northern portion of the Resist structure in the public right-of-way starting on or after June 24th and break ground on the southern Resist structure in the public right-of-way in Hoboken on or after Monday, July 8th. Per a community announcement via Nixle, the City of Hoboken and the NJDEP invite residents to a virtual public meeting on June 18th at 6PM to learn more about the construction of the southern and northern Resist structure of the Rebuild by Design Hudson River (RBDH) project. When complete, the comprehensive project aims to protect Hoboken from storm surge flooding. To register for the meeting, click here.
Aspire Tax Credits Approved for 1888 Film Studio Project in Bayonne
Photo Credit: 1888 Studios
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved tax credits under the Aspire Program for 1888 Studios in Bayonne on June 12th. Per a press release, the studio developed by Togus Urban Renewal will be the largest and first campus-style film and television studio facility in the Northeast, occupying 58 acres of production facilities. Click here for more.
Social Club for Littles, The Bunny Hive, to Open Soon in Hoboken
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The Bunny Hive offers a beautiful space designed for children and adults, where families can learn, play, and socialize. The studio shared via Instagram in May that it hopes to open at the end of summer/ early fall. Its “Grownup and me” classes take place six days a week and begin just about every hour, on the hour. A membership is available but classes may be purchased by pack or a single session.
City of Hoboken Announces Free Arts Program for Youth of Hoboken Housing Authority
The City of Hoboken announced on June 13th the launch of a new summer arts program for youth of the Hoboken Housing Authority (HHA). Per Nixle, the free program was organized by the City’s Division of Cultural Affairs in collaboration with Dance with Derrick, and aims to provide creative outlets for HHA youth ages 11 to 19. This initiative is a direct response to feedback from the HHA community, who have requested more programming following the tragic death of resident Damon Murray. The program will feature a lineup of presenters and instructors, including Quadir Ladson, Shakera Frazier, Chris Linton, Jason Quinones, Robert Rosa, and DJ Dugspin. This program is offered at no cost to HHA residents. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where to Find Cooling Centers in Hudson County During NJ’s Heat Wave
New Jersey is currently undergoing another dangerous heat wave with temperatures expected to hit 95 – 100 degrees over the next week, triggering heat advisories — and air quality alerts — in much of the state. Beyond discomfort, the skyrocketing temperatures can pose a serious health hazard. To help keep the community safe, local counties have established designated communal cooling centers in Hudson County and beyond. Click here for more.
Mayor Bhalla Announces Recreational Access for Hoboken Residents
at Stevens Institute
Mayor Bhalla and Stevens Institute of Technology President Nariman Farvardin announced on June 14th a partnership that grants Hoboken residents access to Stevens’ tennis courts this summer and continued year-round access to the indoor swimming pool. Per a City of Hoboken press release, residents interested in using these facilities must follow a two-step registration process. For more information on the schedule and availability of facilities, visit the Stevens recreation website here.
Skiing and Snowboarding Destinations Near Hoboken + Jersey City
For outdoor winter lovers, the perfect day on the mountain may consist of fresh tracks, powdery trails, bluebird skies, and maybe a crisp beverage to enjoy with other snow buddies after last chair. Now that winter is in full swing, skiers and snowboarders are planning their next trip to the slopes. There are no mountains within walking distance of Washington Street, obviously, but spots for skiers and snowboarders in the Hoboken area to check out if they’re looking to get a couple of runs this season. Read on to learn about the ski club in Hoboken and the different ski resorts in Northern New Jersey.
Photo Credit: Hoboken Ski Club
Hoboken Ski Club
Photo Credit: Hoboken Ski Club
The Hoboken Ski + Snowboard Club organizes several different skip trips each season. The destinations include East Coast mountains, West Coast mountains, and even trips to Europe. For the 2024-2025 season, some of the scheduled trips for sale are to Snowbird in Utah, Killington in Vermont, and Zermatt in Switzerland. Those not interested in skiing but still want to go on a winter adventure are welcome, too. Depending on the trip, the club provides both a “land” price and a “land and lift” price. All these trips are for members only.
An annual membership for the Hoboken Ski + Snowboard group is $50. Included in the membership is not only access to the annual trips but several discounts with the National Ski Council Federation and The New Jersey Ski + Snowboard Council. Closer to home, members could also receive deals with Hive Athletic, Glade Goggles, Pelican, Skis.com, and Hoboken CrossFit. According to the website, most members are in their 20s and 30s, and while there are no age limits, members must be 21 years old to join.
For those looking to learn more about these trips, the ski club hosts happy hours with members and trip leaders throughout the year. Check out the event calendar online to see where the next meeting is to get questions answered and sign up for future trips.
Read More: Newport Skates in Jersey City Opens for the 2024-25 Season
Big Snow At American Dream | 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
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Every day is a snow day at Big Snow. Located in The American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ, the snow dome is open year-round to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Rent ski or snowboard gear and get a two-hour access pass for $99.99. For those with their own gear, $59.99 gets you a pass for two hours of slope access. Private lessons and lessons for children are available for purchase.
Campgaw Mountain Ski Area | 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah
A 45-minute drive from Hoboken is Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah, NJ. The mountain has several trails for skiers to explore without leaving e\ the state. Lift tickets range from $36-$65 depending on timing and holiday schedules. A daily rental of skis or a snowboard, boots, and a helmet goes for $52. Plus, there is tubing daily for those looking to enjoy the snow without strapping into skis. While the weather can be a bit mild at the start of winter in New Jersey, Campgraw’s goal is to open around mid-December and stay open through March.
See More: 9 Ski Slopes to Visit in the New Jersey Area
Mountain Creek Resort | 200 Route 94, Vernon
Adventure seekers can check out the many different activities that Mountain Creek has year-round. When it comes to ski season, the mountain has over a dozen trails for skiers and snowboarders to conquer. It is a smaller mountain, so it’s great for beginner skiers and those looking to fine-tune their skills. Lift ticket prices range from $59.99 to $119.99 depending on timing and holiday schedules. The resort also sells a “Go Package” for $129.99 which includes a full-day lift ticket, ski or snowboard equipment rentals, and access to the “Terrain Based Learning” skills area. It’s projected the mountain will open trails towards the end of December and run through late February.
