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 explore all five in one day.
1. Blue Mountain Ski Resort
Palmerton
Blue Mountain Resort is home to 40 ski trails, 5 terrain parks, 16 lifts, and up to 55 snow tubing lanes (the largest snow tubing park in the US!), and some of the most advanced snowmaking equipment found on the east coast. Take their carpet lift or six-person, high-speed lift, to venture up and conquer the state's highest vertical drop with 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 then elevate your snowtubing experience with some night rides featuring its newly expanded laser and music show. 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.
2. Camelback Resort
Tannersville
Featuring 39 trails all illuminated for night skiing, 16 lifts, and 42 snowtubing lanes, Camelback Resort is a mecca for winter fun. Climb aboard their six-person Black Bear 6 lift for a three-minute chair lift ride traveling 2,600 feet from the base of the mountain to the top at a speed of 1,000 feet per minute. The resort’s expansive beginner terrain and award-winning instructional programs will have the little ones schussing down the mountain in no time. Their snowtubing park is one of the largest in the country with 42 lightning-fast lanes, two Magic Carpets, and Galactic Snowtubing after dark. Camelback also offers a full-service adaptive skiing and snowboarding program with certified instructors, so no one has to miss out on a snowy good time! The resort’s on-mountain dining options include a few ski-in ski-out options, as well as unique restaurants, including Berrelli’s Italian Chophouse with its mix of Italian flavors and steakhouse classics with prime cuts, tasty pastas, and great wines.
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, two terrain parks, and a snowtubing park, making Shawnee Mountain a favorite for family and beginning outdoor adventurers. 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, 39 trails, and16 lifts included on a single lift ticket are what awaits you at Jack Frost Big Boulder! Offering a variety of inviting terrain for beginners to advanced skiers including three terrain parks, Jack Frost Big Boulder is a premier destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Come and test your skills on the beginner to black diamond hills or its terrain park that is consistently rated among the top five on the east coast. Skills a little rusty? No worries, improve or perfect your skills at one of their young or adult skier multi-week programs or have some fun on their snowtubing lanes. The two ski areas offer a variety of delicious dining options, including Big Boulder’s 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, X(Twitter), and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around our state.
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