This is for the folks who check the snow report on Thursday and are out the door by Friday. In Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands and Pocono Mountains, you can hit the slopes after dark, squeeze in a snowy trail adventure and still leave plenty of time for a cozy dinner. Pick your mountain region, find a place to stay nearby and let the forecast call the shots. Less planning, more playing. That’s a winter weekend done right.
Winter Getaways in the Laurel Highlands
Things to Do in the Laurel Highlands in Winter
Ski after dark at Seven Springs: With 33 slopes and trails and seven terrain parks, Seven Springs Mountain Resort gives skiers and snowboarders plenty of terrain to work with. Night skiing extends the day beyond sunset, so arriving later doesn’t have to mean waiting until morning for your first run.
See Cucumber Falls in its winter surroundings: In Ohiopyle State Park, the 30-foot waterfall takes on a different appearance when ice builds around the cascade. Take in the view from a secure area rather than venturing onto frozen surfaces. For a longer outing, Ohiopyle has nearly 34 miles of trails recommended for cross-country skiing, giving you another way to spend the afternoon exploring the scenery.
Explore the forests on snowshoes or a snowmobile: Snowshoeing along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a great way to slow down and take in the winter woods, no downhill experience required. If you’re looking for something a little faster-paced, Forbes State Forest’s designated snowmobile routes offer another way to explore the region. Choose the adventure that fits your group and the snow conditions, and save the other for the return trip.
Where to Eat in the Laurel Highlands
Falls City Pub & Restaurant, Ohiopyle: Finish an Ohiopyle trail day at this year-round pub on Garrett Street. Its extensive beer selection makes it a useful stop for a group that wants to compare adventures over dinner. Build it into an Ohiopyle afternoon rather than making a separate drive from the ski resort.
Falls Market Restaurant, Ohiopyle: On Main Street, Falls Market Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed, counter-service setting. Stop for breakfast before heading into the park or return for a meal afterward. Plus, you can stock up at supplies and souvenirs while you’re there.
The Kitchen on Main, Ligonier: Choose this Ligonier staple when you want to work a small-town stroll into the weekend. Pair your meal with time around the Diamond, Ligonier’s central square, rather than heading straight back to your lodging. It gives a ski-focused trip a change of pace without giving over an entire day.
Where to Stay in the Laurel Highlands
Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion: At Seven Springs Mountain Resort, you can choose a hotel room for a straightforward mountain stay or spread out in a condo, cabin or chalet. If night skiing is on your list, staying right at the resort means you can squeeze in a few more runs and head straight back to your room when you’re ready to call it a night.
Nemacolin, Farmington: Nemacolin is a good pick when everyone wants to do something a little different. Spend the day skiing or tubing at Mystic Mountain or take a break from the cold with some downtime at Woodlands Spa. There’s plenty to do right at the resort, so you can mix and match activities without having to plan every outing around a drive.
Ohiopyle Vacation Rentals cabins, Ohiopyle: Booking a cabin gives you a cozy home base close to the park and surrounding trails. It’s a good fit if you like the idea of cooking dinner together, spreading out and keeping things low-key after a day outside. Plus, you can split your time between Ohiopyle’s winter scenery and nearby ski areas without committing to just one kind of getaway.
Winter Getaways in the Pocono Mountains
Things to Do in the Poconos in Winter
Ski Pennsylvania’s biggest vertical at Blue Mountain: Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton has a 1,082-foot vertical drop and 40 trails. Its lighted terrain keeps skiing and snowboarding going after dark, giving you more time on the slopes even if you arrive later in the day. With runs for different ability levels, everyone can find their own pace, from easygoing laps to steeper challenges.
Go snow tubing after dark: Not everyone needs skis to enjoy a good downhill rush. Blue Mountain’s tubing hill lets you fly down the snow with nothing to steer but your own excitement, and nighttime lighting makes those after-dark runs even more fun. Head over after a day on the slopes or make tubing the main event for a winter outing that’s all thrills, no lessons required.
Cross-country ski at Hickory Run State Park: Looking for a break from the slopes? Hickory Run State Park has 14 miles of cross-country ski trails where you can get out in the woods, enjoy the quiet and take things at your own pace. Just bring your own gear, then head to Lake Harmony afterward to warm up and grab a bite to eat.
Where to Eat in the Poconos
Slopeside Pub & Grill, Blue Mountain Resort: Keep après simple with a stop at one of Blue Mountain’s on-mountain restaurants after your last run. Grab a table, get something to eat and enjoy a little downtime before deciding if you’re ready to head back out for another run.
Nick’s Lake House, Lake Harmony: After a day exploring Hickory Run, head to Nick’s Lake House for a meal right on the water. If you’re staying nearby, keep it in mind for breakfast, too, or plan your visit around Thursday pizza night. It’s an easy way to add a little lakeside downtime to your winter getaway.
Piggy’s Restaurant, Lake Harmony: Make Piggy’s Restaurant your last stop before heading home from Lake Harmony. Known for its hearty breakfast favorites, from cinnamon-swirled French toast to farm-fresh omelets, it’s a good excuse to linger over one more meal before wrapping up your winter getaway. If you have a little extra time, browse the Pig Pen Gift Shop for a fun souvenir.
Where to Stay in the Poconos
Split Rock Resort, Lake Harmony: Make Split Rock your home base for exploring Hickory Run, Lake Harmony and the surrounding mountain towns. You’ll have plenty to do nearby, from winter walks in the park to dinner at a local restaurant, with Blue Mountain close enough to plan a separate day on the slopes.
Mountain Springs Lake Resort, Stroudsburg: Cozy up in a fireplace cabin after a day outside, or get a little more fresh air on Mountain Springs Lake Resort’s nature trails around the lake. When conditions allow, you can even cross-country ski right on the property, making it easy to fit in a little winter adventure without going far.
Camelback Resort, Tannersville: For a winter getaway with a little waterpark fun mixed in, book a stay at Camelback. Overnight guests get access to Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, so pack your swimsuits along with your winter layers. It’s a great option for groups who want to balance time outdoors with a few hours of swimming, slides and warm-weather vibes.
Watch the forecast, grab your gear and find more winter trips across Pennsylvania.