Whether you’re a Pennsylvania local, a New Englander, or are just looking for a change of pace in your skiing, Pennsylvania ski resorts are worth a visit! Pennsylvania is home to one of the top 10 ski resorts in the United States as well as the largest snow tube park!
It’s an excellent place for beginners and for travelers coming from southern states as well as for New Yorkers looking for a break from crowds. It also offers a great variety of terrain parks for skiers that prefer to ride rails rather than groomers.
You can expect to find relatively low elevations with medium-sized vertical rises at Pennsylvania ski resorts, as well as reasonably priced, affordable lift tickets. We also love that many of these ski resorts don’t draw the same level of crowds that other Eastern resorts do, in places like Vermont or New Hampshire.
No matter what your style of skiing, you’ll be sure to find it at one of these 8 best Pennsylvania ski resorts!
But first…ski gear!
Regardless of your ski level, it’s important to head out onto the slopes fully prepared with the right gear for skiing! Bringing your kids out for the first time, be sure to make sure you have everything they need for a successful day outside. Everyone can benefit from wearing comfortable ski boots with the right level of support as well! So, if you’ve been riding a pair that pinches, it’s time to upgrade.
Once you’re sure you’re fully prepared with the gear you need, take a look at our top 8 ski resorts in Pennsylvania!
Top 8 Pennsylvania Ski Resorts
1. Montage Mountain Resorts
Acreage: 140 acres
Highest elevation point: 1,960 ft
Number of runs: 26
Best for: Indy Pass holders, all-level skiers, expert skiers, groups, quality snow conditions
We have to hand the number one spot to Montage Mountain Resorts on our list of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania! This ski resort truly has something for every level of skier, with by far the best slopes for expert skiers.
You can consistently find Montage Mountain in the top 10 ski resorts in the United States. It’s 140 acres are evenly distributed between beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level skiers. It’s impressive 270 snowmaking machines cover all slopes, so you can feel confident in quality snow conditions with every visit. Montage Mountain’s après scene is centered around Midland- a social hub right on the hill, so if you’re traveling with a group to a Pennsylvania resort, this is a fun visit!
2. Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Acreage: 285 acres
Highest elevation point: 2,994 ft
Number of runs: 40
Best for: Pittsburgh locals, park skiers, weekend trips
The largest ski resort in Pennsylvania by skiable acres is Seven Springs Mountain Resort, located in the southeastern part of the state. This ski resort is just an hour and a half away from Pittsburgh and features the second highest ski peak in Pennsylvania at just under 3,000 feet!
With 14 lifts servicing 40 trails and a wide variety of terrain parks, seven overall, Seven Springs is a great choice for residents and travelers looking for a little bit of everything while staying near the city!
3. Elk Mountain
Acreage: 180 acres
Highest elevation point: 2,667 ft
Number of runs: 27
Best for: Scranton locals, intermediate to advanced skiers, night skiing, park skiers
Just half an hour north of Scranton is Elk Mountain, one of the more challenging ski resorts in Pennsylvania. Featuring a nearly 1,000-foot vertical rise, skiers can expect relatively long runs with steep pitches, with ten of Elk Mountain’s 27 trails are rated as black diamonds.
Night skiing is also available on 7 trails, including 4 beginner runs, making it a great option for families in the northwestern Pennsylvania region who want to make it out after school. Elk Mountain includes a terrain park as well as a ski school for both kids and adults.
4. Blue Mountain Ski Area
Acreage: 164 acres
Highest elevation point: 1,540 ft
Number of runs: 42
Best for: all-level skiers, families
Right in the Pocono mountains is Blue Mountain Ski Area. Taking the crown with Pennsylvania’s highest vertical at 1,142 feet, Blue Mountain offers skiers of all levels a thrill. While there is plenty of terrain for beginners, expert level skiers still have plenty of terrain to work with, bringing crowds on the weekend. Fortunately, Blue Mountain’s 42 trails and 16 lifts spread out the crowds, so it doesn’t feel too busy. Snow tubing is also available at this ski area if you’re looking for something else to do in the winter!
5. Camelback Ski Area
Acreage: 166 acres
Highest elevation point: 2,133 ft
Number of runs: 35
Best for: Scranton locals, quality snow conditions, snow tubing, families, groups
Just 40 minutes south of Scranton is Camelback Ski Area, known for being the largest ski area in the Pocono Mountain! It consistently ranks at the top of the list of Pennsylvania ski resorts, with 1,200 snowmaking machines, skiers can count on a heavy snow base to keep its skiers happy all season long.
Camelback features an 800-foot vertical rise, which is a little less than other ski resorts of similar size. What it lacks in vertical height on skis it makes up for in snow tubing, as Camelback claims to have the largest snow tubing park in the country! Located just off I-80, Camelback is one of the most accessible ski resorts in Pennsylvania.
6. Shawnee Mountain
Acreage: 125 acres
Highest elevation point: 1,350 ft
Number of runs: 29
Best for: Indy Pass holders, Scranton locals, beginner to intermediate skiers, night skiing
Next on our list is Shawnee Mountain, located less than an hour from Scranton. Shawnee is a great option for groups with beginner skiers with 13 of its 29 runs marked green. By Pennsylvania standards, this is a medium-sized ski hill with a 700-foot vertical rise. Intermediate skiers should be sure to the west side trails, as these tend to have fewer beginners. Shawnee offers night skiing with lifts operating until 9pm Thursday – Sunday as well as a snow tube park!
7. Blue Knob All Seasons
Acreage: 100 acres
Highest elevation point: 3,146 ft
Number of runs: 34
Best for: Indy Pass holders, night skiing, families, groups, all-level skiers
The tallest peak in Pennsylvania is Blue Knob All Seasons, located two hours east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Standing at 3,146 feet, it is the only Pennsylvania ski resort above 3,000 feet! It features a 1,073-foot vertical and trails at all ski levels, so there’s something for everyone in the family or group.
Lift tickets start at just $43 for adults, making it one of the most affordable ski areas in Pennsylvania. One thing we would love to see from Blue Knob is increased snowmaking, as only 84 acres are covered by machines. However, we love to see that night skiing is available at this Pennsylvania resort!
8. Hidden Valley Resort
Acreage: 465 acres
Highest elevation point: 2,874 ft
Number of runs: 79
Best for: park skiers, Pittsburgh locals, beginner to intermediate skiers, quality snow conditions
Just over an hour outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is Hidden Valley Resort. This family friendly resort is a longstanding destination for beginner and intermediate skiers. Boasting 9 terrain parks, park skiers rejoice, this Pennsylvania resort is a park destination. It is the third highest ski peak in Pennsylvania but has a relatively small vertical of less than 500 feet.
Lift tickets are relatively affordable, starting at $56 for adults. Also, you can expect consistent snow, as all 79 of Hidden Valley’s trails are covered by its arsenal of snowmaking machines!
If you’re planning a trip out to Pennsylvania this year, consider these 8 ski resorts! We hope this list of resorts introduced you to some new names that best suit your ski style and ability. As always, you can share your memories, photos, and even wipe outs, with us by tagging us on our Instagram. We love hearing from you!
