Don’t let a little chill keep you trapped indoors this winter! Embrace the spirit of the season and surround yourself with the fresh flakes gracing Pennsylvania’s ski and snowboarding slopes at these spectacular PA ski resorts.
At these altitudes, powder hounds can play all winter long at resorts like Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Somerset County, the largest ski and four-season resort in Pennsylvania, and Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton, which boasts the highest vertical in the state.
For ski deals and up-to-date snow conditions at Pennsylvania’s ski resorts, visit the Pennsylvania Ski Area Association’s website.
1. Laurel Mountain Ski Resort
Boswell
20 trails | 2 lifts | 761 ft. vertical
Nestled in Laurel Mountain State Park, Laurel Mountain Ski Resort is an iconic and revered skiers’ mountain. Boasting the highest vertical drop on the Laurel Ridge at 761 feet, the mountain is famous for its double diamond Lower Wildcat Slope, the steepest in the state with a nearly 60 percent slope. Lower Wildcat is a breathtaking run that, for the avid skier, simply must be taken. The slopes were originally designed by European skiing legend Johann “Hannes” Schneider, the renowned Austrian ski guide and inventor of the Arlberg Method, the basis of modern alpine ski technique. The resort opened in 1940 and some of the original structures still grace the property.
2. Bear Creek Mountain Resort
Lehigh Valley
23 trails | 6 lifts | 510 ft. vertical | 3 terrain parks
With 86 acres of skiable terrain, Bear Creek Mountain Resort offers winter sports enthusiasts a wonderland of skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing experiences The mountain’s beginner area features a carpet lift and triple chair, while Sasquatch, their most challenging black diamond trail, has a 50% slope for expert skiers. Their three terrain parks offer a progressive range of freestyle features, with the Family Park serving up smaller jumps, rails, and boxes for beginning freestylers, Cascade Park for those slightly more advanced in their skill level, and Black Bear Park for experts with the largest jumps and most technical features. The resort’s slope-side hotel and spa offer the perfect mix of après-ski warmth and relaxation. Located in the scenic Lehigh Valley, the resort is a perfect choice for snow lovers from Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
3. Blue Knob All Seasons Resort
Claysburg
34 trails | 6 lifts | 1,072 ft. vertical
Often considered Pennsylvania’s best-kept secret, the Blue Knob All Seasons Resort features the highest skiable mountain with the most challenging slopes in the state. Beginning and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, no worries! There are plenty of trails catering to a variety of skill levels from beginner to intermediate and advanced intermediate to advanced and expert. Cross-country skiers can enjoy groomed and non-groomed trails, and non-skiers will have fun in the snow at the snow tubing park. The resort features condominium lodging where guests can enjoy a variety of resort amenities — all located in Alpine Village.
4. Mount Pleasant of Edinboro
Cambridge Springs
10 trails | 2 lifts | 340 ft. vertical
Nestled in the snowbelt region of northwestern Pennsylvania Mount Pleasant of Edinboro offers family-friendly winter fun for all ages with 40 skiable acres, 10 trail runs, and a 600-foot, eight-lane snow tubing hill. Their two chair lifts accommodate everyone from the beginning first timer to the expert skier and snowboarder. Many of the trails are lit at night to allow for safe night skiing and snowboarding. Mount Pleasant also offers cross country skiing and snowshoeing with groomed trails of natural snow, with each “trail access pass” including a chairlift ride up and down from the trails.
5. Blue Mountain Resort
Palmerton
40 trails | 16 lifts | 1,082 ft. vertical | 5 terrain parks
Blue Mountain Resort boasts five terrain parks, 16 lifts, 40 trails, and the highest vertical (1,082 feet) in Pennsylvania! With 40 trails, there are plenty of options for every level whether a newbie or expert, and plenty of lifts to get you where you want to go, including their six-passenger high speed lift that will have you and your friends zipping from the Valley to the top of the Main Street Trail in almost no time. Their terrain parks range from beginner to expert where you can learn the basics or truly test your skills with black diamond features and epic S-turns! Their snow tubing park is the largest in the nation with some of the longest and fastest tubing lanes to be found anywhere and offers Sonic night tubing with colorful laser lights and music.
6. Camelback Mountain Resort
Tannersville
39 trails | 16 lifts | 800 ft. vertical | 3 terrain parks
Celebrating its 60th year of world-class skiing during the 2023-24 season, Camelback Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the Pocono Mountains, boasting 166 skiable acres with 39 trails for a variety of skill levels from beginner to expert, 16 lifts, two high-speed quads, a snowboard half-pipe, three terrain parks, and one of the largest snow tubing parks in the nation with 42 lanes and aglow at night with their Galactic tubing experience. It’s no wonder Camelback was once again voted “One of the Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. and Canada” for 2023-24 by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers” Choice Awards!
7. Spring Mountain Adventures
Spring Mount
7 main trails | 5 lifts | 428 ft. vertical | 1 terrain park
Located just minutes from the Lansdale Exit (#31) of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Spring Mountain Adventures has seven trails, four chair lifts and a magic carpet lift perfect for beginners, a terrain park, and even an ice skating rink. While smaller than Pennsylvania’s big ski resorts, Spring Mountain is the ideal place to start and foster a family tradition of winter sports. Skiers and snowboarders will find a variety of ski and snowboard lessons and packages for beginners to advanced, including the Ski Bees program for little ones as young as age three. There are even adult ski and snowboard lessons for adults just starting out and those wanting to up their skill level.
8. Elk Mountain
Union Dale
27 trails | 7 lifts | 1,000 ft. vertical | 1 terrain park
Since Elk Mountain first welcomed skiers to its slopes in 1959 as one of Pennsylvania’s first commercial ski areas, the mountain continues to dazzle winter sports lovers. Set in the picturesque "Endless Mountains" about a half hour north of Scranton, Elk has seven lifts and 27 slopes ranging from green to blue to black diamond with some of the most challenging trails in the region. Their Stompin’ Grounds Terrain Park includes fun and exciting features popular among skiers and snowboarders, with several features changing throughout the season as new and exciting boxes, bonks, and rails are built and switched out. The resort has its own distinctive character, with a decades long, dedicated nursery program and regularly plantings of Norway spruce and red and white pines, helping to maintain the winter wonderland magic of this beautiful mountain.
9. Hidden Valley Resort
Hidden Valley
28 trails | 8 lifts | 470 ft. vertical | 2 terrain parks
Don’t be fooled by its name! Nestled in the Laurel Highlands about an hour’s drive southeast of Pittsburgh, Hidden Valley Resort is not too difficult to find. With 28 trails, eight lifts, and two terrain parks, the mountain promises a fun-filled day of skiing and snowboarding, from the burgeoning first timer to the experienced skier and snowboarder. Boasting inches of skiable snow each year on 110 acres of skiable terrain, Hidden Valley Resort offers the complete package with gear rentals and lessons for those just starting out or who would like to upgrade their snow sports skills.
10. Whitetail Resort
Mercersburg
22 trails | 9 lifts | 935 ft. vertical | 2 terrain parks
Opening in 1991, Pennsylvania’s newest ski resort and the newest east of the Mississippi, Whitetail Resort has been in business for more than three decades and continues to delight skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers for a fun-filled day on the slopes. The mountain’s 120 skiable acres features 22 trails of progressive terrain, including some challenging freestyle terrain, allowing beginners to practice their new-found skills, experts to further hone their skills, and those somewhere in between to both practice and improve. Avoid the crowds and seemingly have the mountain to yourself when you book for a mid-week day of skiing or snowboarding fun.
11. Jack Frost | Big Boulder
Jack Frost: 20 trails | 9 lifts | 600 ft. vertical | 1 terrain park
Big Boulder: 18 trails | 7 lifts | 475 ft. vertical | 2 terrain parks
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains just an hour from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City are Jack Frost and Big Boulder offering “Two Mountains, One Epic Trip" of skiing and snowboarding on two storied mountains, each with its own awesome history. Jack Frost celebrated a half century of epic skiing in 2023, while Big Boulder celebrated its diamond jubilee of 75 years as a primo skiing destination and where snowmaking was first used successfully in a commercial application. Together, Jack Frost Big Boulder offers an out-west vibe and has become a premier destination for skiers and snow boarders to test their freestyle skills with impeccable grooming and a lot of advanced level terrain across the two mountains for experienced skiers and riders. Take a break from all the skiing and snowboarding action with Big Boulder’s new Bubly Tube Park.
12. Liberty Mountain Resort
Fairfield
16 trails | 8 lifts | 620 ft. vertical | 2 terrain parks
Only about an hour’s drive from D.C. and Baltimore and just eight miles southwest of historic Gettysburg, Liberty Mountain Resort is perfect for anyone looking for a quick winter getaway loaded with skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing fun. The resort’s 100 acres of skiable terrain and two terrain parks are ideal for skiers and snowboarders who are just learning or have advanced to the intermediate level, although those with advanced skills will find plenty of terrain to keep them challenged. Regardless of skill level, everyone can have fun at the bubly snow tubing park where no experience is necessary, just good old fashioned wintertime fun!
13. The Peak at Nemacolin
Farmington
6 trails | 3 lifts | 300 ft. vertical
The Peak at Nemacolin is western Pennsylvania's ideal learning environment for first-time skiers, with 25 acres of short lines, friendly trails, and experienced instructors. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are available on six slopes, with difficulty ranging from beginner to expert. Mystic Mountain has a 300-foot vertical drop and three lifts, and is 100 percent illuminated, making night snow sports great fun. Visitors can also enjoy two whole new mountainside adventures and skate or bike their way down the mountain with Sno-Go, a revolutionary ski bike, or Skiskate, super high tech skis. Plan to book an overnight stay to enjoy Nemacolin’s winter wonderlands.
14. Roundtop Mountain Resort
Lewisberry
21 trails | 8 lifts | 600 ft. vertical | 2 terrain parks
A short drive from both Hershey and Gettysburg, Roundtop Mountain Resort (formerly Ski Roundtop) is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024 with plenty of snow sports for all ages and levels, but especially those with advanced skiing and snowboarding skills. Close to 60% of Roundtop’s 103 acres of skiable terrain is billed as “advanced,” but no worries; there’s plenty of terrain for beginners and those with intermediate skills, and world-class instruction for those wanting to raise their skills to the next level. The resort offers plenty of night skiing and snowboarding opportunities all season long, along with an epic snow tubing experience providing lots of giggly fun and entertainment for all.
15. Ski Sawmill Family Resort
Morris
12 trails | 3 lifts | 515 ft. vertical | 1 terrain park
A bit north of Lock Haven and Williamsport and a bit south of Wellsboro, the Ski Sawmill Family Resort offers 12 slopes suited for beginners, intermediate skiers, boarders, and experts, with a vertical drop of 515 feet. Their terrain park (Chainsaw) offers several fun challenges. A fun and affordable place to learn to ski and snowboard, families can spend the weekend at Ski Sawmill in one of four lodging options at the resort, ranging from a farmhouse to the Mountain Inn. Be sure to pick up this season’s Indy Pass where you’ll receive two free days of skiing at each of 180+ independent ski areas across the U.S., Canada, and Japan, plus 25% off your third day!
16. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
East Stroudsburg
23 trails | 10 lifts | 700 ft. vertical | 2 terrain parks
With 125 acres of skiable terrain, 23 trails, and two terrain parks, Shawnee Mountain is an ideal spot for winter sport enthusiasts. The resort’s Tomahawk Express Quad lift will whisk you and your buddies to the 3,100-foot summit in three minutes – giving you plenty of time to hit all the slopes. Kiddos 12 years of age or under can take a break from the slopes and have loads of fun at the Mini Monster Mountain with its snowball walls, mouse climber, puzzle blocks, and snow glider. The whole family can enjoy snow tubing at Shawnee with two surface lifts to whisk you back to the top to slide down again and again.
17. Ski Big Bear
Lackawaxen
18 trails | 7 lifts | 650 ft. vertical |2 terrain parks
Eighteen trails, seven lifts including two magic carpets, and two terrain parks make Ski Big Bear a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts and the perfect place for newbies to learn to ski or snowboard. Its gentle learner slopes, affordable rentals, and quality lessons make the mountain ideal for those new to skiing or snowboarding, no matter your age, while their snow tubing park makes it an ideal destination for any family with non-skiers or wanting to take a fun break from the slopes.
18. Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Champion
33 trails | 14 lifts | 750 ft. vertical | 7 terrain parks
Seven Springs Mountain Resort is Pennsylvania’s largest ski resort boasting 285 acres of skiable terrain, 33 trails, most with snowmaking capabilities and ranging in difficulty from “easier” to “expert, and 10 lifts, providing plenty of mountain for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. For those into freestyle, their seven terrain parks offer a progressive range of difficulty. Beginners can wade into the sport at North Park with its small features, bank turns, and transitions, while The Alley’s rails, boxes, jumps, and hips provide top to bottom thrills for more experienced riders.
19. Montage Mountain
Scranton
27 trails | 7 lifts | 1,000 ft. vertical | 1 terrain park
Montage Mountain‘s 27 trails encompassing 140 acres of skiable terrain offers some of the best trail diversity in the entire region, ranging from trails ideal for those hitting the slopes for the first time to expert skiers conquering the White Lightning trail, the second steepest in the East that is adjacent to a variety of Single and Double Black Diamond terrain. Lights along the trails make for a fun-filled night skiing or snowboarding experience. Freestylers will find perfect jibs, natural features, and crispy lips at the terrain park, while those who prefer their winter sports sitting down will have loads of fun gliding down a slope in some snow tubing action.
20. Crystal Lake Ski Center
Hughesville
20 miles of trails | 100 ft. vertical
Crystal Lake Ski Center started out as a downhill ski venue, with Mont SaintOnge and its 200 foot vertical drop attracting mainly those for whom skiing was little more than an occasional past time. Carved by the retreating glaciers from eons ago, today the Crystal Lake Ski Center has become a prime spot for cross-country skiers and snowshoers with its 20 miles of groomed, interlooping trails offering a variety of terrain and topical features, provided Mother Nature cooperates and blankets the area with enough snow. The center has certified Nordic instructors for those wishing to enjoy some quiet time shushing through winter wonderlands or upping their skills.
21. Tussey Mountain
Boalsburg
8 trails | 4 lifts | 500 ft. vertical | 1 terrain park
Known as “a small mountain with a large heart,” Tussey Mountain offers skiing on 38 acres with eight trails ranging from beginner to advanced and lit for night skiing and four ski and snowboard lifts, along with a lift for the snow tubing area. A short drive from Penn State’s University Park, Tussey’s terrain park features boxes, rails, pipes, and assorted jumps. Guests 21 and over are invited to grab a drink at the Mountainside Bar after taking some runs, and warm up by the fire pit and heat lamps.
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s ski resorts, visit the Pennsylvania Ski Area Association website, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around our state.
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