Taking a southern descent and a southeast descent, this route explores two different skis down Schaefer Head, a 2,950 feet mountain in the Allegheny Mountains. The climb to the top is along the western ridge and uses a hiking trail, but may require some bushwhacking. The first descent is along a trail on the southern face and drops off a fairly steep ridge just after leaving the summit and then is not nearly as steep. The second run down the southeast face keeps a steep angle most of the descent in a bowl area. Use caution as the area is thickly forested, but can be an enjoyable run through the trees. Coordinates for the trailhead are: 40.310347, -78.568557

A peak in the Allegheny Mountains, Pine Knob is a fun and short ski down the western face of the ridge into a valley. The route starts where Tower Rd ends near Ritchey Knob. There is a path that goes along the saddle between the two knobs and leads to the top of Pine Knob. This route drops off the west side of the knob through trees that will need to be maneuvered around and into a valley that ends at Carson Run.

This one way route down a western face of Loop Mountain utilizes the State Game Road that leads to the top of the ridge and then down the other side. This route starts at the top of the road and then skis down the ridge for some great slopes that do have fairly dense trees. If desired, you could ski different runs down this ridge for a full day, as the mountain makes a 'U' shape and creates a north bowl, providing a variety of run possibilities.

Just east of Canoe Creek State Park is Short Mountain. This route climbs up the northern saddle to the summit and then descends down the southwest face toward Juanita River. This mountain in Pennsylvania is a lot of fun, as there is a large treeless section, making for great turns. The route is one way, but could be hiked back up and skied down the saddle or a northwestern face to make this an out-and-back.

In the heart of central Pennsylvania, Short Mountain is one of the higher mountains in the region. This route utilizes an electric pole path and climbs up the western side of the ridge. The path provides clear access and a great treeless descent. The path also goes down the eastern side of the mountain as well and thus a run down toward the east could be made in the same trip as well.

Just above the community of Petersburg is this small hill, Round Top. The route climbs up the southwest saddle of the hill to the top and then descends down the southeast side. There are quite a few trees on the hill, but a section once you are nearly to the bottom has sections of clearings. There is also a Roundtop Mountain Ski Resort that is different from this location.

Brush Mountain is a ridge in the Allegheny Mountains of central Pennsylvania. This route climbs up the southern-most part of the ridge along a power line trail to the top. The first descent is down the northern side, but use caution to not go all the way to the bottom of this valley as it is privately owned. This is an out-and-back route, so the second descent is back down the power line trail and is an easy and fun treeless run.

New River Gorge is one of the most popular areas to climb in the east. The rock is Nuttall Sandstone and similar to the Obed or Chattanooga region in Tennessee. Climbing is most pleasant in the spring and fall but can be done year-round at some crags. Cliffs are long and there are not a lot of beginner routes. Junkyard Area is located off Ames Heights Road just down from Alpine Pine Campground. It is a busy crag that offers several moderate routes, excellent cracks, quick and easy approach, and easy toprope access. Some classic crack routes not to be missed are Four Sheets to the Wind, New Yosemite, and Stuck in Another Dimension.

Seneca Rocks is a premier climbing area that is rich with history and best known for incredible multi-pitch trad routes that offer an old-school climbing feel. It is impressive, but intimidating and requires confident gear placement. The approach is steep and exposed- with some routes that require climbing a 5.2-5.5 to reach. The rock can be loose so be sure to bring your helmet. Camping, gear and guides are available at Seneca Shadows Campground or Yokum’s in town. Ecstasy Buttress is the first buttress of rock after crossing the river. The trail splits and the Ecstasy routes are to the right (south end of cliff).

New River Gorge is one of the most popular areas to climb in the east. The rock is Nuttall Sandstone and similar to the Obed or Chattanooga region in Tennessee. The Endless Wall Area stretches over 3 miles of unbroken cliff with an average height of 80 feet. Routes are technical on bullet hard rock. There are 3 parking areas to reach the walls and access down to the cliffs is by rappelling or ladders only after a short, scenic walk. Flash Point Area offers a good mix of trad and sport routes with a few classics like Flash Point and Euro-Nation. Access from Honeymoon ladders and park at Fern Parking.