An easy two-hour drive east on Interstate 90 takes you a world away to a mountain resort that caters to every family member.
Snowboarding? Check.
Spa service? Got it.
Fine dining? Of course.
Golf, swimming, banquet facilities, luxurious lodging — it’s handled.
And don’t forget the skiing. This is Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa, after all — a place with a well-deserved reputation as a skier’s paradise that has expanded into so much more.
A GETAWAY THAT’S NOT FAR AWAY
Just 20 miles south of Erie, Pennsylvania, Peek’n Peak is in the state’s picturesque Chautauqua region. Not only is the area lovely, it also has the potential for abundant snowfall, even into early spring. The combination of hilly topography and snowfall has made it a skiing destination for decades.
As warm weather approaches, the opportunities for outdoor recreation expand far beyond skiing. It’s worth a visit to see the changes.
AN EXPANDED AND UPGRADED RESORT
Heading off the highway through the winding, treelined roads you get a sense there’s something special around the final bend. The enormous hillsides peppered with skiers, snowboarders, tubers, chairlifts and the main lodge confirms it: you have arrived at a true resort.
The main buildings have an Old English theme— pitched roofs, thick timber framing with a Tudor-style look — that provides a rustic charm.
THE RIGHT STUFF
Peek’n Peak derives its name from the Pekin Hill, the original name of the mountain and homestead of the Pekin family. Originally built in 1964, Peek’n Peak was purchased in 2011 by Scott Enterprises, a third generation hospitality company with local roots.
The Scotts invested more than $10 million, introducing thoughtful upgrades and new attractions. They pumped money into key infrastructure, remodeled the hotel, installed cutting edge snow hill technology and upgraded equipment to ensure a professional and luxurious visit for guests.
The owners know visitors expect, and make sure they receive, outstanding service from employees. That level of service extends beyond the resort’s mountain property to the Scott’s other regional enterprises including Splash Lagoon indoor water park in Erie and dozens of other hotels and restaurants.
“People buy an experience from us,” says Nick Scott Jr., the company’s vice president.
At the Peak, it all comes together as a unique destination for family celebrations, couples’ getaways, corporate team-building retreats, meetings, conferences and weddings.
Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and a new tubing hill provide an assortment of sport challenges for all ages. Snow tubing is a safe but thrilling ride for ages 3 to 103. Equipment rentals are top-quality and lessons are available to help beginners feel comfortable diving into a new adventure.
Travelling with a little one and want to enjoy the sights? There’s help at the resort’s Peek-a-Boo Child Care.
A DAY, A WEEKEND, OR MORE
Planning a trip is simple. Visitors can go for an easy day trip or extend the visit for overnight and longer rentals at the Inn at the Peak, condominiums with up to seven bedrooms or the sprawling Findley Lake House with its cathedral ceilings and multi-level lakeside decks.
Guests can jump on a chair lift from the main hotel lodge or head down a mountain from many of the ski-in, ski-out condos.
Some condos resemble mini-estates complete with the expected amenities and furnishings. They can accommodate groups up to 25. Lodging, dining and recreation packages are offered to match most budgets and interests. Indoors or out, Peek’n Peak staff can pair you with the perfect package.
WARM WEATHER ACTION
Peek’n Peak draws snow enthusiasts from throughout the region, but cold weather isn’t for everyone. That’s not a problem at Peek’n Peak because there’s plenty to do when the snow melts and warm weather arrives.
The resort’s world-class spa offers many peaceful indulgences amidst the woodland backdrop. Water lovers will feel at home with the indoor and outdoor swimming pools located at the main hotel. Next door is a top-notch fitness facility.
Spring, summer and fall bring a completely different feel to the property with opportunities for exploration and relaxation geared to a variety of interests, ages and fitness levels.
Two championship golf courses will challenge any golfer. In fact, The Peak will host a PGA Tour’s Web.com event on July 4-10.
Comedians, bands and DJs keep things lively on weekend nights with indoor and outdoor entertainment. The property boasts several restaurants, some of which are seasonal, where guests can enjoy mountainside cocktails, a poolside cabana bar, wood fire pizzas at the sport bar and upscale dining in the main lodge.
The resort’s award-winning Sunday brunch attracts visitors from throughout the area, especially when Santa arrives in December.
SEASONAL FUN
Peak Adventure Park opened in 2014 and features a dual, 2,000 foot zip line, an aerial adventure course, Segway tours and mini golf. Taking advantage of the mountain terrain and the chairlifts, the adventure park provides spectacular views of the surrounding hillsides during off-season ski months.
October’s Fall Fest brings in hundreds of craft exhibitors, a beer garden, seasonal food and entertainment amidst the beauty of autumn.
In early November, Peek’n Peak hosts the Wurst Party Ever — a German Bier festival complete with traditional German food, craft beers and a 27-piece German band.
Snocross championship snowmobile racing returns April 1-3. Racers fly through the trails X Game-style, thrilling the crowds and — for a brief time — shattering the resort’s peaceful atmosphere.
As these last few weeks of wintertime wind down, consider a getaway to western New York where family memories can be made on the slopes, fireside at a cozy condo or within the warmth of a relaxing restaurant. When the temperatures rise, hit the links, splash in a pool or explore a nearby lake.
Choose your season — and your adventure — at Peek’n Peak.
