Despite not being featured in most publications, Pennsylvania’s ski scene is thriving. The state’s mid-Atlantic location and the variety of ski resorts make it a popular destination for locals and tourists.
There are over 20 ski resorts in the state, and visitors from neighboring Virginia and New York come to Pennsylvania to enjoy the varied terrain. The average temperature in the state is around 24 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some resorts are in the region’s popular ski areas, such as Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. This allows tourists to hit multiple resorts during a single trip.
In this article, we will be looking at the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania!
Where Is Pennsylvania?
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that spans the Appalachian and Mid-Atlantic regions.
It borders Delaware to the southeast, Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York to the north, and Ontario to the west. The state also borders the Delaware River and New Jersey.
As of 2020, Pennsylvania has over 13 million residents. It is one of the most populous states in the country and is ranked as the 33rd-largest state by area. Almost half of its population is located in the southeastern portion of the state.
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Best Ski Resorts in Pennsylvania
Most of the state’s ski areas have snowmaking capabilities. These facilities are easily accessible from neighboring states such as New York and Philadelphia, which makes them ideal for weekend or longer trips.
The drive time to most resorts is less than two hours, making them a perfect choice for people looking for a more extended getaway.
Below are the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania:
1. Bear Creek Mountain Resort
One of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania is Bear Creek Mountain. This facility features over 300 acres of land ideal for various activities, such as snowboarding and skiing.
It’s located in the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside and is a perfect choice for skiers and snowboarders from New York, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. A variety of accommodations are also available at the facility.
2. Laurel Mountain Ski Resort
One of Pennsylvania’s most famous ski resorts is the Laurel Mountain Ski Area, located in the beautiful Laurel Mountain State Park.
Aside from being named the highest vertical drop on the mountain, it also has one of the most challenging runs in the state.
The Lower Wildcat feature features a 60 percent slope and is the steepest in the state. The facility was first opened in 1940 and featured various original structures.
One of these is the Midway Cabin, which is regarded as one of the most prominent structures in the area.
3. Mount Pleasant of Edinboro
Located in northwestern Pennsylvania’s Erie County, Mount Pleasant of Edinboro is a family-friendly facility with 40 acres of land ideal for multiple activities, such as skiing and snowboarding.
It also has ten trails that are lit at night. The facility has additionally introduced cross-country skiing and snowboarding to its recreational offerings.
Each of the resort’s trail access passes comes with a lift ride. This resort, with ten trails and a vertical drop of 2,500 ft, makes our list of best ski resorts in Pennsylvania.
4. Blue Knob All Seasons Resort
One of the best-known ski areas in the state is Blue Knob, which features over 200 acres of land ideal for activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
It also has a snow tubing park and a variety of dining options. The facility’s main lodge is the perfect place to gather for a family-friendly meal.
This resort features a variety of accommodations that are located in the Alpine Village.
Guests can enjoy the facility’s various recreational offerings, such as outdoor pools, tennis courts, and hot tub facilities.
5. Spring Mountain Adventures
Spring Mountain Adventures is a family-friendly facility with eight trails and four lifts.
It’s located in Spring Mount, Pennsylvania, just minutes from the Lansdale exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
This is the perfect place for families to start their winter sports tradition. Aside from being an excellent choice for families, this facility also offers snowboard and learn-to-ski lessons.
The facility’s ski instructors offer lessons to children as young as three. They also have adult programs designed to meet their clients’ varying needs.
Making a list of the best resorts in Pennsylvania without adding this ski resort is incomplete.
6. Elk Mountain
The Elk Mountain resort was one of the first commercial facilities to open in the state in 1959. It has 27 slopes and seven lifts and is located about 30 minutes from Scranton.
Aside from being an excellent place for families to start their winter sports tradition, the resort also features a unique character.
In the 1970s, the facility planted 30,000 white and red spruce trees. As a result, this is arguably one of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania.
7. Blue Mountain Resort
This is another famous ski resort in Pennsylvania. It features 16 lifts and 40 trails. It has five terrain parks and the highest vertical in the state at 1,082 feet.
Season pass holders can enjoy several perks, including automatic savings for every ride, rental gear, and dining.
8. Camelback Mountain Resort
Camelback Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the Pocono region. It has 39 trails and 16 lifts, and it also features a variety of terrain parks and a snowboard half-pipe.
It was named one of the best winter resorts in the country by Snow East Magazine for the fourth year in a row.
This facility is also conveniently located near the town of Phoenix. The resort features an indoor water park.
9. Liberty Mountain Resort
The Liberty Mountain resort is a four-season facility near the beautiful mountains of Pennsylvania.
During winter, it features over a hundred acres of land perfect for activities such as snowboarding and skiing.
It also has a Children’s Learning Center and two terrain parks. The resort’s devotion to providing the best possible experience for its guests starts with its programs designed to keep everyone entertained.
The Carroll Valley Golf Club offers a championship 18-hole course during the summer.
For those looking to take their golf game to the next level, this facility has a new season pass that allows them to access both of these facilities. This is also one of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania.
See Also: Vermont Ski Resorts for Families
10. Jack Frost Big Boulder
The Jack Frost and Big Boulder are located in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania. Both of these facilities were established as commercial ski resorts.
However, big Boulder was the first commercial facility in the state to utilize snowmaking.
11. Whitetail Resort
One of the best places for people to start their winter sports tradition is the Whitetail resort. It has 23 trails ideal for beginner and experienced skiers and riders.
The facility has an uphill capacity of over 12,000 people per hour, making it a perfect choice for those looking to improve their skills.
The Daybreak Cafe, the Mountain Hearth Pizzeria, and the new Solstice restaurant are some of the resort’s popular dining options.
These are all designed to provide the best possible experience for its guests. The restaurant’s full-service menu is also designed to meet the varying needs of its guests.
12. Hidden Valley Resort
One of the most popular ski resorts in Pennsylvania is Hidden Valley. It features 26 trails that are ideal for experienced riders and skiers.
The facility also has over a hundred acres of skiable terrain. It’s located in the Laurel Highlands, a region of the state that’s very mountainous.
The resort offers group discounts through its partnership with other facilities. Besides being popular, this is also one of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania.
13. Roundtop Mountain Resort
Located near tourist attractions such as Gettysburg and Hershey, Roundtop Mountain is a four-season facility ideal for families and individuals looking to participate in various winter sports activities.
It has plenty of snow sports and is known for its Learn to Ski and Snowboard program.
14. Mystic Mountain at Nemacolin
Mystic Mountain is one of the best places for people looking to start their winter sports tradition. This facility features 25 acres of beginner-friendly trails and is known for its instructors.
It also has six slopes suitable for both beginner and expert skiers. The resort’s three lifts and 300-foot vertical drop make it an ideal choice for those who enjoy evening snow sports.
15. Crystal Lake Ski Center
The Crystal Lake Ski Center is a multi-faceted facility that features cross-country skiing and is known for its instructors.
It’s located near Crystal Lake and just minutes from Wild Rice Lake. This area is known for its winter playground, which is also home to various winter sports such as ice skating and snowshoeing.
16. Tussey Mountain
Tussey Mountain is a small mountain with seven trails, five snowboards, and ski lifts. It’s also close to Penn State’s University Park.
This facility has a terrain park that features various jumps and boxes. Its Mountainside Bar and Grill is located inside the resort. Guests 21 and older are invited to enjoy a drink after a run.
17. Montage Mountain
Another famous ski resort in Pennsylvania is Montage Mountain, which features 27 slopes and a full-service lodge.
It’s known for its vertical drop, one of the state’s most popular types of snow sports. The facility also has a professionally-staffed ski school and a variety of restaurants and bars.
18. Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Seven Springs Mountain Resort features 33 slopes and over 30 trails. This facility is excellent for families and individuals looking to enjoy a winter getaway.
It has several accommodations, including a 10-story hotel, a variety of condominiums, and townhomes.
19. Ski Big Bear
Ski Big Bear resort features 18 trails and two terrain parks. It also has seven lifts and a 650-foot vertical drop.
This facility is ideal for families looking to take advantage of its various winter activities. It is also one of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania.
20. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
The Shawnee Mountain resort has over 125 acres of land that can be used for skiing and snowboarding.
It also has 23 trails and two terrain parks. It can accommodate up to 12,000 people per hour through its uphill slopes. One of its lifts can take riders and skiers to the mountain in three minutes.
21. Ski Sawmill Family Resort
This facility rounds off our list of best ski resorts in Pennsylvania. The Ski Sawmill Family resort has 12 slopes ideal for beginner and expert skiers.
It also has a vertical drop of over 500 feet. This facility is a fun place for families to spend their winter vacation.
It has four different lodging options: a farmhouse, a mountain inn, or a cottage. One of the resort’s features is the Slide Tube, with three runs and a powerful snowmaking system.
Best Time to Visit Pennsylvania for Skiing
People worldwide flock to Pennsylvania to take advantage of its beautiful winter scenery and ski resorts during the winter.
They also come to enjoy some of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania. These facilities are less crowded and more comfortable than other popular winter destinations, such as the Catskills in New York.
See Also: Where to Stay in Lake Como
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Pennsylvania?
The average cost of a 7-day trip to Pennsylvania is around $1,180 for a single person. For families, the price of a trip is about $3,726, while a couple might spend up to $1,800.
Lodging in the state ranges from about $62 to $282. On the other hand, vacation rental properties can cost up to $630 a night.