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6 Best Ski Resorts in Pennsylvania, 2023/24

6 Best Ski Resorts in Pennsylvania, 2023/24
Karl Sander
Written by Karl Sander / Photos by Jack Lee
Last updated May 20, 2022

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!

Wide, open runs at Blue Mountain (Photo credit: Blue Mountain)

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

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)
Wide, open runs at Blue Mountain (Photo credit: Blue Mountain)

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.

Enjoy smaller crowds at Elk Mountain (Photo Credit: Elk Mountain) 

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

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)
Enjoy smaller crowds at Elk Mountain (Photo Credit: Elk Mountain) 

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.

Montage has terrain to keep everyone happy (Photo credit: Montage Mountain) 

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

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)
Montage has terrain to keep everyone happy (Photo credit: Montage Mountain) 

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!

Camelback is the ideal resort to learn to ski (Photo credit: Camelback Mountain) 

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.

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)
Camelback is the ideal resort to learn to ski (Photo credit: Camelback Mountain) 

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.

Expansive views from one of the highest verticals (Photo credit: Blue Knob)

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

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)
Expansive views from one of the highest verticals (Photo credit: Blue Knob)

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.

Looking down towards the lively ski town (Photo credit: Seven Springs)

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.

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)
Looking down towards the lively ski town (Photo credit: Seven Springs)

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.