Best Ski Resorts and Ski Resorts Near Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, we have an embarrassment of recreational riches. The Jersey Shore Beaches and the lakes of northern and central Pennsylvania await you in the summer. In the winter, the Poconos are the setting for a snowy wonderland and a fun weekend getaway. Whether you’re a mountain master or prefer rabbit trails, here are more than a dozen ski resorts to visit, all within a three-hour drive of Philadelphia.

Spring mountain adventures
Spring mountain adventures

Schwenksville, Pennsylvania
Less than an hour from Philadelphia, Spring Mountain Adventures is perfect if you don’t have much time or are looking to go skiing for the first time. With seven runs, five lifts, a terrain park, and ski and snowboard lessons, this manageable-sized facility is very beginner-friendly. After hitting the slopes, put on your laces for a few laps around the ice rink. Season passes, lift tickets and equipment rentals are available online.
Distance from Philadelphia: 50 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Schwenksville, Pennsylvania

Bear Creek Mountain Resort
Bear Creek Mountain Resort

Macungie, Pennsylvania
Spread over 330 acres, this resort is equipped for tons of outdoor activities. Most notably, the ski and snowboard scene includes 23 runs, trails and parks, for athletes of all levels. Six ski lifts will take you to the top and a 50% slope for expert skiers will take you back down. Lessons, three terrain parks, snow tubing, and equipment rentals are also available. For those who don’t want to play with the cold, one on site spa is the perfect respite. Lift tickets, season passes, tubingand rent reservations are made online.
Distance from Philadelphia: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Macungie, Pennsylvania

Blue mountain station
Blue mountain station

Palmerton, Pennsylvania
What does a vertical drop from 1,082 feet sound like? Blue Mountain maintains the highest vertical drop in the state, along with 40 ski runs, 16 lifts, and a separate snow tubing park. For those who want to show off a few tricks, head to one of five terrain parks, equipped with jumps, rails and turns. Beginners can sign up for beginner ski lessons and rent skis, boots and even snow pants. Lift tickets, rentals and ski lessons can be booked online.
Distance from Philadelphia: 1h30
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Palmerton, Pennsylvania

JFBB
JFBB

White Haven and Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania
Technically two mountains, visitors have access to both properties and the 35 trails and 22 lifts that come with them with a lift ticket to Jack Frost – Big Boulder. Big Boulder opened in 1947 as Pennsylvania’s first commercial ski resort, and Jack Frost opened in 1972. Both mountains feature a main lodge with rentals, tubing, and trails of all difficulty levels. Remember that if you rent equipment at one station, you must return it there before visiting the other station. Lift tickets, rentalsand Classes can be booked online.
Distance from Philadelphia: 1h35
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search nearby white haven and Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area

East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Ideal for beginners looking to get into skiing, Shawnee Mountain offers 23 runs, many of which are easy or moderate. Two terrain parks, snow tubing, 10 lifts, and a rental store complete this laid-back facility. Of course, courses and programs for children are also on the agenda. Lift tickets, rentals, lessons, tubing and season passes are available online.
Distance from Philadelphia: 2 hours
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Camelback Lodge and indoor water park
Camelback Lodge and indoor water park

Tannersville, Pennsylvania
One of the most popular and inclusive mountains in the Poconos, Camelback Mountain has a resort (with a free indoor water park) at the base of the mountain. One of the largest facilities in the area, Camelback has 39 ski runs, 42 snow tube runs, three ski-in ski-out dining options, and ski and snowboard lessons. With a good balance between beginner and super expert routes (and equipment rental), there’s something for everyone. Lift tickets and season passes can be booked online.
Distance from Philadelphia: 2 hours
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Tannersville, Pennsylvania

Mountain assembly
Mountain assembly

Scranton, Pennsylvania
Just outside of downtown Scranton, you can get both the city vibe and the slopes in minutes at Montage Mountain Resorts. The ski resort has 1,000 vertical feet and 27 runs, the majority of which are rated intermediate and advanced. Seven elevators will drop you off at the top and if you need a break, glide down the Midland for bites and beer. Tubing, a snow park and courses for adults and children are also available. Book lift tickets and tubes online.
Distance from Philadelphia: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Scranton, Pennsylvania

Roundtop mountain station
Roundtop mountain station

Lewisberry, Pennsylvania
Head west instead of north and you’ll find Roundtop Mountain Resort. Equipped with 20 runs, nine lifts, two terrain parks and tubing. Plus it’s a 45 minute drive to Hersheypark if you want to visit chocolatetown on your way. Lessons and equipment rental are also up for grabs. Book your lift tickets and tubing online.
Distance from Philadelphia: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Lewisberry, Pennsylvania

Elk Mountain Inc Ski Resort
Elk Mountain Inc Ski Resort

Union Dale, Pennsylvania
This ski resort dates back to the late 1950s and now features 27 runs and trails, a terrain park, seven lifts, and a vertical drop of 1,000 feet. Eleven of the trails are the most difficult, making it ideal for those who know their way around a mountain. Lift tickets, season passesand ski initiation packages are available online.
Distance from Philadelphia: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Union Dale, Pennsylvania

Skiing Big Bear Pennsylvania
Skiing Big Bear Pennsylvania

Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania
Ski down 18 trails (six of which are ideal for beginners), including winding trails to the bottom of Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain. Less imposing than some of the larger resorts, beginners will find lessons and equipment rentals easily accessible. On weekends, the tubing course is open for even more fun in the snow. Lift tickets are available online.
Distance from Philadelphia: 3 hours
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania

Liberty Mountain Station
Liberty Mountain Station

Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania
Just across the Maryland border, Liberty Mountain Resort keeps it up for southern AP. Sixteen trails and eight lifts serve the mountain; most of the trails are more advanced, but the side of the mountain closest to the lodge is where you’ll find the easiest inclines. Two terrain parks, including one for beginners, provide plenty of room to show off your moves. Tubes, courses and rentals are also additions. Book lift tickets, rentalsand tubing online.
Distance from Philadelphia: 3 hours
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search near Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania

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Allie Volpe is a Philadelphia-based writer. She hasn’t slept for days. Follow her on Twitter: @allieevolpe.

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