The Pocono Mountains are a year-round destination, but winter is when the region truly comes alive for skiing enthusiasts. Whether you’re an avid skier, snowboarder, or simply someone looking for a cozy winter retreat, the Poconos offers some of the best skiing in the Northeast. This guide will walk you through the top ski resorts, help you understand the ski pass options, and give you all the insider tips you need to plan the perfect ski vacation for your family or group.
The Best Ski Resorts
The Poconos Mountains are home to several ski resorts that cater to all levels of experience, from beginner slopes to advanced terrain. Here are the top three resorts you’ll want to check out:
Jack Frost – Big Boulder
Jack Frost and Big Boulder are sister resorts located less than 20 minutes apart, making them the ultimate dual-destination for winter sports lovers. These two resorts offer unique skiing experiences that are accessible with one lift ticket, and they are both part of the Epic Pass, a pass that provides access to there and to many other ski resorts across America.
Jack Frost is known for its wide-open trails and family-friendly atmosphere, and is ideal for beginners and intermediates. The resort boasts over 20 trails and 9 lifts, with the longest trail, “Jane’s Lane,” running over a mile. For those new to skiing or snowboarding, Jack Frost’s Ski & Snowboard School offers lessons for all ages.
Big Boulder is perfect if you’re more into snowboarding or terrain parks. It has one of the best terrain parks in the Northeast, making it a hotspot for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. It features 15 trails and 8 lifts, with the focus on challenging terrain and freestyle features like jumps, rails, and halfpipes.
An insider tip about passes: Buy the Epic Pass if you plan on going to Jack Frost/Big Boulder. If you’re planning multiple ski trips or venturing to other ski destinations, the Epic Pass is a must-have. It provides unlimited access to Jack Frost and Big Boulder and more than 40 other resorts globally. The pass comes in several variations depending on how many of the resorts you want access to and how frequently you plan to ski. Some of the perks of the Epic Pass include: No blackout dates for most passes, discounts on lodging, rentals and food at partner resorts and options to ski at world-class destinations like Vail, Park City, Whistler and more. But be aware, prices do go up on October 8, 2024. And the deadline to purchase an Epic Pass is usually late November/early December, so don’t miss your window to buy!
If you’re only skiing locally in the Poconos, consider the Northeast Value Pass, which provides access to Jack Frost, Big Boulder, and other resorts in the region at a more affordable price.
Camelback Mountain Resort
Located in Tannersville, Camelback Resort is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in the Poconos. Offering 39 trails and 16 lifts, Camelback is known for its diverse terrain, catering to beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers alike. With night skiing available and extensive snow making capabilities, Camelback guarantees excellent conditions throughout the winter season. They also have some great ski instructors to help you get started, with Ski Classes & Lessons for all levels. Camelback’s trails vary from wide-open beginner slopes to challenging double-black diamond runs, such as The Nile Mile, which will keep seasoned skiers on their toes.
In addition to skiing, Camelback is also home to Camelback Snowtubing – the largest snow tubing park in the country, with over 40 lanes to choose from. And the indoor Aquatopia Waterpark makes it a perfect destination for families.
Camelback is part of the Ikon Pass network, which grants access to over 50 ski resorts worldwide, including top destinations like Aspen, Deer Valley, and Killington. For skiers who plan to travel or ski frequently, the Ikon Pass is a great investment. Benefits of the Ikon Pass include: unlimited skiing at participating resorts or a set number of days at premier locations, no blackout dates with the full pass, and access to global ski destinations from New Zealand to Japan. For more local skiing, the Ikon Base Pass offers unlimited access to Camelback and a limited number of days at other nearby resorts. You can also buy lift tickets and season passes directly from Camelback, as well.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
For those looking for a laid-back and family-oriented ski resort, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is a fantastic choice. Located near the Delaware Water Gap, Shawnee is known for its friendly atmosphere and top-notch learning programs. It has 23 slopes and trails spanning 125 acres, two terrain parks, and offers 100% snowmaking across all trails, ensuring great conditions even if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.
Shawnee is perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers, with its gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas. The resort is also great for families with younger kids, offering group lessons, a ski school, and more.
While Shawnee isn’t part of the Epic or Ikon Pass, it offers affordable lift tickets and great discounts for groups and families, making it one of the most budget-friendly options in the region.
Planning Your Poconos Ski Trip
When planning your Poconos ski getaway, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your experience.
Best Time to Ski in the Poconos
The Poconos ski season typically runs from late November through early April, with the best snow conditions usually occurring between mid-January and early March. For those looking to avoid crowds, weekdays are the best time to hit the slopes, as weekends can get busy, especially during holiday periods.
Equipment Rentals and Lessons
All the resorts offer rental equipment for skiing and snowboarding, so no need to bring your own gear. They also offer lessons for beginners, making it easy for anyone to learn the sport, whether you’re a kid or an adult.
Off-Slope Activities
When you and your group stay at one of the amazing vacation rentals from Pocono Mountain Rentals, there’s plenty to do when you’re not on the slopes. Cozy up by the firepit, explore local restaurants, or unwind with apres-ski drinks at one of the many resort bars. Being the premier vacation rental brand for families and large groups in the Poconos, you’ll build big memories while you enjoy our spacious homes. Most feature game rooms that everyone can enjoy as they wind down, and many feature multiple living and kitchen areas, as well as sprawling decks that allow you to enjoy all that the Poconos has to offer.
The Poconos Mountains are the ideal winter escape, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the region. And whether you’re skiing at Jack Frost – Big Boulder or exploring Camelback, you’re in for a winter adventure you won’t forget.
