Pennsylvania’s Best Ski Resorts

Pennsylvania offers some of the most accessible and varied skiing on the East Coast, with resorts concentrated in the Pocono Mountains in the east and the Laurel Highlands in the west. These areas benefit from excellent snowmaking capabilities, ensuring reliable conditions even in milder winters, and many feature extensive night skiing—perfect for after-work sessions or extended days on the slopes. With over 20 ski areas statewide, Pennsylvania caters to everyone from first-timers and families to freestyle enthusiasts and advanced skiers seeking challenging terrain.

If you’re planning to ski Pennsylvania this season, you’ll find convenient options whether you’re coming from Philadelphia, New York City, Pittsburgh, or farther afield. The Pocono resorts are particularly popular for day trips or short getaways, while western areas provide a more resort-like experience.

Skiing in the Pocono Mountains

The Poconos host the majority of Pennsylvania’s ski resorts, known for their proximity to urban centers, diverse terrain, and family-oriented amenities. Strong snowmaking systems cover nearly 100% of trails at most areas, and features like terrain parks, tubing hills, and on-site lodging make them ideal for multi-day trips when you ski Pennsylvania. Most Pocono resorts are within a 1.5- to 2-hour drive from Philadelphia or New York City, often via I-476 (Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension) or I-80.

Blue Mountain Resort (Palmerton)

Blue Mountain stands out with Pennsylvania’s highest vertical drop at 1,082 feet, offering 40 trails across 171 acres. It features five terrain parks, excellent grooming, and 100% night skiing coverage. The resort appeals to all levels, with dedicated beginner areas, long intermediate cruisers, and challenging double-black diamonds like Razor’s Edge.

Key stats: 40 trails, 16 lifts (including high-speed six-packs), 1,082 ft vertical.
Best for: Intermediates and experts seeking variety; families appreciate the progression parks.
Amenities: Lessons, rentals, multiple dining options, and one of the largest snow tubing parks in the U.S.
Travel: ~1.5 hours from Philadelphia via I-476; ~2 hours from New York City.

When you ski Pennsylvania at Blue Mountain, you’ll experience some of the state’s longest and most varied runs.

Camelback Mountain Resort (Tannersville)

One of the largest in the Poconos, Camelback offers 39 trails across 166 acres with an 800-foot vertical drop. It excels in freestyle terrain and family fun, including a massive snow tubing park and on-site aquapark for year-round appeal.

Key stats: 39 trails, 16 lifts, 800 ft vertical.
Best for: Families and freestyle riders; strong terrain parks and beginner progression.
Amenities: Slope-side lodging, indoor waterpark, lessons, and rentals.
Travel: ~2 hours from Philadelphia or New York City via I-80.

Camelback is a top choice for those looking to ski Pennsylvania with plenty of non-ski activities for the whole group.

Jack Frost and Big Boulder (Blakeslee/White Haven)

These sister resorts operate on one lift ticket, providing dual-mountain access. Jack Frost offers more traditional skiing with longer runs, while Big Boulder focuses on terrain parks and freestyle features.

Key stats: Combined ~35 trails; Jack Frost: 600 ft vertical; Big Boulder: park-heavy with 475 ft vertical.
Best for: Beginners to intermediates at Jack Frost; park riders and freestyle enthusiasts at Big Boulder.
Amenities: Shared lessons/rentals, tubing, and night skiing.
Travel: ~1.5-2 hours from Philadelphia via I-476; ~2 hours from New York City.

Skiing Pennsylvania at these connected resorts gives you flexibility to switch between groomed trails and creative park sessions.

Shawnee Mountain (Shawnee on Delaware)

A classic family-oriented area with gentle slopes and a welcoming atmosphere. Shawnee emphasizes beginner-friendly terrain and affordability.

Key stats: 23 trails, 125 acres, ~700 ft vertical.
Best for: Beginners and families; excellent children’s programs.
Amenities: Snow tubing, lessons, and on-mountain dining.
Travel: ~2 hours from Philadelphia or New York City via I-80.

For families new to the sport, Shawnee Mountain provides an ideal introduction to skiing in Pennsylvania.

Western and Southern Pennsylvania Resorts

Seven Springs Mountain Resort (Seven Springs)

Pennsylvania’s largest resort by acreage, Seven Springs provides a full destination experience in the Laurel Highlands with extensive amenities and varied terrain.

Key stats: 33 trails, 285 acres, 750 ft vertical.
Best for: All levels, especially families and groups; strong night skiing and terrain parks.
Amenities: Slope-side hotel, spa, multiple dining options, tubing, and more.
Travel: ~1 hour from Pittsburgh via I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike).

Seven Springs offers the most complete resort experience when you ski Pennsylvania in the western part of the state.

Whitetail Resort (Mercersburg)

Located in southern Pennsylvania, Whitetail offers well-groomed trails and full night lighting, making it a favorite for mid-Atlantic urban escapes.

Key stats: 23+ trails, 935 ft vertical, 100% night-lit.
Best for: All levels; convenient for southern visitors with strong grooming and parks.
Amenities: Lessons, rentals, tubing, and dining.
Travel: ~1.5 hours from Baltimore or Washington, D.C. via I-70.

Whitetail is a great option for those skiing Pennsylvania from the south, with easy access and consistent conditions.

Tips for Planning Your Pennsylvania Ski Vacation

The season typically runs from early December to mid-March, with peak conditions in January and February. Pennsylvania resorts rely heavily on advanced snowmaking, so check daily reports for the best coverage.

Night skiing is widespread — many areas are fully or partially lit. Tubing parks provide fun for non-skiers. Book lessons and rentals early, especially on weekends. Consider multi-resort passes like Epic for access to several areas.

Lodging options range from slope-side hotels (e.g., at Seven Springs or Camelback) to nearby cabins and Airbnbs. Clustering in the Poconos allows easy visits to multiple resorts in one trip.

Whether you’re chasing steep drops at Blue Mountain, park features at Big Boulder, or resort luxury at Seven Springs, skiing Pennsylvania delivers convenient winter adventure for every skill level.

To save on lift tickets, lodging, rentals, and more for your trip, browse our Pennsylvania ski deals.

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