Ski resorts aren’t just for the Poconos: Here are 10 others to check out in PA
Take to the snow at these ski resorts in western, central, and southeastern Pennsylvania.
The Pocono Mountains may have stunning ski resorts, but don’t sleep on the rest of the commonwealth. You can find skiing opportunities—as well as snowboarding and snow tubing sites—all across the state. Whether you’re in the Laurel Highlands in southwestern Pa., near Philly, or in the center of the state, if you’re looking for quality powder, you can find a ski resort near you.
1. Seven Springs Mountain Resort – Somerset
The largest ski resort in Pennsylvania, Seven Springs Mountain Resort is famous for its wide variety of winter activities like skiing (both downhill and cross-country), snow tubing, and snowboarding, as well as its luxury lodge with more than 400 rooms. The Seven Springs complex also has a number of restaurants and bars for whetting your appetite after a day on the slopes. As the resort is owned and operated by Colorado-based Vail Resorts, users of Vail’s Epic Pass can ski at Seven Springs in addition to the company’s western resorts.
2. Hidden Valley Resort – Hidden Valley
Like Seven Springs, Hidden Valley Resort is a ski resort in the Laurel Highlands owned by Vail Resorts. It has slopes and trails for a variety of ski and snowboarding skill levels. However, it may be better suited for beginners than Seven Springs, as Hidden Valley has a higher proportion of easier runs. That means that Hidden Valley might especially be a good option for families with kids who are learning to ski. Bonus: There’s usually less of a crowd at Hidden Valley!
3. Mt. Pleasant of Edinboro – Cambridge Springs
Tucked in the northwestern corner of the commonwealth, Mt. Pleasant of Edinboro is a ski resort far from the state’s tallest mountains, but it still has great opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. With its mild hills, the ski area is a good fit for beginners. Plus, Mt. Pleasant is less expensive than mammoths in the ski resort world like Seven Springs.
4. Ski Sawmill Family Resort – Morris
In the northern mountains of central Pennsylvania’s Lycoming County, Ski Sawmill Family Resort is a small, family-run ski resort for those looking for fewer crowds and affordable prices on their ski trips. The unpretentious resort has 12 slopes and 4 lifts—and there are very rarely any lines! There are also lodging options, such as a 10-room inn and a group lodge.
5. Whitetail Mountain Resort – Mercersburg
Whitetail Mountain Resort can be found in the Bear Pond Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains. The south-central Pennsylvania resort is one of the newer resorts in the eastern U.S., having opened in 1991. Because it’s close to Washington, D.C., there are often crowds coming into Pa. to visit Whitetail and its 23 ski and snowboarding trails. Still, the high-speed chair lift and the long runs draw Pennsylvanians to Whitetail each winter. The resort is another Pa. ski resort owned by Vail.
6. Roundtop Mountain Resort – Lewisberry
York County’s Roundtop Mountain Resort, owned by Vail, is a solid choice for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in the winter months, as the mountain is just half an hour from Harrisburg, and the resort’s 21 trails are short but fun. The slopes are particularly excellent for skilled visitors, as more than half of the ski terrain is rated for advanced skiers.
7. Liberty Mountain Resort – Fairfield
Southern Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort is located just over the Maryland border, and as such, it attracts many skiers from the Washington, D.C., and Maryland regions. And like nearby Roundtop and Whitetail, Liberty Mountain is owned by Vail Resorts. Most of the 16 trails are ideal for casual skiers, as roughly two-thirds of the terrain is rated for beginners or intermediate skiers. Outside of skiing, the resort has on-site lodging as well as a handful of restaurants.
8. Spring Mountain Adventures – Schwenksville
If you live in Philadelphia, Spring Mountain Adventures is your closest opportunity for downhill skiing. Just a little over an hour from Philly, the Schwenksville resort offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and even ice skating. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, you can participate in a variety of skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating lessons. The runs, however, are pretty short—but with some of the cheapest lift tickets around, a visit to Spring Mountain is entirely worth it.
9. Bear Creek Mountain Resort – Macungie
The short, easy runs at Bear Creek Mountain Resort beckon visitors to the Lehigh Valley for winter fun via skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. The resort’s ski area is perfect for beginners, especially if you’re just learning to ski, but note that Bear Creek can get crowded on weekends since it’s so close to major population centers. Bear Creek also has excellent on-site lodging, a spa, and a few restaurants.
10. Tussey Mountain Ski Lodge – Boalsburg
Centre County’s Tussey Mountain Ski Lodge is not far from Penn State, so don’t be surprised if you see the lifts dotted with blue and white. The ski area is smaller than most, but it’s a solid option if you don’t want to travel far and don’t want to be stymied by long lift lines. At Tussey Mountain, the snowmaking is reliable, and the slopes are perfect for families.
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