By Emily Whalen on Dec. 05, 2024
Getting ready for a skiing or snowboarding trip to the Pocono Mountains? Blue Mountain Resort and Shawnee Mountain Ski Area open Friday, December 6, and Jack Frost Mountain is open now! Just a two-hour drive from New York City and Philadelphia, the Poconos is ideal for coasting down the snowy slopes, whether you’re looking for first-time ski lessons or four diamond runs to conquer.
Our region has been a paradise for snow sports enthusiasts for decades. Pennsylvania’s first commercial ski resort, Big Boulder Ski Area , opened in the Pocono Mountains in 1946 and became a pioneer in snowmaking techniques. Today, there are six amazing mountains to choose from, including the state’s highest vertical and the two largest snow tubing parks in the country. Take a look at our live webcams and snow report to see what's happening on the mountains right now and check out our breakdown of Poconos ski areas below. The anticipated opening date for Camelback Mountain is December 14.. Stay tuned for opening day info for Big Boulder Ski Area. Find the slopes that are just right for you and your group - plus ideas of where to eat and drink when you're ready for some apres ski fun!
Camelback Mountain in Tannersville has been welcoming winter adventurers for over 60 years and is the largest ski resort in the Poconos with 39 trails and 166 acres of slope space. Excellent snow making and grooming across Camelback's 800-ft vertical rise ensure a smooth trip down the beautiful trails. The "Black Bear 6" enclosed, high-speed, six-person lift will take you to the top of the mountain more quickly and comfortably than ever. The Learning Center at Mountain Village offers private and group lessons to get beginners comfortable navigating the mountain. After dark galactic snow tubing is an experience you won't forget, and Camelback's 42 lanes make it the second largest snow tubing park in the USA. Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark .
For Ikon Pass members, don't forget: both Camelback Mountain and Blue Mountain in the Poconos are part of Ikon Pass. Consult your pass for more details!
Nearby Places to Eat & Drink
Two restaurants at Camelback Lodge , Berrelli's Italian Chophouse and Hemispheres , serve up hearty meals, and more options await just down the road in Tannersville. From classic sundaes at Friendly's to Indian dishes at Tandoor Palace to Hibachi and fresh sushi at desaki , you'll find something for everyone! Make another stop along the Pocono Beverage Trail at Barley Creek Brewing Company , located at the base of the mountain, which has a full menu of apps, soups, salads, burgers, mac and cheese, and more plus hand-crafted beers and spirits. Stop by the The Taproom by Barley Creek at the Pocono Premium Outlets for even more bites and brews.
Jack Frost Mountain in White Haven is located just a few peaks away from its sister resort, Big Boulder Ski Area , and one lift ticket grants you full access to both resorts. Just two hours away from Manhattan, Jack Frost's 12 lifts and 20 inviting trails offer a great variety for skiers and snowboarders . Sign up for beginner adult or child lessons at the Ski School, with advanced lessons also available for those looking to hone their skills. Start your morning on the mountain; the slopes at Jack Frost open at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. on weekends. The Epic Mix app makes it easy for guests to plan their day, consult interactive trail maps, and receive up-to-the-minute resort notifications.
Offering one of the best park systems on the East Coast, Big Boulder Ski Area in Lake Harmony is the place to be for boarders , Terrain parks and features cover the mountainside, occupying half of the slope space. Practice your tricks on ramps, jumps, hits, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half and quarter pipes and more. Enjoy five new lifts with fixed-grip, four-person chairs which greatly increase uphill capacity and access to multiple slopes. Big Boulder is open until 8 p.m. seven days a week, perfect for night skiing or snowboarding. Over at the bubly snowtubing park, families can enjoy sliding downhill then hopping on the conveyor carpet and towrope lift to get back up the mountain.
Nearby Places to Eat & Drink
Follow the winding road along the shores of Lake Harmony to discover lots of places to eat at the foot of Jack Frost and Big Boulder. Split Rock Resort is home to the Lake View Tavern , while Split Rock Golf Club 's Sunset Green Restaurant & Bar is open Thursdays through Sundays in the winter. Shenanigans , Nick's Lake House , Louie's Prime Steakhouse , and Boulder View Tavern are also located just a short drive away from the slopes.
A great winter outing is waiting for skiers and snowboarders at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in East Stroudsburg this season. Hop on one of 12 lifts, including a high-speed quad, to access 23 trails, two terrain parks, and 125 skiable acres or hit the snow tubing park. From adult lessons and learn to ski packages to children's programs like "Skiwee" and "Mountain Cruisers," Shawnee Mountain is a great place to try skiing or snowboarding for the first time. The new Mini Snowboard Camp offers a four-session snowboard camp for children ages 7-16, while the Mini Monster Mountain features a children’s play area with activities and equipment to encourage snow play.
Have an Indy Pass? Both Shawnee Mountain Ski Area and Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain in the Poconos are partner resorts! Consult your pass for more details.
Nearby Places to Eat & Drink
Less than ten minutes' drive from Shawnee Mountain, The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort along the Delaware River is home to delicious restaurants like The Gem and Keystone Tavern and The River Room plus another stop along the Pocono Beverage Trail, ShawneeCraft Brewing Company , which has 16 handmade beers and hard seltzers on tap. Try Ecuadorian dishes at Bluefoot Cuisine or homestyle Mexican and Spanish food Los Tres Amigos in East Stroudsburg. Nearby Delaware Water Gap and Stroudsburg are full of even more great options.
What’s New at Pocono Ski Resorts This Season New eateries, enhanced snowmaking, passholder perks, and more!
December 12, 2024 – By this weekend, all six ski resorts in the Pocono Mountains will be open for the 2024/2025 season, with new enhancements on and around the slopes. Internationally recognized as a premier winter destination, the four-county region is home to the country’s two largest snow tubing parks, cutting-edge snowmaking systems, and award-winning learn-to-ski and snowboard programs led by seasoned instructors.
Open as of December 6th
New in 2024-2025:
3rd and 4th Grade Pass for students from any school and state. With a paid adult lift ticket, children in these grades receive three complimentary ski or snowboard visits, valid midweek or after 3 PM on weekends and holidays.
Now offering convenient lodging packages at the historic Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort that include snow tubing, group lessons, or private lessons, simplifying the purchasing process for guests.
Renewable Energy Initiative focusing on sustainability through an innovative wind energy agreement with ENGIE, upgrading energy efficient snowmaking equipment and implementing eco-friendly practices throughout the resort.
Discounted tickets for college students, active-duty military members, and seniors aged 65 to 69. Additionally, seniors ages 70+ ski for free, as do children under 46” tall.
Shawnee Mountain maintains its commitment to affordability by offering free parking to all guests, eliminating hidden fees, and providing a hassle-free experience from arrival.
Jack Frost Mountain - Open as of December 4th
Big Boulder Ski Area - Opening December 13th
New in 2024-2025:
New energy-efficient snow guns increase resource efficiency at key runs, and allowed Jack Frost to be the first ski resort in Pennsylvania to open this season.
New LED slope lights added to Big Boulder’s world-class beginner terrain are 42% brighter and require approximately 53% less energy to run.
New snow tubing park signage, lighting, and tubes.
My Epic app with Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets allows guests to use their phone as their ticket to the slopes. Includes interactive trail maps with GPS location tracking as well as resort alerts like snow reports and conditions.
Seasonal programs: Mountain Explorers (4-week program where participants are coached in small groups) and Women’s Development program (6-week program designed for women, by women).
First Fridays event series from Women in Powder designed exclusively for women and offers a blend of movement, connection, and relaxation. Offered First Fridays of the month in January at Jack Frost and February at Big Boulder.
Opening December 14th
New in 2024-2025:
New Peak-to-Peak Pocono Pass “Reward” (see above).
New adult, senior, and youth classes at Ski & Ride Academy.
Camelback remains the first ski resort in the country to offer Just Walk Out technology utilizing only a credit card, the Amazon app, or the Camelback app at the resort’s Big Pocono On The Go eatery.
Rakuda Ramen joins the dynamic dining scene with authentic Japanese flavors available for both grab-and-go and on-site enjoyment.
Visit PoconoMountains.com/Ski and check out our blog to learn about all six ski resorts in the Pocono Mountains. Before heading out, view our live cameras and the snow report page to stay up-to-date on what's happening on your favorite slopes.
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