Embark on a Whimsical Winter Adventure in the Enchanting Pocono Mountains!

For many decades, the Pocono Mountains situated in northeastern Pennsylvania have celebrated the splendor of winter, presenting an endless variety of snowy activities. Most notably recognized for its six lively ski resorts, the Pocono Mountains’ affiliation with skiing began in 1946 when the area inaugurated Pennsylvania’s first commercial ski resort and mastered the art of snowmaking.

Nowadays, individuals from all across the east flock to the Poconos to savor reliable snow and trails suited for skiers and boarders of all aptitudes. Push your limits on advanced mogul runs or glide down impeccably maintained intermediate routes. Are you new to the sport? Each of the ski resorts provides expert guidance, along with diverse beginner terrains, perfect for honing your skills. Several ski spots feature magic carpets for children who are either too small or inexperienced for standard chair lifts. Altogether, the six ski areas in the Poconos showcase 185 slopes and trails along with spectacular terrain parks. Nevertheless, not every guest to the Poconos is an avid skier. A lot come for snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, or to engage in a range of winter sports. Other frosty activities include sleigh rides and winter paintball.

Families, couples, and solo thrill-seekers can all relish the Pocono Mountains during the winter months. Ice skating on frozen ponds and lakes is a winter tradition, along with snowshoeing across unspoiled state and national parks that feature trails and breathtaking panoramic views.

“Our winter wonderland is the ideal venue to engage in the finest outdoor activities while still enjoying the best indoor experiences available,” remarks James Hamill from the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “At Camelback Resort, you can ski, snowboard, or go snow tubing, then relax in the 80-degree Aquatopia, the resort’s indoor waterpark. Kalahari and Great Wolf are just a short drive from any of our five other ski resorts, alongside plenty of outdoor pathways for winter adventure lovers. Moreover, our quaint towns serve as excellent starting points for culture, cuisine, and delightful shopping experiences regardless of the season.”

Woodloch Resort

At Woodloch Resort, winter metamorphoses the 1,500-acre estate into a snowy paradise, perfect for outdoor escapades. Some favored snow-centric activities include:

• Snow tubing – Woodloch features two snow tube tracks and generates its own snow.
• Snowshoeing – They provide the equipment, depending on weather conditions.
• Winter Olympics competitions – Engage in various outdoor challenges.
• Ice skating and ice hockey on a covered, synthetic rink.

Additionally, The Lodge at Woodloch, an elegant destination spa, offers guided snowshoe excursions that blend physical engagement with stunning vistas and peaceful moments in nature.

Camelback Resort

Explore why Camelback Resort has maintained its status as a premier destination for winter snow aficionados since 1963. Featuring 39 trails, skiers and boarders have ample opportunities to traverse a variety of terrains and maximize their experience on the slopes. Regardless of whether you are a novice or an expert rider, skilled instructors at Camelback Ski and Ride Academy are available to build your confidence and refine your techniques on the mountain. The Academy features a selection of lessons tailored to every requirement and age, including programs for children, sessions for families and friends, private lessons, and multi-week courses. New this season are adult clinics and an after-school program for ages 9 to 18 every Tuesday evening. With more than 40 tubing lanes available, you can glide down the slopes all day and into the night, with lit lanes enhancing the thrill after dark.

Skytop Lodge

Skytop Lodge has been catering to discerning visitors since 1928. Nestled amid 5,500 acres of unspoiled nature, Skytop Lodge rises elegantly atop a winding trail leading to its entrance. “Skytop Lodge is the consummate setting for your upcoming winter retreat as we offer winter activities catering from beginners to adrenaline junkies,” states Christy Ranallo, Director of Sales & Marketing. “During the snowy season, our offerings include snow tubing, downhill skiing, and ice skating. This year we also look forward to introducing two distinctive activities: ice fishing and ice skating on the lake. In addition to outdoor activities on snow-filled days, our TreeTop Adventure Course is still available, along with an Intro to Shotgun experience. These offerings aren’t exclusively available for our resort guests but also to the…outside visitors exploring the Poconos for the day.”

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area provides a remarkable winter adventure. Spanning 125 skiable acres, featuring 23 trails, the state’s latest high-speed quad lift, terrain parks, and complete snowmaking, Shawnee Mountain ensures enjoyment for every member of the party, including non-skiers who can engage in snow tubing with single tubes and tandem options for adults and children. With breathtaking vistas, snow tubing at Shawnee Mountain is simply exhilarating. Additionally, no expertise or gear is required. Each tubing session lasts for 1.5 hours. Youngsters who are not skiing can have fun at the Mini Monster Mountain, a play area conveniently placed in the beginners’ zone.

Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort

Patrons of Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort can “mush” across groomed, snowy trails while guided by a team of Siberian Huskies. Experience a journey with Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours, which operates from The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort on weekends throughout the winter season. Participants must be at least ten years old. When snow blankets the ground, you will have the chance to stand on the back of the sled and guide the huskies. Additional activities include crafting snowmen, enjoying winter campfires, and participating in winter hikes.

Blue Mountain Resort

Join Blue Mountain Resort on Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26 for the much-anticipated Winter Celebration. This complimentary event presents entertainment for the entire family. The festival will take place at the Summit Lodge, positioned at the peak of the mountain, on Summit School Hill. Interact with the USA Luge Team, engage in snow activities, browse vendor booths, enjoy fireworks, and listen to music. Featuring 40 trails designed for all levels of ability, Blue Mountain Resort boasts the state’s highest vertical drop at 1,082 feet, providing diverse terrain and one of the east coast’s largest snowmaking systems to guarantee excellent conditions.