Skiing in the Pocono Mountains offers an exceptional winter sports experience just a short drive from major cities like New York and Philadelphia. Known for its diverse terrain, family-friendly resorts, and excellent snowmaking capabilities, the Poconos have become a premier destination for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner eager to take your first lessons or an expert looking to challenge yourself on steep runs and terrain parks, the Poconos provide a variety of options to suit your needs. This article explores the best ski resorts in the Pocono Mountains, highlighting their unique features, terrain, amenities, and nearby dining options to help you plan your perfect winter getaway.
Blue Mountain Resort: Pennsylvania’s Highest Vertical Drop
Blue Mountain Resort, located in Palmerton, PA, boasts the highest vertical drop in Pennsylvania at 1,082 feet, making it a top choice for thrill-seekers and families alike. With 39 trails ranging from beginner to expert levels and 16 lifts including a high-speed six-person chairlift, Blue Mountain offers a comprehensive skiing experience. The resort is renowned for its state-of-the-art snowmaking system, which covers 100% of its terrain, ensuring excellent snow quality throughout the season.
Beginners can enjoy 14 dedicated beginner trails and group lessons, while snowboarders can explore five terrain parks designed for all skill levels. Blue Mountain also features the largest snow tubing park in the country with 46 lanes, including night tubing with music and disco lighting for a unique après-ski activity. After a day on the slopes, visitors can relax at the Slopeside Pub & Grill or explore nearby eateries in Lehighton, such as Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill, or enjoy local craft beverages along the Pocono Beverage Trail.
Camelback Mountain: The Largest Ski Resort in the Poconos
Camelback Mountain in Tannersville is the largest ski resort in the Poconos, offering 39 trails over 166 acres with an 800-foot vertical drop. The resort is well-known for its excellent grooming and snowmaking, which ensures smooth skiing conditions. Camelback’s high-speed “Black Bear 6” six-person lift significantly reduces wait times, allowing more time on the slopes.
The resort caters to all skill levels with a dedicated Learning Center offering private and group lessons. For non-skiers or those looking for a different kind of fun, Camelback boasts the second-largest snow tubing park in the U.S. with 42 lanes, including glow-in-the-dark tubing experiences. The adjacent Camelback Lodge provides convenient access to the slopes and features the Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, perfect for family entertainment after skiing.
Dining options at Camelback include Berrelli’s Italian Chophouse and Hemispheres at the lodge, with additional restaurants in nearby Tannersville offering diverse cuisines. The base area also hosts Barley Creek Brewing Company, a great spot for craft beers and hearty meals.
Jack Frost Mountain and Big Boulder Ski Area: Two Resorts, One Lift Ticket
Jack Frost Mountain and Big Boulder Ski Area, located near White Haven, PA, offer a combined skiing experience with one lift ticket granting access to both mountains. Jack Frost features 20 trails with a 600-foot vertical drop serviced by 12 chairlifts, providing a balanced mix of terrain suitable for all levels. Big Boulder, on the other hand, is a haven for snowboarders and freestyle skiers, dedicating over half its terrain to terrain parks with jumps, rails, and halfpipes.
Both resorts offer night skiing, and Big Boulder is known for its extended hours until 8 p.m., perfect for those who want to maximize their time on the snow. Ski schools at Jack Frost provide lessons for beginners and advanced skiers alike. The Epic Mix app enhances the visitor experience by offering interactive trail maps and real-time updates.
For après-ski, the nearby towns offer cozy dining options, and the resorts themselves have snow tubing parks for family-friendly fun.
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain: Family-Friendly and Convenient
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain, located in the Upper Delaware River Region near the New York-Pennsylvania border, is the northernmost ski area in the Poconos. This resort is ideal for families and beginners, with private and group lessons available to help newcomers gain confidence on the slopes. The base lodge is conveniently situated at the mountain peak, allowing quick access to runs right from the parking area.
Ski Big Bear is part of the Indy Pass, which offers discounted lift tickets at multiple resorts, making it a budget-friendly option. After skiing, visitors can explore nearby towns like Hawley and Honesdale for dining and relaxation, with options such as The Inn at Woodloch and local wineries along the Pocono Beverage Trail.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area: A Great Choice for First-Timers
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in East Stroudsburg is a family-friendly resort perfect for first-time skiers and snowboarders. It features 23 trails over 125 acres, including two freestyle terrain parks and a snow tubing park. Shawnee offers night skiing when conditions permit and has a well-stocked ski shop for equipment and apparel.
The resort’s ski school is highly regarded, making it an excellent place to learn or improve your skills. Shawnee’s manageable size and welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite for families and beginners looking for a relaxed skiing experience.
Summary Table of Poconos Ski Resorts
| Resort Name | Vertical Drop | Trails | Terrain Parks | Snow Tubing | Night Skiing | Special Features |
| Blue Mountain | 1,082 ft | 39 | 5 | Largest in US (46 lanes) | Yes | Highest vertical in PA, large tubing park, Ikon Pass |
| Camelback Mountain | 800 ft | 39 | 2 | 2nd largest in US (42 lanes) | Yes | Aquatopia Waterpark, high-speed lifts, Ikon Pass |
| Jack Frost Mountain | 600 ft | 20 | Few | Yes | Yes | Combined ticket with Big Boulder, Epic Pass |
| Big Boulder Ski Area | N/A | N/A | Extensive | Yes | Yes | Terrain park focus, night skiing |
| Ski Big Bear | N/A | N/A | Limited | No | Limited | Family-friendly, Indy Pass |
| Shawnee Mountain | N/A | 23 | 2 | Yes | Yes | Great for beginners and families |
Conclusion
The Pocono Mountains offer a diverse and accessible skiing experience for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Blue Mountain and Camelback stand out for their extensive terrain, vertical drops, and family-friendly amenities, including some of the largest snow tubing parks in the country. Jack Frost and Big Boulder provide a unique dual-mountain experience with a focus on freestyle terrain and night skiing. For families and beginners, Ski Big Bear and Shawnee Mountain offer welcoming environments and excellent ski schools.
With convenient locations just a couple of hours from major metropolitan areas, the Poconos are an ideal destination for day trips or weekend ski vacations. Combined with vibrant après-ski dining and entertainment options, the Pocono Mountains ensure a memorable winter sports adventure for everyone.