January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month in Pennsylvania. With Martin Luther King Day weekend on January 20th, it’s the perfect time to hit the slopes and plan your snowy adventure!
Pennsylvania is home to over 20 popular ski resorts, many of which rival other East Coast destinations with their mix of amenities, terrain parks, and skiable acres. From the expansive slopes in the Pocono Mountains to smaller, family-friendly hills closer to Philadelphia, you’ll find resorts equipped with top-tier snowmaking capabilities and convenient ski-and-stay packages.
For residents of the Delaware Valley, these resorts are easily accessible, often requiring less than a three-hour drive. If you’re itching to escape the city, pack your gear and head to the mountains for a winter getaway!
Here’s a list of some of the best ski spots within a few hundred miles of the Greater Philadelphia area, typically just a few hours’ drive. Perfect for day trips or winter ski vacations when you want to run the steep slopes!
Spring Mountain Adventures
Spring Mountain Adventures in Schwenksville is a convenient and welcoming popular ski resort just under an hour from Philadelphia. With seven main trails, five lifts, a terrain park, and a 428 vertical feet drop, this resort is perfect for families, beginners, youth ski & snowboard training, and day trips.
You can experience skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and the thrill of a zipline canopy tour all in one location. Whether you’re teaching little ones to ski or testing out snowboarding for the first time, Spring Mountain offers lessons tailored to all ages and skill levels.
Their popular Ski Bees program is specially designed for kids as young as three, while adults can join group or private lessons to sharpen their skills. For added fun, the resort even features an ice skating rink.
After a day of outdoor adventure, you won’t have to travel far for great dining and accommodations. The Globe Inn, located a short drive away in East Greenville, provides comfortable, family-friendly rooms for lodging.
If you’re hungry, head to Bistro on Bridge near Phoenixville for hearty meals and a lively atmosphere. With affordable lift tickets, season passes, and equipment rentals, Spring Mountain Adventures is a convenient and budget-friendly choice for your next winter getaway.
Blue Mountain Resort
Just 1.5 hours from Philadelphia, Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton offers an unmatched skiing experience for all levels. Blue Mountain is home to one of the country’s largest snowmaking systems with top-of-the-line, fully automated technology for efficient snowmaking and better snow quality.
With 40 trails, 16 lifts, five terrain parks, and the state’s highest vertical drop of 1,082 feet, the resort offers plenty of options for every level, whether a newbie or expert. Blue Mountain boasts not one but five terrain parks – Dreamweaver, Central Park, Come Around Park, Lower Sidewinder, and Yeti Park.
Beginners can enjoy 14 easy trails, while experts can test their skills on Razor’s Edge and the advanced features in Central Park and Dreamweaver terrain parks. If you’re not into skiing, try the snow tubing park, which has 46 lanes, and the lively Sonic Tubing experience with live music and disco lights for night time fun.
After a thrilling day on the slopes, refuel at the Slopeside Pub & Grill, offering hearty meals, refreshing drinks, and stunning mountain views. You can also venture further afield to sample delicious eateries in nearby Lehighton like Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill and The Gorge Eatery.
While Blue Mountain doesn’t have slopeside lodging, nearby accommodations like the Inn at Jim Thorpe or cozy Airbnb rentals in Palmerton provide the perfect spot to unwind after a day in the snow. Extend your adventure by exploring the Pocono Beverage Trail, where you can toast your mountain triumphs at Radical Wine Company or Wine & More on 1st.
Camelback Mountain Resort
Located just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Philadelphia, Camelback Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the Pocono Mountains. Camelback was once voted “One of the Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. and Canada” for 2023-24 by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers” Choice Awards!
Three terrain parks, sixteen lifts, two high-speed quads, a snowboard half-pipe, 39 trails for all skill levels, and one of the country’s largest snow tubing parks with forty-two lanes that glow at night with their Galactic tubing experience are all features of Camelback Mountain Resort, which spans 166 skiable acres.
Camelback is best known for its ski school. The Learning Center at Mountain Village offers private and group lessons to get beginners comfortable navigating the mountain. Camelback is also part of the IKON Pass program, making it a great option for pass holders.
The mountain offers a large beginner area, with four magic carpets and very easy paths to the peak. There are also three terrain parks designed for different ability levels. What sets Camelback apart from these other resorts is its high-speed quads, which help keep all those people moving.
Unlike many other Pennsylvania resorts, Camelback offers lodging near the base of the slope, allowing for car-free weekends. Thanks to its big lodge with over 450 rooms and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Camelback Mountain Resort is a popular destination for families.
When you visit Camelback Mountain Resort, staying at Camelback Lodge is a convenient and comfortable choice. The lodge offers discounted pricing for lift and tubing tickets, making it a great value for your winter getaway. On-site dining options include Berrelli’s Italian Chophouse, serving hearty Italian classics, and Hemispheres, known for its family-friendly buffet. You can also grab casual bites like pizza at Graffiti Pizza or enjoy drinks and light fare at Trails End Pub & Grille.
You’ll find even more dining choices if you venture into nearby Tannersville. Stop by Friendly’s for classic sundaes or try flavorful Indian cuisine at Tandoor Palace. For fresh sushi and Hibachi-style meals, desaki is a must-visit.
You can unwind at Barley Creek Brewing Company, located at the mountain’s base, where you can enjoy handcrafted beers, spirits, and a full menu featuring burgers, mac and cheese, and more. For an additional stop on the Pocono Beverage Trail, visit The Taproom by Barley Creek at the Pocono Premium Outlets for more drinks and bites.
Jack Frost–Big Boulder
Just 1.5 to 2 hours from Philadelphia, Jack Frost–Big Boulder in Blakeslee offers an unmatched winter experience with two mountains accessible on one lift ticket. Big Boulder became Pennsylvania’s first commercial ski resort in 1947. They opened Jack Frost in 1972 as a companion to Big Boulder for twice the fun.
Jack Frost Mountain features 20 trails, nine lifts, a 600-foot vertical drop, and one terrain park perfect for beginners, families and day trips.
Big Boulder, known for its advanced freestyle terrain, boasts 18 trails, seven lifts, a 475-foot vertical drop and two terrain parks packed with rails, jumps, and jibs for snowboarders and expert skiers who love a challenge. Together, these twin resorts offer 35 trails, making it a fantastic destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Start your day at Jack Frost, where the slopes open at 9am, then head to Big Boulder for well-lit night skiing, open until 8pm The Bubly Tube Park at Big Boulder provides family-friendly tubing fun with conveyor lifts for easy uphill access. Jack Frost-Big Boulder delivers if you want to improve your skills or enjoy snowmaking perfection across both mountains.
Stay at Split Rock Resort for an overnight trip. Conveniently located between the two mountains, the resort features cozy accommodations and the Lake View Tavern, perfect for a post-ski meal with scenic views.
Numerous restaurants and pubs can be found at both resorts. For more dining options, check out Nick’s Lake House or Boulder View Tavern, both offering hearty meals just minutes away. You can also look into vacation rentals at Snow Ridge Village for the convenience of skiing on and skiing off, thanks to connecting trails.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Just two hours from Philadelphia, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in East Stroudsburg is the perfect destination for beginner-friendly slopes and snow tubing. With 23 trails, 10 lifts, two terrain parks and a 700-foot vertical drop spread across 125 skiable acres, this resort is ideal for winter sport enthusiasts.
The two terrain parks, Country Club Park for beginners and Delaware Park with jumps, tabletops, and rails for expert skiers, are ideal for snowboarders and freestylers. For a different kind of winter fun, the snow tubing park offers hours of thrills, with two surface lifts making the uphill return effortless.
Shawnee Mountain is one of the state’s highest skiable mountain ski resorts. It offers innovative lesson programs that cater to the entire family, ensuring everyone has fun on the slopes.
Shawnee’s innovative lesson programs, like “Skiwee” and “Mountain Cruisers” for kids and the new Mini Snowboard Camp for ages 7-16, offer a four-session snowboard camp, ensuring everyone can learn at their own pace. Shawnee Mountain is also part of the INDY Pass program.
If you have children who aren’t interested in skiing or tubing, Mini Monster Mountain features a children’s play area with snowball walls, a mouse climber, puzzle blocks, and a snow glider to encourage snow play. Night skiing is also available, extending the fun into the evening.
You can enjoy food and beverages in Gromers Grill & Bar, the Summit Bar & Grill, Hope Lodge Cafeteria, the Greenhouse Cafe, the Trepp Lodge Cafeteria, and The Tavern.
When it’s time for a break and relax, The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, located on the Delaware River less than ten minutes from Shawnee Mountain, features delicious restaurants such as The Gem, Keystone Tavern, and The River Room, as well as ShawneeCraft Brewing Company, which has 16 handmade beers and hard seltzers on tap.
Try Ecuadorian dishes at Bluefoot Cuisine or homestyle Mexican and Spanish food at Los Tres Amigos in East Stroudsburg.
Roundtop Mountain Resort
Located in Lewisberry, approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from Philadelphia, Roundtop Mountain Resort offers a well-rounded winter experience with 21 trails, nine lifts, two terrain parks, and a 600-foot vertical drop.
The resort is known for its award-winning instructional programs, making it a great choice for both first-time skiers and those looking to sharpen their skills.
Spanning 103 skiable acres, the resort is perfect for families and groups. It offers a mix of beginner-friendly, intermediate, and advanced terrain. Night skiing is available throughout the season, and the tubing park adds another layer of fun with its family-friendly atmosphere.
Roundtop’s nine lifts, including five chair lifts and three surface lifts, help reduce wait times, even on busy weekends. Roundtop Mountain is part of the EPIC Pass program.
After your day on the slopes, take a 45-minute drive to Hershey, a town famous for its chocolate and family-friendly attractions. Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World to create your own candy bar or explore the interactive exhibits. If you’re traveling with kids, consider pairing your ski trip with a visit to Hersheypark, which offers seasonal events and fun rides.
When it’s time to refuel, the resort’s Fireside Pub and Grill provides hearty meals in a warm atmosphere, while the weekend-only Smokehouse serves delicious smoked meats and comfort food. For accommodations, stay at the luxurious Hotel Hershey, where you’ll enjoy elegant rooms, spa services, and proximity to Hershey’s many attractions.
Whitetail Resort
Located 3 hours and 10 minutes from Philadelphia, Whitetail Resort in Mercersburg is a top-notch winter destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Opened in 1991, it features 22 trails across 120 skiable acres, a 935-foot vertical drop, and nine lifts capable of transporting 15,000 skiers uphill per hour.
Whitetail Resort also caters to snowboarders and freestylers, with two terrain parks featuring an impressive selection of rails, creative features and jumps. For non-skiers, Whitetail has a large tubing park with its dedicated Magic Carpet lift. Whitetail’s 100% snowmaking coverage guarantees great conditions throughout the season.
Enjoy one of Whitetail’s four dining options when it’s time to take a break. Stop by the Marketplace Cafeteria for a quick meal, or indulge at the Solstice Restaurant, which offers hearty dishes with mountain views. If you’re staying overnight, consider the nearby Mercersburg Inn, a charming bed-and-breakfast known for its gourmet dining and cozy accommodations.
As part of the EPIC Pass program, Whitetail is a fantastic choice for passholders. Whether you’re seeking family fun, a group outing, or a solo adventure, Whitetail Resort delivers an exceptional mix of well-groomed slopes, freestyle parks, and modern amenities for an unforgettable winter getaway.
Leaving You With This
Enjoy your time exploring Pennsylvania’s ski resorts! You will surely create unforgettable winter memories with a mix of beginner-friendly slopes, thrilling terrain parks, and cozy lodges.
Stay safe on the road, dress warmly, and don’t forget to check conditions before you go.
Have fun, and may the slopes treat you well!
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Looking for even more Pennsylvania winter getaway inspiration? Head over to Visit PA to uncover a treasure trove of ideas for your next Keystone State adventure. From cozy retreats to thrilling outdoor activities, Pennsylvania has a winter escape waiting just for you!
