Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some men, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give men a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right – men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in Vernon Valley, NJ.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Vernon Valley, NJ, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Vernon Valley, NJ, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Benefits of Sermorelin include:
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those benefits include:
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
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VERNON — A new community partnership is providing students in one of Sussex County's largest school districts digital access to any of six public libraries in the county.Vernon Township students in pre-K through 12th grade, as well as all district faculty members, now have a library card that allows them to check out online resources from the Sussex County Library System. The system includes the main library in Frankford and five branch libraries — including the Dorothy Henry Branch in Vernon.The libr...
VERNON — A new community partnership is providing students in one of Sussex County's largest school districts digital access to any of six public libraries in the county.
Vernon Township students in pre-K through 12th grade, as well as all district faculty members, now have a library card that allows them to check out online resources from the Sussex County Library System. The system includes the main library in Frankford and five branch libraries — including the Dorothy Henry Branch in Vernon.
The library card initiative was spearheaded by Vernon High School media specialist Michelle Aluotto, who previously worked for the county library.She said there was a need to create the partnership because many students are unaware of everything a library offers.
"I think it's important for them to realize this is a publicly available resource that they have access to," Aluotto said. "I'm a big library proponent. I love libraries, so I think everyone should know the value of a library."
The Vernon Township School District was home to 2,878 students as of the 2020-21 school year, according to data from the New Jersey Department of Education, only second in the county to Sparta, which had 3,050 students enrolled.
To access the catalog, Vernon students visit the Sussex County Library website and enter their student ID number. They can then browse all online materials available in the database, including audiobooks, language learning and information for research papers.
Aluotto said the digital card offered by the school does not allow students to rent hard copies of books or DVDs. However, they can obtain a physical card by visiting any of the six libraries and providing proof of residency in Sussex County.
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The libraries' partnership with Vernon is being treated as a "pilot program" as the district tries to "work through the kinks," Aluotto said. Eventually, the goal is for the initiative to expand to as many districts as possible.
While the partnership between Vernon and the county libraries is still in its infancy, Aluotto said she has already heard some positive feedback from students and teachers in the district. She is optimistic the program will help reinvigorate the role of libraries in the community.
"I think it's going to grow into more use for the public libraries, so it's good for everybody. Everybody wins," Aluotto said.
VERNON — Legends, the now-shuttered former Playboy Club that hosted sold-out performances by Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr. and other big-time entertainers in its heyday, may be on the verge of a second act under terms of a proposed legal settlement with the township.Mayor Howard Burrell, who will present it to the Township Council for approval Tuesday, said the township has already received hundreds of thousands of dollars in past due property taxes and is betting the house's money the agreement ca...
VERNON — Legends, the now-shuttered former Playboy Club that hosted sold-out performances by Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr. and other big-time entertainers in its heyday, may be on the verge of a second act under terms of a proposed legal settlement with the township.
Mayor Howard Burrell, who will present it to the Township Council for approval Tuesday, said the township has already received hundreds of thousands of dollars in past due property taxes and is betting the house's money the agreement can resurrect the late Hugh Hefner's once-palatial resort from mothballs into something that can again be a revenue generator for the township.
The linchpin of the proposal is the agreement by Metairie Corp., the facility's current owner, to make good on $860,000 in delinquent property taxes due to Vernon. Of that amount, $472,000 was paid at the end of last month with the balance due by June 30, 2021, Burrell said.
Metairie would also be required to find a buyer or obtain financing for the redevelopment of the property, located at the junction of Route 94 and Route 517, by June 30 or find an auctioneer to sell it off by October.
Vernon, in turn, would forgive about $60,000 in building and fire code violations and drop its opposition to renewing the resort's cabaret liquor license, a major consideration for any investor.
"The assumption is that anyone who buys this will know what the situation is and have some plan to make it useful," Burrell said. "I can't see somebody paying a lot of money for it without a plan."
Vernon residents have heard this song before, from proposals to turn it into a convention center or satellite college campus and again two years ago when a hedge fund investor claimed to be finalizing a deal to turn it into a retirement community. All came to naught.
But with the new Legoland theme park set to open next year in Goshen, N.Y., Burrell said the time is right for Vernon and its resorts to cash in on an expected spillover of tourism and demand for hotel rooms across the region. He believes this spillover will be key to resurrecting the resort.
Built at a cost of nearly $30 million, the Great Gorge Playboy Club had eight floors and over 800 guest rooms as well as a penthouse suite famously reserved for Hefner himself when it opened in 1971. The resort had a cabaret, ballroom, 27-championship hole golf course, bowling, tennis, jacuzzis, indoor swimming pools and an Olympic-sized outdoor pool plus access to nearby skiing and riding. These amenities, coupled with its nightly entertainment and ubiquitous Playboy Bunnies, enabled the club to flourish in its first few years.
Things started to go south once the novelty wore off and hopes for the legalization of casino gambling at the hotel were dashed. In 1982, the facility was sold to the Americana hotel chain and later was resold and rebranded as Seasons.
Many of the units were subsequently converted to timeshares and condominiums. In 1998, the remaining units and building were rebranded as Legends Resort & Country Club and acquired by Hillel Meyers, a Florida-based timeshare industry executive whose Metairie Corp. remains the facility's primary owner today.
Much of the building has since been shuttered and the unused units leased to short-term tenants including a Tennessee Gas pipeline worker from out of state who was murdered at the hotel in 2008. With reports of drug dealing and vultures, bats and other vermin taking up residence in the building, Vernon took steps to have the remaining 60 or so low-income tenants evicted three years ago for health and safety reasons.
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Burrell is hopeful the removal of legal and tax encumbrances will make the former hotel more palatable to an investor. However, he acknowledged the sale could be complicated by the multiple unit owners and more than 2,200 people who bought timeshares here in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Some are believed to still hold title to those units.
"All of the people who still own condos are unknown and probably unknowable to a great extent," Burrell said. "For us, the important thing is that all of the taxes and anything else that's financially due Vernon will have to come off the top, so it's going to be up to the new owner to deal with those people. He'll have to do that."
Although the township could seek to condemn the facility through eminent domain, Burrell said it would do nothing to put it back on the tax rolls. Additionally, the township doesn't want to be in the hotel business or left to shoulder the $1 million in annual carrying costs to keep its infrastructure from deteriorating, let alone the $15 million or more it may take to refurbish it.
Burrell said the settlement will be a win-win if it leads an investor to come forward and restore the facility to the tax rolls.
Eric Obernauer can also be contacted on Twitter: @EricObernNJH or by phone at 862-273-5349.
VERNON — The snow came a day early in New Jersey’s northwest.While many looked over weather reports Wednesday night, the mechanical whir of fans and compressors squeezing mist into the ice-cold air blanketed the hill behind Mountain Creek’s Red Tail Lodge.Thursday’s pending nor’easter was the impetus to put a portion of the resort’s 1,200 snow guns into action as a base for the 5 to 8 inches of expected snow, said Evan Kovach, Mountain Creek Resort’s director of sales and...
VERNON — The snow came a day early in New Jersey’s northwest.
While many looked over weather reports Wednesday night, the mechanical whir of fans and compressors squeezing mist into the ice-cold air blanketed the hill behind Mountain Creek’s Red Tail Lodge.
Thursday’s pending nor’easter was the impetus to put a portion of the resort’s 1,200 snow guns into action as a base for the 5 to 8 inches of expected snow, said Evan Kovach, Mountain Creek Resort’s director of sales and marketing.
“With weather like this there’s always opportunity to get things started sooner,” he said. “It seems mother nature is picking up where she left off last March, and we’re not complaining.”
The resort is planning a mid-December opening, but the prospect of an early storm is exciting, said Joe Hession, the president of resort operator SNOW Operating. Kovach said the business is about getting people out to enjoy sliding on snow.
A combination of below freezing temperatures and low humidity allows the snow machines to blow cold mist into the freezing air to create snow. Some of the resort’s technology, including nearly 60 new SMI fan guns, HKD high-efficiency stick guns and SGT Sledgehammer super-efficiency snow guns, allows for some of the best surfaces for skiing.
Story continues below photo gallery.
“For a beginner or intermediate skier or rider, a freshly groomed man-made surface is ideal,” Kovach said. “That said, who doesn’t love the ambiance of fresh snow falling, and making turns through natural snow?”
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Thursday’s storm was the earliest snowstorm in New Jersey since 2014, according to data compiled by the Office of the State Climatologist. Last year’s first storm was Dec. 9, when 5 inches fell on Vernon.
Despite that later start in 2017, the cold and dry conditions this time last year allowed the resort to begin making snow on Nov. 13. These consecutive mid-November starts have been the earliest for the resort in recent history, Kovach said.
“As soon as we see a window of opportunity, we jump at it," he said. "We’re glued to the weather this time of year. As we say, ‘we’re ready when mother nature says it’s time.’”
On Thursday, workers were busy setting up tables in the resort’s Red Tail Lodge. In about a month, the great hall could be packed. That possibility is mostly credited to snowmaking.
As a ski resort is northwest New Jersey, a storm dumping a foot or more of snow is possible. It happened in each of the past three winters. Still, compared to resorts out West or farther north, Kovach said Mountain Creek is not as blessed with natural snow.
This past winter, the resort received about 69 inches of snowfall. That is about 20 inches less than Burlington, Vermont received and 68 inches less than fell on Aspen, Colorado.
To compensate, the resort has been making snow for more than 50 years. It can currently pump millions of gallons of water per day into the air above its 35 trails and all 11 terrain park areas, Kovach said. The system allows the resort to not only open in mid-December but run to late March in some years.
The goal is always to open sooner and stay open longer, however, Kovach said. To that end, the resort invested more than $500,000 in snowmaking technology this past summer to create a more consistent surface. Trail erosion and other projects were also executed, as were modern technologies for guest admissions designed to get people on the hill more quickly.
“Our philosophy was to do whatever it takes to improve our ability to get open and stay open, and we’re excited to share that with our guests this winter,” Kovach said.
For more information, including data on trails, lifts and conditions, visit mountaincreek.com.
VERNON — The sale of marijuana products won't be allowed in the township, but its growth, wholesale and distribution will be, the Council voted Monday.Not subject to local ordinances is the delivery of cannabis products to township addresses.Cultivator, manufacturer, wholesale and distributor operations will be permitted in any Light Industrial Zone, within the township. The ordinance also limits two cultivator licensed businesses in the McAfee Village Mixed Use Zone and in the R-2 zone for any farmland ass...
VERNON — The sale of marijuana products won't be allowed in the township, but its growth, wholesale and distribution will be, the Council voted Monday.
Not subject to local ordinances is the delivery of cannabis products to township addresses.
Cultivator, manufacturer, wholesale and distributor operations will be permitted in any Light Industrial Zone, within the township. The ordinance also limits two cultivator licensed businesses in the McAfee Village Mixed Use Zone and in the R-2 zone for any farmland assessed property on the northbound side of County Route 517.
The changes followed a public hearing where no members of the public spoke.
Mayor Howard Burrell read part of the recommendations from the Land Use Board that stated changes are "consistent with the master plan" and also would have approved retail sales.
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However, the ordinance as printed on the agenda already prohibited the retail sales.
The council voted 3-1 in favor of the changes. Councilwoman Toni Cilli voted "no," and Councilwoman Kelly Weller was absent from the meeting.
Burrell said the Land Use Board's recommendation in favor of retail sales was made in a "calm detailed and respectful" manner and could come back before the council at a later date.
Voting in favor of the changes were Council President Harry Shortway, Council Vice President John Auberger and Councilman Andrew Pisker.
During the opening public comments session, Hugh Giordano, representing the United Food and Commercial Workers union urged the board to approve the zoning changes.
He also recommended the Council adopt the process used by Bayonne as the board goes about accepting and approving applications to open cannabis operations. He noted the process was "merit-based" and used verifiable answers to a list of questions - with points assigned - as an impartial way to give out the limited number of permits that could be offered.
The mercury in Vernon Township hit 48 degrees on Wednesday. That didn’t stop countless skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers from heading to Mountain Creek, New Jersey’s only full-fledged ski resort.Ronnie Smith ventured from Paramus to “shred up the mountain with my boys,” he said. “The conditions may not be perfect, but I’m a loyal customer.”Justin Russell and his son, Brayden, travele...
The mercury in Vernon Township hit 48 degrees on Wednesday. That didn’t stop countless skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers from heading to Mountain Creek, New Jersey’s only full-fledged ski resort.
Ronnie Smith ventured from Paramus to “shred up the mountain with my boys,” he said. “The conditions may not be perfect, but I’m a loyal customer.”
Justin Russell and his son, Brayden, traveled from New York for a father/son ski lesson. While the warm air was nice, the ski conditions, Russell acknowledged, “weren’t so great.”
All ski areas are subject to the vagaries of weather. Mountain Creek, in the Sussex County township of Vernon, is one of the southernmost ski mountains in the northeast. Thanks to its location, and New Jersey’s relatively mild climate, it is particularly susceptible to swings in temperature and precipitation.
As anyone who lives in New Jersey knows, this has been an unusually warm and wet winter. Since January 1, daytime temperatures have rarely dropped below freezing in Sussex County, and rose as high as 67 degrees on Saturday, January 11. That weekend, Mountain Creek sent an email to area schools that use the facility, advising them that conditions were not ideal and that they might want to reschedule any planned visits for the week.
Still, Mountain Creek is not sounding any alarms. The 2019–2020 season started in November—the area’s earliest start ever. So far this season, the mountain claims more than 100,000 guests. (Mountain Creek sees 60 percent skiers and 40 percent snowboarders. The separate tubing area gets 40,000 visits a year.)
Evan Kovach, Mountain Creek’s director of marketing and sales, is pleased to see the forecast of wintry weather ahead. “The weekend looks great,” he says, “with snow and cold temperatures.”
But apart from the forecast of snow, it’s snowmaking that keeps Mountain Creek’s downhill business looking up. Unlike some other ski areas, Mountain Creek is able to cover 100 percent of its trails (on four separate peaks) with man-made snow. Snowmaking requires equipment, expertise, cold weather and water—lots of water.
“We draw 200 million gallons of water per year from seven lakes at the top of the mountain,” says Kovach. “Melt drains into rivers at the base, creating a natural form of recycling.
“It is absolutely real snow—not something fake, which is a misconception—and sometimes it’s even better than snow that falls from the sky. We make light, fluffy snow while people are on the mountain, and other times make wet snow, depending on what the weather throws at them. It’s all a balance of temperature and humidity. The key is grooming, which we do at night using machines that cost more than most people’s houses.”
Snowmaking is an expensive proposition, but Kovach says it’s worth it. “Mountain Creek,” he declares, “is definitely profitable.”
That’s especially good news for the 1,300–1,400 people who work for Mountain Creek in the winter and summer—as well as for neighboring businesses.
“We help numerous businesses stay lively in the area, and are the largest employer in the county,” says Kovach. “Employees work year-round in different capacities. One of our biggest growing aspects is weddings. We now do over 100 per year.”
Kovach says getting skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing on people’s mind is often a matter of them simply seeing snow.
“An inch of snow in Central Park is more powerful than a foot here,” he declares.
Skiers have come to the resort that is now Mountain Creek since 1965, when Jack Kurlander and several partners opened Great Gorge Ski Resort. It merged with the neighboring Vernon Valley in 1974 and has changed hands multiple times since. Current owner Snow Operating took over in 2017.
New Jersey used to have a number of smaller ski areas, including Hidden Valley, a once thriving stepchild of Mountain Creek, which closed to the public in 2017.
Camp Arrowhead was a small ski area in Marlboro. When there was no snow, the mountain utilized mats made from a type of plastic.
Wendy Bonello of Oceanport has fond memories of learning to ski there in the 1980s.
“I think the mats were a great way to learn because you skied slower and weren’t as scared of flying down a mountain out of control,” she says.
Other defunct Jersey ski areas include Berthaiume’s High Point Ski Ways (Montague), Belle Mountain (Lambertville), Camp Midvale (Ringwood), Craigmeur (Newfoundland), Galloping Hill (Kenilworth), Jugtown Mountain (Bethlehem Township), Mount Bethel (Mansvield Township), Peapack Ski Area (Gladstone), Pine Needle Slope (Swartswood) and Snow Bowl (Milton).
In addition to Mountain Creek, there remain three other skiing options in the state, although none anywhere as extensive as Mountain Creek. Campgaw is a small, publicly owned slope in Mahwah; Winter 4 Kids operates a training program at the former Hidden Valley; and the indoor Big Snow American Dream is a key attraction at the new American Dream shopping and entertainment complex in East Rutherford.
