By: Emily Whalen
Time to hit the slopes; Pocono Mountains ski season is here! Four of our six ski areas are currently open, with the other two scheduled to open this weekend, and each one is offering new enhancements this winter season.
Poconos skiing and snowboarding has begun, and you don’t want to miss park upgrades, equipment expansions and ski specials this year. Each resort offers world class learning programs for those who are new to the sport and for those who want a refresher! Whether you’re trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time, or you’ve got your own gear ready to go, get ready to head to the mountain. Scroll down to learn what to expect at each of the six Poconos ski resorts this season.
Big Boulder Ski Area
Lake Harmony, PA
Status: Now open
Trails: Up to 15
Lifts: Up to 10
This season: The terrain parks at Big Boulder Ski Area cover over half the slope area, and they’ve been reconfigured this year to allow for better progression and a better experience, especially for beginner and intermediate guests. The new Epic Mix app has been implemented, making it easier for guests to check for updates and plan their day on the mountain.
Blue Mountain Resort
Palmerton, PA
Status: Now open
Trails: Up to 40
Lifts: Up to 16
This season: The home of Pennsylvania’s highest vertical, Blue Mountain Resort has a brand new, seven-acre, 2,500-foot-long black diamond trail to try this year, with fully-automated snow making and LED lighting. You can even cast your vote to help name the new run! Over on the snow tubing hill, a third carpet lift and an expansion from 32 to 46 lanes gives Blue Mountain the crown of largest snow tubing park in the United States. When you’re ready for a break, enjoy on-site food trucks and plussed-up outdoor dining with string lights and fireplaces.
Camelback Mountain
Tannersville, PA
Status: Now open
Trails: Up to 39
Lifts: Up to 16
This season: When you book a Family & Friends Beginner Lesson at Camelback Mountain , the whole group can now stay together; members who want to learn to ski and members who want to learn to snowboard can learn at the same time! New this season, Camelback has added a RFID system for easy and hands-free lift access. If you have a season pass or a lift ticket, you can load your pass online and go straight to the lift. Be sure to download the new Camelback Resort app before you arrive to help your whole group, including the youngest members, plan an exciting day. Come hungry to the new Big Pocono Food Hall at Camelback Mountain Village with lots of convenient and delicious grab-and-go meal options.
Jack Frost Mountain
White Haven, PA
Status: Now open
Trails: Up to 20
Lifts: Up to 12
This season: Skiers and riders heading to Jack Frost Mountain can now book rentals online ahead of time. Don’t forget to download the newly-implemented Epic Mix app for up-to-date resort notifications. With a vertical drop of 600 feet and a wide variety of groomed and inviting terrain, Jack Frost is perfect for all skill levels. Check out signature seasonal programs and adaptive programs designed to provide those with disabilities and/or special needs the opportunity to experience snow sports.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
East Stroudsburg, PA
Status: Scheduled to open on Friday, December 24
Trails: Up to 23
Lifts: Up to 10
This season: Be one of the first to break in hundreds of new rental snowboards, skis, boots, helmets and bindings at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area this season. New equipment for the slopes includes three new fan guns on beginner trails and 55 automated snow-making hydrants, providing 100% snowmaking across the 125 acres of skiable terrain. The snow tubing park has a new surface lift and a new grooming machine. Warm up with premier coffee and craft tea at the new Greenhouse Cafe at Hope Lodge, and enjoy more enhancements to the eateries and grab-and-go options.
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain
Lackawaxen, PA
Status: Scheduled to open on Sunday, December 26
Trails: Up to 18
Lifts: Up to 7
This season: Improved snowmaking capabilities at Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain this season make for an even better experience for skiers and boarders on the slopes. Guests will also find new rental equipment and upgrades to the e-commerce store and website, with a new live chat feature to get your questions answered quickly online before you arrive. Ski Big Bear’s ever-popular lessons are available for adults and children ready to get started on their skiing or snowboarding journey.
Ready to shred and schuss your way down the slopes? We’ve got tons of trip planning tools to help you make the most of your mountain experience. You can keep an eye on trail stats with our snow conditions report, watch snowmaking in real time through our live cameras and browse happenings on our ski season event calendar. For deals on places to stay in the Pocono Mountains, view this season’s ski and stay packages. You can also browse ski lesson offerings and tips for your first time skiing or snowboarding.
Not a skier? Pocono Mountains winter fun doesn’t stop at the slopes! Check out winter adventures, day trips and blogs for other exciting ways to explore the region and more frosted fun.
(Pocono Mountains Blog)
