For those who love the winter and want to go skiing, Pennsylvania is a fantastic place. Pennsylvania offers a variety of skiing and snowboarding choices for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels thanks to the state’s several ski resorts, which are dispersed all throughout the state. Pennsylvania (PA) has ski resorts for both experienced and novice skiers. We’ll examine some of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania (PA) that provide an excellent skiing experience in more detail in this blog post.
#1. Elk Mountain Ski Resort
This is one of the best ski resorts to visit in PA. The major cities are around 40 minutes away from Elk Mountain Ski Resort, which is situated outside of the Poconos in the Endless Mountain region. It includes 27 named trails, a 1,000-foot vertical drop, and seven lifts, and is spread out over 180 acres. There are two terrain parks in the resort: Little Foot for novices and Stompin’ Grounds for more experienced riders. A tubing park is not present at Elk Mountain.
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#2. Blue Mountain, Palmerton
At Blue Mountain, a traditional Pennsylvania ski resort located in Carbon County, there are many fun things to do. It is the highest point in the entire state due to its elevation of 1,407 feet and 1,087-foot vertical drop. Winter sports enthusiasts of all skill levels can find something to suit their needs, and the stats are highly astounding for Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile, 16 lifts provide access to 40 routes. Additionally, there are five terrain parks and a fantastic 39-lane snow tubing facility. In other words, there are a plethora of outdoor winter activities available. December through March would be the best months to visit if you want snow, with February providing the finest skiing weather.
#3. Camelback Mountain Resort
In the Poconos, there is a full-service ski resort called Camelback Mountain Resort. It offers lodging at the foot of the mountain, a sizable lodge with more than 450 rooms, and the Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark. 39 numbered runs wind their way down an 800-foot vertical plunge outside on the hill.
The snow cover is normally good, and Camelback has 100% snowmaking coverage for any missing natural snow. Weekends at the resort might be busy, but thanks to some of the state’s most advanced lift systems, wait times are tolerable.
#4. Seven Springs Ski Resort
The biggest ski area in the state, Seven Springs, has the best facilities and lodging choices. Along with 33 slopes and trails, seven terrain parks, and a luxurious hotel, it also offers a number of mountain cabins and cottages. Additionally, it provides outdoor winter hiking and night skiing. Since the resort is available all year round, visitors can organize a getaway that works for them.
#5. Blue Knob All Seasons Resort
Pennsylvania’s highest skiable mountain, Blue Knob, is in the state’s geographic center. It is served by five lifts, has 34 named runs, and has a 1,072-foot vertical drop. Additionally, it contains a terrain park with fascinating features like rails and bumps. Skiers that are competitive adore Blue Knob for its difficult routes and NASCAR racing venue.
Additionally, it contains a tiny basin called Stembogan, which is effective at catching snow. Although there are snow tubing chutes, they are only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It is truly one of the must-visit ski resorts in PA.
#6. Laurel Mountain Ski Resort
Laurel Mountain Ski Resort is a favorite among skiers in Pennsylvania. It was first opened in 1940 and has a slope design by renowned Austrian skier Johann “Hans” Schneider. The famed Lower Wildcat, which is nestled among the natural splendor of Laurel Mountain State Park, is the state’s steepest slope and one of its tallest drops (761 feet), making it the ideal winter destination.
Moreover, there are two lifts, a network of slopes for every ability level, and 20 trails spread across 70 acres here. This upscale ski resort offers magnificent winter recreation for the whole family and even has some pre-war chalets (Midway Cabin).
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#7. Montage Mountain
Less than eight miles from Scranton’s central business district is the well-known ski resort of Montage Mountain. It contains a terrain park, a tubing area, and 27 named routes, all of which are illuminated at night. Meanwhile, in the Northface region, runs range from gentle green and blue slopes for families to challenging steep and deep chutes.
For those eager to try skiing, White Lightning, the second-steepest run in the East, offers one of the finest discounts in the region. There are lots of places to stay in the city, along with lots of eateries and supermarkets.
#8. Hidden Valley Resort
Hidden Valley Resort is a laid-back winter getaway that blends affordability with a family-first focus. It is located in Somerset County in the heart of the Laurel Highlands on Pennsylvania’s southern border. Your skiing journey will have the ideal beginning there. The slopes are easy, there is a snowsports school, and the weather is perfect for new skiers.
Additionally, snow tubing runs, inexpensive and cheerful dining at mountain cafés, and a variety of events are all favorites among families. However, it is not just for beginners. Even the most seasoned winter sports enthusiasts will find something to do on the 110 acres of skiable terrain and 26 routes in this area.
#9. Whitetail Resort
Whitetail Resort is also one of the top amazing ski resorts in PA. In the very south of the state, close to the Maryland state boundary, is the ski resort known as Whitetail Resort. It boasts nine contemporary lifts that can transport 15,000 skiers uphill every hour, 23 named slopes, and a 900-foot vertical drop. The base area amenities and modern lifts have been added to the resort, which is a member of the Vail family of ski resorts.
Furthermore, to prevent crowding on the hill in 2022–2023, Whitetail will cap the amount of day lift tickets that are sold. The resort has two terrain parks with an amazing collection of rails and jumps for freestylers and snowboarders. Whitetail also boasts a sizable tubing park with its own specialized Magic Carpet lift for non-skiers.
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#10. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Between New York City and Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, there are only 77 miles. Just a 2-hour drive away, the thrilling world of winter sports is waiting for you. Experience the breathtaking views of the Pocono Mountains at this resort. There is something for everyone in terms of the skiing opportunity. The resort’s primary focus is on family-friendliness and it has 23 slopes, two terrain parks, and a snow tubing facility. You can be sure of the best conditions when you visit because the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is completely covered by snowmaking.
#11. Liberty Mountain
The 400-acre Liberty Mountain Resort is a member of the Vail Resorts family. It is among the best ski areas in Pennsylvania, with a 620-foot vertical drop. The 16 routes are geared more toward intermediate skiers, with 75% of the terrain having an intermediate or novice rating. There are also three terrain parks and a tubing area available. With a 1,824-ton snowmaking capacity, the ski resort features one of the most sophisticated snowmaking systems on the East Coast.
If needed, there are multi-mountain passes available. To prevent crowding on the slopes in 2022–2023, Liberty Mountain will cap the number of days lift tickets are sold. However, capacity restrictions do not apply to EPIC season pass holders or EPIC day pass holders. The number of day tickets offered each day will be listed and updated on the resort’s website.
#12. Bear Creek Mountain Resort
Bear Creek offers a leisurely experience that is all-inclusive. Spending a weekend or a week here is beneficial since you can take advantage of the luxurious slopeside hotel options, the upscale après-ski, and the soothing spa. The food is excellent, and you can sample the local delicacies while taking in the scenery of the mountains. You shouldn’t be concerned; this area’s slopes are exceedingly steep.
There are 86 acres and 21 pathways, all with a breathtaking view of the Lehigh Valley in the distance. You will have plenty of space to practice the maneuvers in three terrain parks. The best winter destination is Bear Creek Mountain, which is only a little more than an hour’s drive from Philadelphia. It is undoubtedly one of the best ski resorts in PA.
#13. Roundtop Mountain Resort
Since 1964, Pennsylvanians and residents of the neighboring states have made Roundtop a favorite ski resort. 20 named runs, nine lifts, and 11,000 skiers per hour are all available. The resort, which is owned by Vail Resorts, will only sell a certain number of day lift tickets in order to prevent crowding. Customers of the ski school are also immune from capacity restrictions, as are EPIC season pass and day pass users. The number of day tickets offered each day will be listed and updated on the resort’s website.
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#14. Spring Mountain Adventures
The small ski resort with eight courses and two terrain parks, Spring Mountain Adventures, is an hour’s drive from Philadelphia. For families wishing to begin their winter sports journey in a quiet, packed environment, it is the best option. Spring Mountain Adventures provides a range of economical learning alternatives for snowboarding and skiing. It’s a small-scale winter resort where the family can enjoy quality time together while enjoying the great outdoors and an approachable educational method.
#15. Mount Pleasant, Edinboro
Mount Pleasant of Edinboro, located in Erie County in northwest Pennsylvania’s snow belt, offers family-friendly winter activities for all ages, such as a 600-foot snow tubing hill with eight lanes and 40 acres of skiable land with 10 trail routes. The vast majority of the trails are illuminated at night for secure night skiing and snowboarding. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are two new leisure activities that Mount Pleasant is now offering, and each trail access permit includes a chairlift trip to and from the slopes.
#16. Jack Frost, Big Boulder
Only one hour from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City, Jack Frost, and Big Boulder are tucked away in the Pocono Mountains. Snowmaking was successfully employed for the first time in a commercial application at Big Boulder, constructed on the site of Pennsylvania’s first ski resort. Frosty Jack Big Boulder is a premier location for skiers and snowboarders to test their freestyle abilities and has an out-of-the-west feel. The park is among the Top Five Terrain Parks on the East Coast of Canada and the United States, according to TransWorld Snowboarding.
#17. The Peak at Nemacolin
With 25 acres of short lines, welcoming paths, and knowledgeable instructors, The Peak at Nemacolin is western Pennsylvania’s ideal learning environment for novice skiers. Six slopes with varying degrees of difficulty are available for downhill skiing and snowboarding, from beginner to expert.
Meanwhile, snow activities at night are a lot of fun at Mystic Mountain, which boasts a 300-foot vertical drop, three lifts, and is completely illuminated. Additionally, visitors can take part in two brand-new mountainside adventures and ski or cycle their way to the bottom of the slopes using either Skiskate or Sno-Go, two cutting-edge ski bikes.
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#18. Tussey Mountain
Tussey Mountain, sometimes known as “a small mountain with a large heart,” is also one of the best ski resorts in PA. It has 38 acres of skiable land, eight trails, and five ski and snowboard lifts. Boxes, rails, pipes, and various jumps can be found in Tussey’s terrain park, which is close to University Park at Penn State. After a run, those 21 and older are welcome to have a drink at the Mountainside Bar and warm up by the fire pit and heat lights.
#19. Ski Sawmill Family Resort
With 12 slopes and a vertical drop of 515 feet, Ski Sawmill Family Resort is suitable for novice, intermediate, and expert skiers and boarders. Families can stay the weekend at Ski Sawmill in one of the resort’s four hotel choices, which range from a farmhouse to the Mountain Inn. It’s a great place to learn to ski. Featuring three lines, one lift, and a strong snowmaking system to assure a smooth ride, the Sawmill’s Tube Slide has three runs.
What Is the Largest Ski Area in Pennsylvania?
Seven Springs Ski Resort
The largest ski resort in Pennsylvania is Seven Springs Ski Resort.
What Month is Best to Ski in PA?
The ski and hiking seasons’ peak months are January through February and June through August. In the Poconos, January and February get the most snowfall. As a result, this is the time of year when visitors from throughout the nation come to the mountain resorts in the area to ski, snowboard, and snow tube.
What Month Does it Snow in Pennsylvania?
Over the course of the snowy season, which typically lasts from October to May, Pennsylvania receives between 18 and 150 inches of snow on average.