Skytop was created to compete with Buck Hill Falls (
MN14) and in many ways was similar to it, even to its mountain version of a giant stone mansion. But unlike its inspiration, Skytop has remained vital to the present in large measure because it immediately adopted the winter sports with ski slopes, ski jump, and toboggan slide. If one Pocono resort should be seen, this is it. Notably, the source of the capital was Daniel White, former owner of Atlantic City's Traymore Hotel, who guaranteed the initial purchase. The architect, from New York City, had a modest ecclesiastical practice. Here, he took his cues from Buck Hill Falls, but had the foresight to engage Olmsted Brothers to lay out the site. Dotted with lakes, streams, golf courses, and now ski slopes, it reflects the transition of the region from a resource to be plundered to a lifestyle amenity.