10 Best Ski Resorts in the Pocono Mountains

Big Boulder is the place to be if you're looking to get a bit more extreme with your skiing. You'll find box jumps, rails, and more that make it the perfect place to practice tricks in freestyle terrain. While terrain parks make up about 70% of the slopes, you can also find runs better suited for beginners. 

Tannenbaum Park is particularly approachable for novice skiers. If you have plenty of experience, however, Love Park has the big jumps, tubes, and bars you need to absolutely shred the slopes.

Blue Mountain is one of the most popular ski resorts in the Poconos for 2 primary reasons. First, it's just 90 minutes away from Philadelphia, making it easy to access for a lot of people in the area. Second, it sports the biggest vertical drop in the entire state. 

If you're looking for massive steeps, Blue Mountain has got you covered. Razor's Edge, in particular, is popular with skilled skiers looking for a challenge. Of course, there are intermediate and beginner trails available as well if you're inexperienced or just looking for a relaxing cruise.

At Camelback Mountain, you'll find yourself at the largest ski resort in the Poconos. With so much space, the whole family can find fun here, as some slopes are suitable for beginners and others are a better fit for professionals. That includes black- and double-black-diamond trails comprising 35% of the total terrain on the mountain. 

Alternatively, some of the easier slopes even have a skiing school for kids and beginners. In total, you'll find 39 different trails across the width of the mountain, and every last one is outfitted with lights that make night skiing safe and easy.

At Jack Frost Mountain, you'll find extensive opportunities for easy ski experiences and family-friendly riding. It's located close to Big Boulder, but the experiences are remarkably different. 

The Jack Frost side of the area caters specifically to kids and beginners and even offers lessons covering every aspect of skiing, from turning and stopping to riding the chairlift. Plus, Jack Frost tends to have some of the best comfort food in the region, including child-friendly dishes like pizza and fries.

Shawnee Mountain is located in the center of the Poconos and offers plenty of adventure for the whole family to enjoy. The beginner trails are particularly popular, but that's not all you'll find here. 

This mountain has 23 trails in total, and some are designed for experts. You'll even find terrain parks where you can practice slides and grabs. With a 700-foot drop and top-tier snowmaking on every last trail, you can enjoy favorable conditions throughout the season.

Ski Big Bear is a bit unique compared to other popular ski resorts. The lodge is actually located at the top of the mountain, so you won't need a chairlift to start your descent. Once you reach the bottom of the slope, you can take the sliding sidewalk back to the top. 

Additionally, Ski Big Bear offers private lessons to beginners regardless of age, so it's suitable for kids and adults who are just getting into skiing—even if they're 50.

When you visit Bear Creek, you can hone your skills before tackling one of the bigger challenges in the area. The trails are largely pretty easy, but you'll find a few moderate slopes by the resort as well. Terrain courses are also available if you want to practice some tricks and hit the rails. 

Keep in mind, however, that Bear Creek is relatively small and has no formal training program on-site. If you're looking to teach your kids yourself, however, this is one of the best destinations in the Poconos.

When you visit Woodloch resort, you can enjoy a wide variety of experiences in addition to skiing, making it great for a visit at any time of the year. It's located on Lake Teedyuskung, so you can enjoy some relaxing time by the water or get a boat and venture out into it directly. 

Additionally, you'll find a championship golf course on-site, as well as a luxury spa, so relaxation is always easy to find. While the main lodge in the resort is certainly nice, you can also find accommodation in nearby motels, inns and vacation rentals.

Considering how far away Elk Mountain is from major cities, it's most popular with travelers looking for a weekend getaway. The mountain isn't particularly large, but its authenticity is undeniable. You won't find the same kind of crowds here as you would in the more popular resorts. 

Instead, you'll find yourself met with lazy trails winding through the trees, along with older ski lifts that come with plenty of charm without compromising safety. The down-home feel here can make any ski trip unforgettable.

Montage Mountain is located near Scranton and offers one of the longest snow tubing areas in the state. In total, you'll find 26 trails here of varying difficulties along with 2 terrain parks where you can practice your skills. One of the most interesting aspects of this resort, however, is that there's plenty to enjoy during the warmer seasons as well. 

Montage Mountain Waterpark is located on the ski-area grounds, so consider coming back during the summer to enjoy waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and much more.