Things to do / Travel Guide
When summer ends and winter is just around the corner, the Poconos begin their metamorphosis. They take on a new identity, going from popular summer vacation area to popular winter vacation area for both local and regional visitors, complete with fun-filled days on the slopes. Imagine carving up the slopes under the beautiful Pocono Mountain sky! Anyone can find their little slice of heaven here, whether it be on the corduroy groomed beginner slopes or the insane Superpipe at Mountain Creek. As a popular winter sports locale, a variety of additional activities are offered in the region including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and eagle watching. No matter what winter sport floats your boat you are sure to be exhilarated by the Pocono Mountains.
Skiing Between Scranton and Allentown
The cluster of Ski resorts located between Scranton and Allentown include some of the region's heaviest hitters. Although the region is not blessed with the vertical drops one sees in the Western United States, here you can find the steepest of the steep that this region has to offer. The four resorts found between these two cities have amongst themselves almost 100 runs and dozens of lifts of various shapes, sizes, and speeds.
Of the four resorts dotting the map between Scranton and Allentown, Snö Mountain is the one most focused on downhill thrills. The resort prides itself on being the steepest skiing slope in Pennsylvania. Snö Mountain is developing a new and improved terrain park to meet its clientele's needs. Celebrated terrain development magician Pat Malendoski of Planet Snow Designs and world renowned snowboarder Ryan Neptune have been teamed up on this project, which is sure to delight visiting skiers. Get ready to flip, fly, and catch some air.
Blue Mountain is the most workout centric of the four. It holds the reputation for the highest vertical drop in Pennsylvania, providing thrill seekers more time to enjoy soaring down the mountain. Blue Mountain also prides itself on combining short chair rides with long descents, having a higher percentage of long (over 1 mile) runs than many of its neighbors.
The most popular part of the Poconos are “The Big Two.” Although they are geographically separate, about 6 miles apart, Jack Frost and Big Boulder share a website, an interchangeable lift ticket, and a full range of ski slopes, terrain parks, and activities for all ages. Make sure to book your lodging early for these guys, as their popularity means that beds are booked up months in advance.
If you're not in the mood to hit the hills one day, fret not! You can find every imaginable winter activity in this strip of Pennsylvania both on and off the mountains. Included in these activities are cross country skiing, snow tubing, ice fishing, ice skating, indoor tennis, movies, sledding, sleigh riding, swimming, and tobogganing, all located conveniently nearby.
For dining and entertainment options, as well as lodging offerings, check out both Scranton and Allentown. Both have a wide selection of cafes, fast food, and gourmet style restaurants. Also available are B&Bs, local hotels, and internationally recognized hotel chains.
Skiing around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Just 28 miles from Philadelphia, the Spring Mountain Ski Area is a popular local haunt. Although a relatively petite mountain, with just 9 trails and 6 lifts, it provides a great beginners' stomping ground as well as being fantastic fun for the entire family. Its proximity to Philly makes it a great place to spend the day, particularly with their zip line canopy tours. These tours provide an opportunity to check out the mountain from another angle, while flying right underneath the forest canopy. Make sure to hit up the city with its wide array of national historical sites, museums, and performing arts. While in Philly, be sure to check out the outstanding dining and vibrant nightlife.
Skiing around New York, New York
Just a hop, skip and a jump away from New York City lay two very different Pocono ski areas. Located almost next door to one another, right by Vernon New Jersey, these resorts are mostly frequented by those living in the New York/New Jersey area or those in town for some quality vacation time. But don't think these mountains are just popular locally. Mountain Creek is all about Olympic snowboarding, with the US qualifiers held here in 2006. It is also home to the 2002 Halfpipe Silver Medalist.
Despite their proximity to one another, the Mountain Creek and Hidden Valley Ski areas draw very different crowds. Hidden Valley is definitely the family haven of the two. Their motto has always been “Four Seasons for Families.” The small vertical drop and short trails allow beginners to really spread their wings without fear of long lines and busy slopes. There is a fantastic ski and snowboard racing program on the mountain. Those really looking to carve it up with the best of them would be well advised to check it out.
Although family friendly as well, Mountain Creek tends to get busier and is often a lot faster, so beginners beware. Mountain Creek is for those really looking to catch some air. Freestyle skier and snowboarders love the ever changing Jib Lab Terrain Park, which makes the mountain what it is. Mountain Creek boasts the region's only Superpipe, the same pipe where the 2006 Olympic Snowboard team qualified. Mountain Creek is your destination for extreme vacations, with snowboarders and skiers really carving up the 45 trails.
Both resorts have 100% night skiing. Those interested in avoiding the daytime lines at Mountain Creek can spend the day in New York, and then take the weekend bus service from the New York City Port Authority Bus Terminal to Mountain Creek where they can ski their hearts out in the crisp night air.
The true draw of these two mountains is their proximity to New York City. This allows you to snowboard and ski all day, with plenty of time left to make it for happy hour or a dinner reservation back in the city. New York City is big on nightlife, with innumerable restaurant options and a never-ending night scene. Spend your day skiing, and then unstrap your skis, strap on your dancing shoes and hit up one of New York's nightclubs.
Ski Resorts in Philadelphia, Lancaster, the Poconos, Eastern Pennsylvania
Skiing
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