The Pocono Mountains, often affectionately referred to as “The Poconos,” are a beloved winter sports destination in northeastern Pennsylvania. Known for their rolling hills, scenic beauty, and family-friendly resorts, the Poconos offer one of the most accessible and enjoyable ski experiences on the East Coast. One of the most common questions asked by ski enthusiasts, both new and experienced, is: When does skiing start in the Poconos?
While ski season can vary slightly each year due to weather patterns and snowfall, there are general trends and timelines you can expect. This guide will cover everything from average season start dates to factors affecting opening times, the best resorts to visit early in the season, and tips for making the most of your early-season skiing in the Poconos.
Typical Ski Season Timeline in the Poconos
Opening Months: November to December
In most years, the ski season in the Poconos begins between mid-November and mid-December. The exact start date depends heavily on early-season weather conditions, particularly temperature and snowfall. Thanks to advancements in snowmaking technology, many resorts are now able to open even when natural snowfall is limited, provided that the temperatures drop low enough for artificial snow production.
Early Snowfalls (Late October to Early November): Occasionally, the Poconos see an early snowstorm in late October or early November.
While this is not common, it can help kick-start snowmaking efforts and build excitement.
Consistent Opening Windows: Most major resorts aim to open by Thanksgiving weekend or the first two weeks of December. These dates allow them to capture the early holiday crowd and prepare for the peak winter season.
Full Operation by Late December
Even if not all slopes are operational in early December, by Christmas week, nearly all major ski resorts in the Poconos aim to have the majority of their trails open. This period marks the true start of the full ski season, coinciding with the busiest travel period of the winter.
Key Ski Resorts and Their Usual Opening Dates
Camelback Mountain Resort
- Location: Tannersville, PA
- Average Opening: Late November to early December
Camelback is one of the most popular ski destinations in the Poconos and often among the first to open. With extensive snowmaking equipment and a reputation for family-friendly facilities, Camelback’s early season operations are generally reliable.
Blue Mountain Resort
- Location: Palmerton, PA
- Average Opening: Early December
Blue Mountain boasts the highest vertical in Pennsylvania and typically opens by the first week of December. Their high-capacity snowmaking system allows them to prep several trails quickly as soon as temperatures permit.
Jack Frost and Big Boulder
- Location: Blakeslee, PA
- Average Opening: Big Boulder: late November; Jack Frost: early to mid-December
These sister resorts follow a staggered opening schedule. Big Boulder tends to open first with park-focused terrain, while Jack Frost opens a bit later with a more traditional trail setup.
Shawnee Mountain
- Location: East Stroudsburg, PA
- Average Opening: Early to mid-December
Shawnee Mountain is known for being beginner-friendly and for hosting several early-season events. The resort usually begins operations in the first half of December.
Factors That Influence Ski Season Start Dates
1. Weather Patterns and Temperature
The single most critical factor is temperature. Resorts can make snow once temperatures fall to 28°F (-2°C) or lower, but optimal conditions are closer to 20°F (-6°C) with low humidity.
Warmer Falls: In years where the fall season lingers longer with mild temperatures, openings can be delayed until mid or even late December.
Early Cold Snaps: A sudden drop in temperature in November allows resorts to fire up their snow guns and establish a good base.
2. Natural Snowfall
Although snowmaking accounts for a large portion of early-season coverage, natural snowfall is still a welcome bonus.
Heavy early snowfalls can accelerate openings and improve early skiing conditions.
3. Resort Investment and Infrastructure
Some resorts are simply better equipped to open early. Modern snowmaking systems, larger grooming fleets, and experienced mountain operations teams can make a huge difference.
For example, Blue Mountain and Camelback have invested heavily in snowmaking capacity, which gives them an edge in opening earlier, even in marginal conditions.
Early-Season Skiing: What to Expect
Limited Trail Access
Early in the season, you should expect limited terrain to be available—especially in late November and early December. Resorts typically open core trails first, which are easier to maintain and groom. These usually include beginner and intermediate runs and high-traffic zones like base-to-lift connections.
Variable Snow Quality
Early-season snow often varies in quality. It’s not uncommon to find a mix of groomed snow, manmade powder, and firmer patches depending on the time of day and the weather. Skiers should tune their equipment accordingly and adjust expectations.
Reduced Crowds and Lower Prices
One of the perks of early-season skiing in the Poconos is fewer crowds and discounted lift tickets. Many resorts offer preseason specials or value pricing before the Christmas holiday period. It’s an excellent time for beginners or those looking to ease into the season.
Tips for Early-Season Skiing in the Poconos
1. Check Resort Websites and Snow Reports
Always check the official resort website or use ski tracking apps like OnTheSnow or SkiTracker to verify trail openings, lift operations, and snow conditions before you go.
2. Prepare for Variable Conditions
Layering is essential in early season due to temperature swings. You might experience sunny 40°F afternoons and icy mornings, so bring moisture-wicking base layers, a mid-layer, and a windproof shell.
3. Book Lodging Early
Even though early season is less crowded, Thanksgiving and early December weekends can still be busy at popular resorts.
Booking early ensures you get the best lodging close to the slopes.
4. Consider Midweek Trips
If your schedule allows, skiing midweek in early December can be a fantastic experience—empty trails, fresh corduroy, and no lift lines.
When Is the Best Time to Start Skiing in the Poconos?
If you’re an avid skier eager to get on the slopes, targeting the first two weeks of December gives you a high likelihood of finding at least one resort open with several trails running. However, if you want a more robust ski experience with more open terrain and après-ski activities, planning for Christmas week or early January is a safer bet.
For beginners and families, mid-December through February offers the best combination of consistent snow, full operations, and seasonal programming like lessons, tubing, and family events.
Conclusion
The Pocono Mountains ski season typically begins between late November and mid-December, depending on weather conditions and snowmaking capabilities. While some resorts may open earlier than others, nearly all are running by Christmas, offering excellent opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels.
With proper planning, realistic expectations, and a little flexibility, early-season skiing in the Poconos can be a thrilling start to your winter adventure. Whether you’re carving down Camelback’s early groomers or catching the first park features at Big Boulder, there’s no better way to embrace the season than hitting the slopes of Pennsylvania’s favorite mountain range.