Great Escape: Bear Creek Mountain Resort

Before kids, you take silence for granted. Sweet, glorious silence. Not that the sound of children’s laughter isn’t a treasure, but sometimes, even the quiet babble of a toddler or the roar of the crowd on the TV while your hubby watches the Sixers can just be too much.

Where better to escape from it all than the top of a mountain? Throw on your cutest snow bunny gear and head out to Bear Creek Mountain Resort for a day of sport, nature and relaxation. Just over the border in Longswamp Township, Berks County (although it has a Macungie address), it's the region's most sophisticated ski area by far, and has all the makings of a spectacular escape.

If you’re into the whole snow thing, take advantage of the mountain’s 21 trails, and savor the silence as you maneuver your way down the slopes. If you’re a snowboarder, you’ll want to check out the terrain park, complete with tires, rails and jumps to suit everyone from beginner bunny to black diamond daredevil.

Alhtough the season's over for tubing, it's a nice alternative to do when it is available.  Plop your butt into one of Bear Creek’s countless snow tubes and giggle your way down the 1,000-foot tube park.  

Once you’ve had enough of the cold, soak those weary muscles in a hot bath infused with wildflower, sage, lavender and thyme ($50) at the Bear Creek Spa. And soaks aren’t the only tantalizing thing on the menu. Ladies looking for some relaxation need look no further, as this sanctuary has it all. Manis, pedis, facials, massages, body scrubs, mud wraps – the list is endless bliss. Check out their “cocoon” packages, which feature skin-softening wraps followed by tension-relieving massages ($125).

Ok. So you’ve snow-sported and unwound spa-style. What next? Head down to the Grille at Bear Creek and round out your fabulous day with a glass of your favorite wine by the fire.  Hell, throw in an order of your favorite guilty pleasure: Pierogies, a burger, a slice of cheesecake. Calories don’t count at Bear Creek. Something about the elevation.

Happy trails.

Escape Begins: Now. Weekdays 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Weekends 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Where: Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center, 101 Doe Mountain Lane, Longswamp Township, Berks County

Cost: Call 610-682-7100 for snow sport rates and 610-641-7174 for spa appointments. Visithttp://www.bcmountainresort.com/winter/index.aspx for full details.