It’s that time of year again when the weather turns cold, the snow falls, and you start planning your unforgettable ski trip. Pennsylvania is home to excellent ski resorts featuring both powder and machine-groomed trails. Book a Pennsylvania vacation rental close to your favorite ski resort, or try a new destination to experience something different. The state offers ski areas of varying sizes geared toward all level of skiers. There are even family-friendly resorts available. Before selecting your dream winter vacation destination in Pennsylvania, read over this list of the six best ski resorts in the state.
1. Blue Mountain Ski Resort
Choose from one of the more than 35 trails at the Blue Mountain Ski Resort. The resort has 16 lifts to ensure you’re just a few feet away from the trail of machine-groomed snow that you want. Blue Mountain Childcare takes care of your youngest family members so older kids and adults can ski together. The dedicated tubing area is a hit with children of all ages and offers a Magic Carpet that quickly gets them back up the mountain for another ride down. The resort offers several dining options for a sit-down meal as well as spots to grab a quick bite. The Trails End Bar is known for its tasty wings and popular bar bites that satisfy your desire for a small meal after a couple hours of skiing.
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2. Camelback Mountain Resort
In the Pocono Mountains, Camelback Mountain Resort provides you with 37 machine-groomed trails and 16 ski lifts, so you can spend your days zooming down the side of the mountain. The Camelback Terrain Park crosses five trails: Oak Grove, Upper Moore’s, Lower Moore’s, Dromedary and Turkey Trot, offering plenty of chances for you to defy gravity. Kids enjoy spending their entire day at the dedicated tubing area, with its numerous lanes and steep slopes. On the weekends, the Thirsty Camel Bar and Grill is the hot spot, featuring live music each evening. Only the brave try the Appalachian Express Mountain Coaster in the winter months. This coaster sits close to the ground but zooms down the mountainside as you control the speed in an individual car.
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3. Blue Knob All Season Resort
Find 34 trails and four lifts at Blue Knob All Season Resort. This ski area features machine-groomed snow, so there are always trails available for people of any skill level. Cross-country skiers and those that enjoy snowshoeing flock to this resort for its 10 kilometers of backcountry trails that are flat or offer a gentle slope. The ski school also has lessons for those who want to learn to Nordic ski. Blue Knob Nastar Racing is open most weekends, and you can pay a small fee if you want to test your skills. Tubing is popular among children and families, and the ski area has a dedicated tubing area. Clubhouse Bar and Grill has an extensive menu and offers take-out meals.
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4. Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Hit the slopes with your choice of 33 trails of varying difficulties and 14 lifts that put you close to the runs you want at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. This resort doesn’t make its own snow; instead, you get to ski-on powder. Take a tour of the surrounding backcountry by signing up for one of the resort’s snowmobile or snowshoe tours. The Seven Springs Stables gives you the choice of horseback riding in the snow or enjoying a family horse-drawn sleigh ride. For families and other groups, there is an indoor bowling alley and a mini-golf course. You can stretch before hitting the slopes by taking part in the early morning yoga class. The ski school hosts a Learn With the Ladies weekend to encourage young women to advance their skills.
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5. Hidden Valley Resort
Hidden Valley Resort provides you with a smaller, more intimate ski area. This resort offers 17 trails and seven chairlifts for easy access to the slopes. It’s known for its ski school that offers classes for all ages and various skill levels. The Rippers Adventure Club is designed for children ages three to 12 who want to spend the day at the ski school, where they’ll receive two 2-hour lessons and engage in age-appropriate ski-related activities. After a day of skiing, book a massage or other body treatment at the Hidden Valley Resort Spa to unwind and work out any kinks. The resort offers three dining choices: a cafe, a pub, and sit-down restaurant.
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6. Elk Mountain Ski Area
Ski one of the 27 trails at the Elk Mountain Ski Area, with its seven lifts and machine-groomed snow. The ski school offers classes tailored for first-time skiers and for those new to the art of snowboarding. The Children’s Program separates children by age into one of four groups for half or whole-day activities, including a comprehensive ski lesson. If you want to take the adults out for dinner, the resort offers additional babysitting services for a per-hour charge.
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