Forget the small, manmade hill in your backyard and bundle up the kids for a mountainously good time! Whether it’s gear rentals or options to avoid large crowds, the Pocono Mountains offer the ultimate snow day adventure — from the most cautious skier to the adrenaline-seeking family. Hit the slopes at one of the region’s resorts or adventure all five in one day.
1. Blue Mountain Ski Resort
Palmerton
Blue Mountain Resort is home to 40 ski trails, five terrain parks, 16 lifts, and up to 46 snow tubing lanes (the largest snowtubing park in the US). Take one of three lifts, including the carpet lift, to venture up and conquer the state's highest vertical drop, 1,082 thrilling feet of downhill. For more adrenaline-packed action, ride their top to bottom terrain park trail with its mix of 22 jumps and rails, serviced by the six-person Challenge Express lift and four-person Comet Quad lift. Take a break from the snowy fun and sit down with your fellow ski bunnies at the Slopeside Pub & Grill for an unmatched dining experience, with endless views of the Pocono Mountains paired with seasonal salads, handcrafted sandwiches, and Chef specialty entrees.
2. Camelback Resort
Tannersville
Featuring 39 trails with all trails illuminated for night skiing, 100% snowmaking, and 16 lifts, Camelback Resort is a mecca of winter fun. Be sure to check out their new six-person, Black Bear 6 lift, which at over 2,600 feet from the base to the top of the mountain and a speed of 1,000 feet per minute for a 3 minute chair lift ride, this is a ride you won’t want to miss, especially on inclement weather days with its bubble canopy installed! The resort’s expansive beginner terrain and award-winning instructional programs will have the little ones schussing down the mountain in no time. Camelback is also home to one of the biggest snow tubing parks in the US with 42 lightning-fast lanes, two magic carpets, and Galactic Snowtubing after dark. The resort has three ski-in ski-out dining options, just one of the resort’s many unique, on-mountain dining options, such as the Big Pocono Family Eatery offering various grab-and-go meals from rice and salad bowls to burgers and fried chicken.
3. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
East Stroudsburg
A family-friendly ski area, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area offers excellent children's programs, complete beginners' packages, and some great terrain for the advanced skier and rider. Services and hospitality are top priorities with 125 acres for skiing, 23 trails, and two terrain parks, making Shawnee Mountain a favorite for family and beginning skiers. No need to pack a lunch because there are several on-mountain dining options, each of which offers gluten free and vegetarian menu options, including the Greenhouse Café at Hope Lodge with its selection of premier coffees, craft teas & sodas, smoothies, and variety of pastries, hot pretzels and other grab and go items.
4. Jack Frost Big Boulder
Blakeslee
Two mountains, 35 trails, a variety of inviting terrain, and 22 lifts is what awaits you at Jack Frost Big Boulder, and the best yet is that it’s all included on a single lift ticket! Not only that, this year the Jack Frost resort turns 50 and Big Boulder turns 75! To celebrate, they are adding five new lifts and four new trails to make your experience even more legendary! A premier destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, come and test your skills on the beginner to black diamond hills or terrain park that is consistently rated among the top five on the East Coast of Canada and the United States. Skills a little rusty? No worries, improve or perfect your skills at one of their young or adult skier multi-week programs. The two ski areas offer a variety of delicious dining options, including Big Boulder’s new Incline Lodge, billed as “a swanky chill spot to relax après.”
5. Ski Big Bear
Lackawaxen
Specializing in private beginner lessons, Ski Big Bear is open for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing with 100% snowmaking. Their 18 trails, seven lifts including three Magic Carpet lifts, and terrain park provide great family winter recreation for all skill levels. You can even sign the family up for a group ski or snowboard lesson. The mountain’s gentler slopes are perfect for first-timers!
To find out more about our 21 ski resorts across PA, visit our skiing experience webpage or check out the Pennsylvania Ski Area Association website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around our state.
You might also like: Top Five Ski Resorts to go Snow Tubing in Pennsylvania