The Buckman family and Spring Mountain have been a cornerstone of the Philadelphia region’s skiing community for over five decades, writes Jason Nark for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In 1971, Leon Buckman, originally in the plumbing and pool business, opened Buckman’s Ski & Snowboard Shop in Perkiomenville to cater to his children’s newfound passion for skiing. Today, the family operates seven retail locations across Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Berks, and Lehigh Counties.
In addition to their retail ventures, the Buckmans own and operate Spring Mountain in Schwenksville, the closest ski area to Philadelphia. Rick Buckman, a former Montgomery County commissioner, oversees the mountain, emphasizing its role as a training facility.
The resort employs 180 instructors and offers approximately eight ski and snowboard runs, along with amenities like a bar, restaurant, and an outdoor ice hockey rink. Its proximity to Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Delaware makes it an accessible destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Despite challenges faced by ski resorts in the region, Spring Mountain has thrived, benefiting from consistent cold weather that extends its operating season. The Buckman family’s dedication to promoting skiing and snowboarding has solidified their reputation as pioneers in the local winter sports industry.
Read more about the Buckman family and Spring Mountain in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
