10 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Pennsylvania – You should visit this year

Looking for ski resorts in Pennsylvania? Skiing in Pennsylvania is popular for the great scenic beauty of mountains, various sports, and exciting events that are worthy of your every penny. They feature different activities for the summer and the winter seasons to give you the ultimate holiday experience whenever you come. Exploring the snowy mountain in the winter and engaging with different sports, sounds like a lot of fun!

Vacations are meant to be spent with our loved ones. If you are planning to visit Pennsylvania with your family or friends, do not forget to spend a day or two in the ski resorts here to enjoy your stay to the fullest. Check out this article to know about some of the best family ski resorts in Pennsylvania that will not disappoint you.

Things to Consider Selecting Best Ski Resorts

Discounts and Vacation Packages:

Do you badly need a vacation this winter but running low on the budget? Keep an eye on the official websites of your selected ski resorts or else you can miss their discounts on vacation packages or passes. Most ski resorts offer some discounts before the opening of the new season. If you fail to save money for the trip, you can grab this sell offer and give your loved ones a well-deserved holiday experience.

Lodging:

Going on a trip requires a lot of planning. You need to arrange a secure and comfortable place to stay the night, and good places to eat. Selecting a skiing resort with cabins or nearby hotels will lessen your hassle in that case.

Ski resorts with lodging or cabins will be an ideal choice if you are visiting Pennsylvania for the first time. Most ski resorts here have secured and comfortable accommodations for visitors. Selecting one with its accommodation or nearby lodging will save you time going back and forth from the skiing area which will be more convenient for you.

A Wide Range of Activities and Events:

Ski resorts mainly focus on skiing and snowboarding for visitors who love to explore the high snowy mountains with these thrilling snow sports. If you are coming with your family or friends, select a ski resort that has arrangements for the non-skiers too. Look for options like gondolas, snow tubing, snowmobiling, golf, and other relaxing activities that non-skiers will enjoy.

 If you are visiting with your children, select ski resorts with a child daycare center. The instructors and staff here will ensure the safety of your children while you can explore the mountain with your loved ones. They will also provide basic skiing lessons to your children. Select a ski resort that also arranges engaging events and adventurous activities like camping and hiking for your little ones.

Relaxation:

Ski resorts that feature spas and saunas are a blessing to the visitors as a day full of skiing and hiking in the snowy mountain can put a toll on your body. What’s better than taking a steam bath and massage to relax your body as well as your mind after a long snowy day? Luxury ski resorts in Pennsylvania will offer you spa services by professional masseurs to unwind from stress and boost positivity.

You should also look for ski resorts that have different shops and restaurants where you can enjoy the local cuisine and buy enough souvenirs to keep the memory of your holiday.

What are the Best Ski Reports in Pennsylvania?

1. Blue Mountain Resort
2. Elk Mountain
3. Montage Mountain
4. Camelback Resort
5. Blue Knob All Seasons Resort
6. Seven Springs Mountain Resort
7. Laurel Mountain
8. Hidden Valley Resort
9. Whitetail Ski Resort
10. Liberty Mountain Resort

See more : 10 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in NY

Top 10 Ski Resorts in Pennsylvania

1. Blue Mountain Ski Resort:

Blue Mountain resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Pennsylvania with 5 terrain parks, 40 trails for different proficiency levels, and 40 smooth lifts to enjoy the view of the mountain. It has a vertical of 330 m or 1082 feet which is the highest among the other resorts in Pennsylvania.

Though the price is a bit expensive, you can get discounts on different activities through the season pass and enjoy your vacation to the fullest. The ski area has rental and gear shops, a well-known bakery, and spacious venues for your dream wedding. If you are planning a destination wedding, Blue Mountain Resort can be an ideal choice for the picturesque beauty of the surroundings. 

Accommodation:

The Lodge at Woodstone Country Club, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Country Inn & Suites, Mahoning Inn, Hampton Inn, Days Hotel, Ramada, and Homewood Suites. You can also book rooms from Airbnb.

Where to Dine:

Slopeside Pub & Grill, Tipsy Taco, and Hoppy Trails.

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport- Lehigh Valley International Airport
• Car Rental Service- Budget, Thrifty Car Rental, Hertz, and Avis

What We Like:

• Proper maintenance and cleanliness of the ski resort area
• Different terrain options for both the beginners and experts
• Effective skiing lessons for children and beginners
• Several engaging outdoor activities include camping, laser tags, archery, fitness class, disc golf, fishing, and high ropes training.
• Smooth lift lines
• Great place for a destination wedding

What We Don’t Like:

• A bit expensive

Address: 1660 Blue Mountain Dr, Palmerton, PA 18071, United States

Official Website: https://www.skibluemt.com/

2. Elk Mountain Ski Resort in Pennsylvania:

With 27 trails and 7 smooth lifts, Elk mountain is one of the most popular ski resorts in Pennsylvania. The mountain area has perfect weather for making a large amount of natural snow than any other Poconos mountains. If you love to explore challenging slopes and trails by skiing or snowboarding, you must visit this place

Elk mountain runs a distinguish ‘Tree Nursery’ program since the late 1970s. Every year they plant and grow trees on the tree farm. Moreover, the ski patrol unit of this ski resort is awarded several times due to their efficiency and continuous hard work to keep the visitors safe. So, you will be in good hands while skiing and exploring the mountain.

Accommodation:

Chet’s Place, Endless Mountain Resort, Gerber Associates Real Estate, Pass Realty, Rock Ledge Lodge, Wiffy Bog Farm, Quarry Hill Farm, and Fiddle Lake Farm.

Where to Dine:

Winter Garden Restaurant, Elk Mountain Cafeteria, Chet’s Place, and Frank’s Place.

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport: Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport.
• Taxi Service: Snowy Range Taxi, and Laramie Taxi

What We Like:

• Every 5 minutes there are shuttles to get to the parking lodge
• Perfect weather for making enough snow 
• The staff are efficient and cordial
• Clean trails and well-maintained ski resort area
• The rental shop has a variety of ski boards and protective gear which are comfortable to use
• Advanced and entry-level skiing lessons are provided to every age group

What We Don’t Like:

• Pricing is a bit expensive
• Overcrowded and you may need to wait in queue for a long time to get on any rides

Address: 344 Elk Mountain Road, Union Dale, PA 18470, United States

Official Website: https://www.elkskier.com/

3. Montage Mountain:

Montage Mountain is one of the popular ski resorts in Pennsylvania for both the skiers and non-skiers due to its wide range of activities for all. Most of the trails are black diamonds which are suitable and enough challenging for advanced skiers. The beginners also have trails to ski smoothly and explore the mountain by snow lifting and snow tubing. You can ski here at night too!

This place is always buzzing with life and laughter with different festivals and events. Fall Wine Festival, Mountainfest, Peach Festival, NEPA yoga festival, Spring Brewfest, and Cigar-BQ are some of the seasonal festivals that are attended by many friend groups and families. If you are searching places for a destination wedding, Montage Mountain can be your pick where you can customize the theme indoors or outdoor to celebrate your big day!

Accommodation: 

The Hilton Conference Center Hotel

Where to Dine:

Slocum Hollow Bar & Restaurant, Midland, Sammie Shed, Tiki Deck, and Fry Hut

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport- Scranton International Airport
• Car Service- Prince Express, Burgit’s Electric City Taxi
• Bus Service- Scranton Bus Terminal, A J Limo Coach

What We Like:

• 27 various trails and slopes that are suitable for the skiers of every professional level
• The instructors and staff are cordial and helpful
• Smooth skiing experience because of the well-maintained slopes
• The waterpark is popular for hosting parties  in the summer
• A cheerful place with several seasonal festivals and events
• An effective ski school for children and adults

What We Don’t Like:

Address: 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton, PA 18507, United States 

Official Website: https://www.montagemountainresorts.com/

4. Camelback Resort:

Camelback Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Pennsylvania with 39 trails of various proficiency levels. With 40 lanes, this ski resort also features the largest snow tubing park among the other resorts in the united states. If you are a non-skier, you will not be bored here by taking part in several adventurous activities on the mountain.

Indoor and outdoor water parks have gained immense popularity among children and adults. Here you can play water volleyball and ride water slides with your children and family in the summer. If you are planning to throw parties or friends meet and greet, these water parks are the perfect place to gather and dance along with the music.

Accommodation:

Camelback Lodge

Where to Dine:

Big Pocono Family Eatery, Trail’s End Pub & Grills, Eatside Pitstop, Berrelli’s Italian Chophouse, Hemisphere, and Massinos.

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport- Newark Liberty International Airport, and Lehigh Valley International Airport
• Taxi Service- Mountain Taxi
• Bus Service- Martz Trailways

What We Like:

• Helpful and friendly staff
• A wide variety of scrumptious foods for both the children and adults
• Children-friendly bunny slopes and ski trails
• Can host summer parties in the indoor and outdoor water parks
• Several engaging and adventurous activities include- bungee jumping, mountain coaster riding, zipline riding, and tree top walking

What We Don’t Like:

• The pricing of the foods is a bit expensive
• Need to recruit extra staff for a large number of visitors

Address: 301 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372, United States

Official Website: https://www.camelbackresort.com/

Check out : Best Skiing Gears

5. Blue Knob All Seasons Resort:

Blue Knob has 34 trails that mostly are suitable for intermediate and expert skiers. Not all of the trails are properly maintained which make them more challenging for the skiers. This ski resort focuses more on skiing and snowboarding to give visitors a proper skiing experience. 

Even if you are not a fan of skiing, you can experience thrilling rides by snow tubing with your family. You can rent luxurious cabins on the mountain with your family to spend a simple yet fulfilling vacation. It is also a great place for arranging a wedding reception amidst the snowy mountain.

Accommodation:

Blue Knob All Seasons Lodging, The Tranquill Chalet, The Midway Chalet, Stembogan Slopeside, Snowed Inn at Blue Knob, Rustic Retreat

Where to Dine:

Blue Knob Clubhouse Bar & Grill

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport- Pittsburgh International Airport

• Train Service- Everett Railroad
• Transportation Service- Smith Transport, Yellow Transportation

What We Like:

• A variety of trails and slopes for the beginners and professional skiers
• Efficient ski patrol team and friendly staff
• Reasonable pricing of the lift tickets
• Ski and ride school offers private lessons to the children and effective skiing lessons to the beginners
• A thrilling snow tubing park for family and friends

What We Don’t Like:

• The management service needs to be more professional

Address: 1424 Overland Pass Claysburg, Pennsylvania 16625

Official Website: https://blueknob.com/

6. Seven Springs Mountain Resort:

If you are looking for spending a nice and calm weekend with your family in a luxury ski resort in Pennsylvania, you can select Seven Springs Mountain Resort even if it’s a bit expensive. It is one of the largest skiing resorts here with 33 trails for the skiers of different proficiency levels. This is a place where advanced skiers can find some challenging slopes to explore with their friends. The 10 lifts run smoothly and are managed well by the friendly staff. 

The ski resort also features a wide variety of indoor as well as outdoor activities for the non-skiers. Friend groups and family can enjoy and explore these activities with so much fun that there is no room for boredom. Children of every age group have plenty of fun activities to join. For relaxation, you can go to a spa session in the resort lodging or take a look at the resort shops.

Accommodation:

Main Lodge Hotel at the slopeside, townhomes, condominiums, 7 cottages and 13 chalets inside the resort area are available for visitors.

Where to Dine:

Helen’s, Slopeside, Mountain Pizza, Bavarian Lounge, Gingerbread Dreams, Foggy Goggle, and Bavarian Beach. 

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport- Pittsburgh International Airport, Reagan National Airport
• Car Rental Service- Enterprise, National, Budget, Avis

What We Like:

• Can avail the facilities of lodging and food inside the resort area
• The area is clean and properly maintained
• The staff are very friendly and helpful
• The indoor has a bowling zone, golf zone, and bear trap fun zone for the visitors of the summer session
• The engaging outdoor activities for family and friends include- Paddle boats, Chairlift rides, Alpine Tower, and Alpine Slide 
• Several fun activities and outdoor sports for children such as jumping on the trampoline, climbing Rockwall, gem mining, and disc golf
• One of the pet-friendly ski resorts in Pennsylvania that allow pets in their resort area and lodging.

What We Don’t Like:

• Can get overcrowded on the weekends
•  Management service of the lodgings  needs improvement

Address: 777 Water Wheel Dr, Champion, PA 15622, United States

Official Website: https://www.7springs.com/

7. Laurel Mountain:

With 20 trails and 2 lifts, Laurel Mountain is one of the smallest and most peaceful ski resorts in Pennsylvania. There is a variety of trails for beginners and expert skiers. Though the trails are fewer in numbers, some of the trails are long and challenging enough for ski lovers.

This rustic and classic-styled skiing resort started its journey in the year 1940. It is not modern and grandeur like some other ski resorts and is less crowded. If you want to ski and snowboard with your family in a calm place, you should visit Laurel Mountain to experience a lovely weekend.

Accommodation:

An on-mountain resort lodge and a wide variety of  chalets at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort

Where to Dine:

Wildcat Lounge, Laurel House Cafe

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport- Pittsburgh International Airport, Reagan National Airport
• Car Rental Service- Enterprise, National, Budget, Avis

What We Like:

• Private ski lessons for every age group and proficiency levels starting from age 3
• The lift lines are short compared to the other ski resorts 
• A quiet and peaceful place for skiing and snowboarding without much crowd
• Professional and fast rental service
• The staff are cordial and helpful

What We Don’t Like:

• The mountain area needs to be groomed properly

Address: 347 Summit Ski Road, Boswell, PA 15531, United States

Official Website: https://www.laurelmountainski.com/

8. Hidden Valley Resort:

Hidden Valley Resort is situated in the Laurel Highlands where it snows over 200 inches per year. This small ski resort has 26 trails for beginners and experts. Some of the trails are challenging enough for advanced skiers. Thus, it is one of the well-known ski resorts for ski lovers.

The professional ski instructors provide top-notch skiing and snowboarding lessons privately or in a group. In a friendly environment, you can learn the basic skills for skiing with your family in no time. Moreover, this ski resort features the‘ Rippers Program’ for the children where they learn skiing through engaging and fun activities.

Accommodation:

The Inn

Where to Dine:

Sunrise Sunset Café, Glaciers Pub

How to Commute:

• Nearest Airport- Pittsburgh International Airport, Reagan National Airport
• Train Service- Brentwood Station, Clayton Station
• Car Rental Service- Budget, Avis

What We Like:

• Visiting in groups gives you the advantages of complimentary tickets and a season pass 
• The mountain lodge offers modern amenities like a mini refrigerator, microwave, and hairdryer in every room
• A golf course and luxurious spa treatment for the wedding guests
• Hidden Valley ski shops sell branded ski products and clothes from Rossignol, Descente, Atomic, Solomon, Hestra, Oakley, and more
• Professional and cordial staff
• The instructors provide effective skiing lessons to the beginners

What We Don’t Like:

• Foods are a bit expensive

Address: 1 Craighead Drive, Somerset, PA 15501, United States

Official Website: http://www.hiddenvalleyresort.com/

9. Whitetail Ski Resort:

Whitetail Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania that provide organized and effective ski lessons to beginners. The instructors are professional, friendly, and patient enough to make the ski lessons interactive and fun. The beginner’s program of this ski resort was declared the best ski lesson provided in the United States in 2011.

With 23 trails of various professional ranges, Whitetail is one of the popular skiing resorts for ski enthusiasts. If you love to ski around on challenging trails and slopes, bring your friends and family to explore the snowy mountain. Not much of a skiing person? Then you can enjoy the thrilling snow tube rides with your family and warm up by sitting beside the outdoor firepits after that. Such a relaxing place to spend a quality weekend.

Accommodation:

Whitetail Mountainside Village, The Mercersburg Inn & Byron’s Dining Room, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Springhill Suites by Marriott

Where to Dine:

The Trailside Grill, The Marketplace

How to Commute:

• Train Service- Martinsburg Amtrak Station
• Car Rental Service- Budget, Thrifty Car Rental, Enterprise, Avis
• Bus Service- Shady Grove & Station

What We Like:

• Professional and friendly instructors to provide private skiing and snowboarding lessons focusing on the learner’s need
•  Whitetail Safety department ensures the safety of the visitors through professional staff
• A thrilling and fun experience by riding snow tubes with family and friends
• Fire pits and picnic spots 
• A well-maintained resort area
• The staff are helpful and cordial
• The lifts are smooth 

What We Don’t Like:

• The place is overcrowded on the weekends
• The ski lines need to be more organized to prevent collisions while skiing

Address: 13805 Blairs Valley Road, Mercersburg, PA 17236, United States

Official Website: https://www.skiwhitetail.com/

10. Liberty Mountain Resort:

Liberty Mountain is one of the best ski resorts in PA for beginners as it provides several skiing programs to develop the skills of the learners. It features 16 trails for beginners and advanced skiers to get the ultimate skiing experience. If you love to play golf, you can join the Carrol Valley Golf which is a very well-known golf site with picturesque beauty. 

The ski resorts have two dining options for the summer and winter sessions. If you visit the resort area during summer, you can dine only in ‘Eagle and the Owl’. During the winter, the ski resort area buzzes with more visitors, and several dining options can be found then. If you want to skip skiing, you can explore the town’s historic sites, shops, and parks too.

Accommodation:

Highland Lodge, Alpine Lodge, Fairway Hotel

Where to Dine:

Eagle and the Owl during the summer, Mckees Tavern, Alpine Market, BBQ Deck, South Pole, and The Bakery during the winter

How to Commute:

• Train Service- Marc
• Bus Service- Shady Grove & Station, Peter Pan
• Taxi Service- North Frederic Park & Ride

What We Like:

• Effective private skiing and snowboarding lessons for every proficiency level by the interactive and helpful instructors
• The snow of the mountain is well maintained
• A great place to ski for the beginners as well as advanced skiers with a variety of trails
• Carroll Valley Golf, a well-groomed golf site to attend an 18-hole championship course
• Separate skiing development programs for the children, adults, and women
• Can explore historic places, hiking areas, bike parks, and, local shops

What We Don’t Like:

• Gets overcrowded on the weekends
• The pricing for lift tickets, rentals, and food is a bit high

Address: 78 Country Club Trail, Fairfield, PA 17320, United States

Official Website: https://www.libertymountainresort.com/

FAQs

Pennsylvania is a great place for visitors who love to explore the scenic beauty of mountains and enjoy thrilling winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. With a diversity of trails, slopes, and a variety of engaging events, both skiers and non-skiers will find several activities according to their interests.

Thus, skiing resorts in Pennsylvania will ensure you the best holiday experience with your family that you want to visit again.