Skiing has remained a favorite pastime for many Americans, whether they are just beginners or seasoned professionals. During the 2018-2019 snow season, the U.S. Northeast saw more than 12.5 million visitors, up from just under 12 million the season before. More and more people are making the most of the cold weather and putting their snowsports skills to the test — and skiing continues to top the charts in terms of popularity. Out of 2018-2019’s 9.2 million total skiers and snowboarders, seven million were skiers.
Skiing and other snowsports provide a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the unique beauty that winter brings. Are you ready to escape to the mountains this winter? Any of these 15 Pennsylvania ski resorts will be a good home base for your adventures.
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Out of all of the states in the U.S., 37 had operating ski areas during the 2018-2019 season. Pennsylvania happens to behind only six other states for the most ski resorts per state, boasting 26 resorts.
For incredible views and an unbeatable experience, here are just 15 amazing ski resorts Pennsylvania has to offer that are sure to keep you and your group occupied all day long.
Bear Creek Mountain Resort, located in Lehigh Valley, stretches across more than 330 scenic acres of Berks County. What started in 1967 as Doe Mountain Ski Area, only equipped with a t-bar, a rope tow and two trails, has developed into a year-round resort facility now boasting 23 trails, three terrain parks and seven lifts for winter fun.
For skiers looking for a competitive edge, try Bear Creek’s NASTAR racing to get a new record time. After a full day on the slopes, stay on-site at The Hotel at Bear Creek. Save money when you visit with a group of 15 or more by contacting the sales office at least three days before your visit.
Located in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, just an hour and a half from Philadelphia and New York, Blue Mountain Resort is home to Pennsylvania’s highest vertical and some of the longest runs and varied terrain in the state. With 40 trails and 16 lifts, you and your group will stay busy all day.
Blue Mountain features five different terrain parks for all skill levels, including Lower Sidewinder — an expert terrain park with black diamond features and crazy S-turns. Blue Mountain also offers snow tubing across 34 lanes that are more than 1,000 feet long. Group discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Download Blue Mountain Resort’s phone app to keep track of your skiing stats, look at the trail map and view footage from webcams they have set up across the mountain.
Jack Frost Big Boulder is located in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, settled in the Pocono Mountains. The resort includes access to two mountains, Big Boulder Mountain and Jack Frost Mountain, so guests get two different experiences on the same ticket.
Jack Frost Mountain is home to 20 trails, including two terrain parks, and has a 600-foot vertical drop. Big Boulder Mountain offers an additional 15 trails, including its five terrain parks, for which they’re known. Big Boulder, which has 10 lifts and a 475-foot vertical drop, became Pennsylvania’s first commercial ski resort in 1947. They opened Jack Frost in 1972 as a companion to Big Boulder for twice the fun. For an overnight trip, stay at Split Rock Resort, conveniently located right in between the two mountains.
Elk Mountain in Uniondale, Pennsylvania was another one the first commercial ski areas in the state, opening up in 1959. Elk Mountain has two terrain parks — Little Foot, which is popular for beginners, and Stompin’ Grounds, a larger terrain park. The crew at Elk Mountain works to keep things fresh and exciting at Stompin’ Grounds as they build and rebuild new features like jumps, boxes and rails.
Elk Mountain also offers discounts for groups of 20 or more, including a free lift ticket for every 20 purchased. However, groups must make reservations at least two days ahead. You can also check ski conditions and view Elk Mountain’s webcam. There are 27 different slopes — 11 of which are expert trails. Are you and your group down for the challenge?
With 166 skiable acres, 39 trails and 16 lifts, it’s no wonder Camelback Ski Resort in Tannersville has been voted the best ski resort in PA. Camelback started with only 14 trails and three lifts when it opened in 1963, but it now serves more than 1.6 million guests each year. They welcome groups and offer savings for groups of 15 or more on lift tickets, rentals and lessons, but guests must reserve at least two days in advance.
At Camelback, they take snow seriously. There is 100 percent snowmaking across every acre of the ski area, and they use more than 1,200 snowmaking guns to produce a foot of snow over two acres in just an hour. Trails are also 100 percent lit at night, so you don’t have to stop skiing when the sun goes down. After your long day, grab a bite at one of the nine restaurants or eateries and stay on-site at Camelback Lodge.
Are you looking to put together a group ski trip but have a lot of beginner skiers? Roundtop Mountain Resort in Lewisberry is one of the best beginner ski resorts in Pennsylvania and is the perfect destination for those new to skiing and those with experience alike. With 20 different trails, two terrain parks and nine lifts, there’s something for everyone. Roundtop Mountain Resort has even been awarded the Conversion Cup by the National Ski Areas Association, recognizing their program as the best for introducing and retaining new skiers.
Make the most of your day as the resort is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. You can also squeeze a class lesson in, as they are offered six times a day, every day, so you can find a time that works best for your group. After your long day of skiing, warm up inside the coffee shop or grab a quick bite at one of the two food courts, dine at Fireside Pub and Grill or enjoy smoked selections at the Smokehouse, open on weekends. There are different meal plans and packages available, so submit a group information request for additional information and plan your trip today.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in East Stroudsburg offers 23 slopes and trails for beginners and more advanced skiers alike, and it can accommodate an uphill capacity of 12,600 skiers an hour. Shawnee Mountain is also home to two terrain parks — Country Club Park for beginners and the more challenging Delaware Park, which has multi-jumps, tabletops, spins and a full-scale Rail and Jib Garden.
Groups of 15 or more that make reservations at least two days in advance are eligible for a one-day or overnight discount and can save up to 40 percent. For large groups that have at least 35 people, stay atop the Shawnee Mountain right by the ski area in the Summit Lodge and enjoy the peacefulness of the mountains.
Liberty Mountain Resort in Carroll Valley, less than 10 miles away from historic Gettysburg, sits on 275 picturesque acres of land. Skiers can catch a ride from eight lifts and choose from six beginner trails, nine more difficult trails, three most difficult trails and four extremely difficult trails. Group reservations for 15 or more people require a $150 deposit. Still, you can register your group online and save on your visit, including up to a 25 percent discount toward special group meals.
Liberty Mountain Resort also offers a variety of dining options and has an on-site hotel where you could save 10 percent as a group on Tuesday, Wednesday and other times throughout the season as availability allows, so start planning!
Laurel Mountain Ski Resort is located inside Laurel Mountain State Park in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, just about 70 miles east of Pittsburgh. It is currently home to the highest vertical drop on the Laurel Ridge at 761 feet.
The resort first opened in 1940 and was used as an exclusive club. However, the commonwealth received Laurel Mountain as a gift in 1964, and it has since been open to the public. Laurel Mountain Ski Resort has 20 slopes and trails across 70 skiable acres, including the Lower Wildcat Slope, an expert double diamond slope known to be the steepest in the state, averaging near 60 percent slope. Although Laurel Mountain doesn’t offer any on-site lodging, nearby sister resorts Seven Springs and Hidden Valley do, and packages are available for guests to attend all three. Just make sure to make a group reservation for 15 or more at least three days in advance.
Nestled in Central Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, Blue Knob All Seasons Resort in Claysburg is home to some of the most difficult slopes and the highest skiable mountain in the state. In addition to a traditional downhill skiing experience, Blue Knob also offers Nordic skiing and snowshoeing if you and your group want to try something new.
Blue Knob has a 1,072-foot vertical drop and 34 different trails — five beginner trails, 10 intermediate trails, four advance intermediate trails, seven advanced trails, seven expert trails and one terrain park. They are also one of five Pennsylvania ski resorts with a NASTAR course skiers can use to improve their personal best time or compete for fun. You and your group can fine-tune your skiing skills through group lessons and grab a bite at the Black Bear Inn or Clubhouse Bar and Grill after.
Whitetail Resort in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania offers skiers a thrilling 935-foot vertical drop with 23 trails, nine lifts and two terrain parks to choose from. The top elevation of the mountain comes to 1,800 feet, and it can accommodate an uphill capacity of 15,000. Whitetail is a winter wonderland for guests with 100 percent snowmaking. Groups of 15 or more are eligible for a group discount that can save on lift tickets, meals and more, but you need to make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance.
Whitetail also has specialized bus drop-off areas, parking and a complimentary meal ticket for the bus driver. While you’re there, enjoy the food at four different dining options, complimentary ski and snowboard check and try out their top-rated adult lessons, named the best in the country by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) during the 2010-2011 season.
Hidden Valley Resort in Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania has 26 slopes and trails and two terrain parks across 110 skiable acres. With a base elevation of 2,405 feet, the mountain has nine lifts that transport you to the slopes.
No skis? No problem. Hidden Valley’s equipment rental shop has all the skis, boots and poles your party needs to hit the slopes, and even features a complimentary basket check for everyone’s personal belongings while you’re out skiing. For groups of 15 or more, you can give group lessons a try, but you’ll want to make reservations in advance. End your eventful day and warm up inside with various dining and pub options, then stay the night at The Inn at Hidden Valley or rent a condo to make it a winter getaway. You can even keep an eye on the mountain and view the cameras set up around the resort.
As part of the 2,000 acres that stretch across Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania, Mystic Mountain is home to 25 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding. Mystic Mountain at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort has six slopes — two for beginners, two intermediate slopes and two advanced slopes, Cliff Hanger and Snowboat — in addition to “The Yeti’s Lair” terrain park. Get a full view of the Laurel Highlands and try cross country skiing that starts at the Sundial Lodge.
You and your group can also try snowshoeing, dog sledding or go tubing. If you’re staying overnight, there are plenty of accommodations from townhomes to Falling Rock, which is the only Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond property in Pennsylvania. There’s even a Wooflands pet resort and spa for any furry friends that come along on your trip.
With a 2,240-foot base elevation and a 750-foot vertical drop, don’t miss Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion, Pennsylvania on your next ski trip. Seven Springs offers guests 285 acres of skiable terrain, featuring 10 lifts and 33 slopes and trails that are sure to satisfy even the most seasoned skiers. It is also home to seven terrain parks with more than 77 features, including the east’s only 22-foot superpipe. If you’re a skiing pro, try out The Spot or The Street terrain parks. You can also hit the NASTAR course to race other members in your group and beat your best personal time.
Choose from more than 12 different dining options and stay the night in the pet-friendly Slopeside Hotel in the Main Lodge or rent a condo or cottage to complete the experience and enjoy scenic views of the mountain.
If you and your group have chosen which ski resort you want to visit, the first step is complete. For the second step, you have to plan how you’re going to get there. With a large group, it can be extremely challenging trying to coordinate driving plans, especially if you’re traveling a significant distance. Plus, trying to follow each other while traveling on the highway can be not only tricky, but also very dangerous. To enjoy the trip from start to finish, try a coach bus so you can spend more time having fun with your loved ones rather than spending hours focused on the road. For your next group trip to the slopes, consider traveling by bus for added convenience and safety.
Whether you’re traveling from within Pennsylvania or a neighboring state to a ski resort, it can make for a long drive, especially when jam-packed in a sedan in heavy traffic. It can also be challenging to decide on who is driving and which vehicle to take. Traveling via coach bus takes care of all these elements for you.
Plus, forget about stopping for bathroom breaks, as coach buses are equipped with bathrooms onboard. Traveling by coach bus is an unmatched experience when it comes to convenience, and many people agree. In 2017 alone, the motorcoach industry provided 574.6 million passenger trips in the U.S. and Canada.
What makes buses so much safer than traveling by vehicle? For one, drivers must complete rigorous training and meet strict guidelines to become certified. Coach bus drivers always have their eyes on the road, and from the time you leave to the time you get to your destination, their main job is to keep you safe. They always know what’s around them, which is especially crucial in the wintertime, where weather conditions can impact driving. For the everyday driver, driving in conditions you don’t encounter often can be a challenge.
Coaches are also much bigger than anything else on the road, making them safer just due to their sheer size. However, coach buses are also designed to withstand any accident, from the sides of the bus to the seats inside the bus. Plus, mechanics regularly examine coach buses before and after each trip to ensure everything looks like it should and is functioning correctly. Reduce risk and travel in comfort and safety by taking a coach bus to your group ski trip.
No matter where you and your group decide to enjoy the winter weather and hit the slopes, count on Executive Coach to get you there safely. Whether you’re looking to put together a school group or just having a big family fun day, Executive Coach is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and can easily get your group to any of Pennsylvania’s ski resorts conveniently and comfortably. We offer a 40-passenger coach and a 56-passenger coach with individualized lighting and climate control to meet your group accommodations. Don’t wait to schedule your ski trip. For an unmatched customer service experience, request a quote from Executive Coach today and contact us today.
