6 Best Ski Resorts in Pennsylvania, 2023/24
It doesn’t get much press in the ski and snowboard magazines, but Pennsylvania’s ski scene is alive and well. The Keystone State’s mid-Atlantic location makes it a popular destination for skiers from Virginia to New York. We did the legwork and found the six best ski resorts in Pennsylvania!
Table Of Contents
Known for
Best combination of quality skiing and convenient location
Highlights
Fast, modern lifts
Nice variety of terrain
Great après scene, including outdoor fire pits
No ski-in/ski-out lodging and expensive
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 25 2022
- Closing Date: Mar 26 2023
Closest airports
Lehigh Valley Intl. Airport - 16 miles (30 minute drive)
Why Ski Blue Mountain
All things considered, Blue Mountain has a nice balance of things most of us look for and takes our top spot. Blue Mountain is bigger than most of the other resorts in the popular Poconos region and offers more varied trails than most of its neighbours. There are five terrain parks, catering to a wide array of freestylers, as well as glade skiing. The lodges are up to date and spacious, with a nice après scene- be sure to check out the Slopeside Pub and Grill! Even though there’s no slopeside lodging, there are hotels, B&Bs, and rentals very close by.
Known for
A little further away, a little less crowded, and a lot more like New England skiing
Highlights
Minimal crowds
Great value lift tickets - night skiing included in ticket
Challenging intermediate and advanced trails
Limited amenities and old lifts
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Dec 14 2022
- Closing Date: Mar 26 2023
Closest airports
Wilkes-Barre Scranton Intl. Airport - 40 miles (50 minute drive)
Newark Liberty Intl. Airport - 140 miles (2.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Elk Mountain Ski Resort
The slightly longer drive time from New York and Philly tends to keep the crowds smaller here. It offers the highest lift-served terrain in the eastern part of the state with 1,000 feet of vertical. The bumps, steeps, and long groomers are some of the best in the area, and Elk tends to get better snow than the rest of the Poconos. All of this for a reasonably priced ticket! Elk Mountain can be a great weekend choice and it's all about the skiing, as there aren’t any other activities here. Traditional hotels are all at least 10 miles away, but there are bed and breakfasts as well as vacation rentals close by.
Known for
Good vertical and advanced terrain conveniently close to Scranton
Highlights
Easy access from the highway
Snowmaking and lighting cover 100% of trails
Family oriented, but also with an après scene
Relatively short season
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Dec 16 2022
- Closing Date: Mar 31 2023
Closest airports
Wilkes-Barre Scranton Intl. Airport - 7 miles (10 minute drive)
Why Ski Montage Mountain
Montage Mountain has more than 1,000 feet of vertical drop, and over a third of Montage’s runs are black diamond or double black – advanced or expert. That’s a significant chunk compared to most places in the state, with most of these in a bowl featuring challenging – if not terribly long - steeps. It also has a terrain park. But that doesn’t mean beginners have been left out! The summit ridge is easily accessible for new skiers and riders, giving them the sense of skiing more of the mountain than just the bunny slope! Montage is just off I-81 and practically in the city of Scranton’s backyard. Its proximity to town means there are plenty of places to eat, sleep, and grab a round or two after your day on the slopes is done!
Known for
The largest ski resort in the Poconos
Highlights
Easily accessible from New York City (Less than 2 hours) and Philadelphia (2 hours)
Fantastic family resort with great package deals and facilities
High-speed lifts
Can get crowded
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Dec 16 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 02 2023
Closest airports
Lehigh Valley Intl. Airport - 40 miles (45 minute drive)
Newark Liberty Intl. Airport - 80 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Camelback Mountain Resort
Camelback offers something for everyone but it is most well known for its ski school. The mountain has a huge beginners’ area, with four magic carpets and relatively easy trails all the way up at the summit. There are also three terrain parks for a variety of skill levels. What sets Camelback apart from these other resorts is its high-speed quads which helps keep all those people moving. And all those visitors get to enjoy plenty of other attractions too: Camelback offers tubing and an indoor water park! There are many package deals available, and there’s plenty of dining and shopping nearby.
5. Blue Knob
Known for
The highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania
Highlights
Plenty of steep trails for advanced skiers
Channel your inner racer at the NASTAR course
Lodge and parking is uniquely located at the top of the mountain
High elevation and north-facing slopes can mean very cold conditions
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 23 2022
- Closing Date: Mar 27 2023
Closest airports
Pittsburgh Intl. Airport - 34 miles (38 minute drive)
Why Ski Blue Knob
Blue Knob boasts more than 1,000 feet of vertical, the highest summit of any ski resort in the state, and some of the most challenging terrain. There are also bumps, glade skiing, a terrain park, and even a small bowl. Its elevation gives it better natural snowfall than many of the places in Pennsylvania, but the conditions aren’t always consistent. If the skiing isn’t great on a given day, there is a network of snowmobile trails and tubing to keep you busy. There are no high-speed lifts here, and the facilities on the slopes are dated. But for some of us, the lack of polish keeps the focus on the skiing! And the Alpine Village is just minutes away, with more dining options and a variety of lodging choices.
Known for
Versatile ski area featuring top-class terrain parks and excellent facilities at the base lodge
Highlights
Plenty of powder-filled glades to explore between the groomed trails
On-site bar and nightclub hosts après-ski parties
200 acres of the mountain is floodlit for night skiing
Activities and amenities offered by the resort are a little pricey
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 25 2022
- Closing Date: May 02 2023
Closest airports
Pittsburgh Intl. Airport - 77 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Reagan National Airport - 195 miles (3.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Seven Springs Mountain Resort
With six terrain parks offering everything from beginner rails to a 22 feet super pipe, Seven Springs is incomparable when it comes to its freestyle features. The great mix of terrain caters for all abilities, including some challenging terrain for advanced skiers. There are also plenty of non-skiing activities including snowmobiling and a sleigh ride through the forest. For some after-hours fun, the slope-side Foggy Goggle bar and late-night Matterhorn club can’t be missed! Despite being on the pricey side, Seven Springs offers everything from slope side accommodation to great dining options.