When you think of ski destinations, Philadelphia might not be the first place that comes to mind. However, Pennsylvania and neighboring states in the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast offer some fantastic ski resorts where you can hit the slopes. If you’re unsure where to go, you might assume there are no good options nearby. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the best ski areas near Philly.
Blue Mountain
Just a short drive from Philadelphia, Blue Mountain boasts the highest vertical drop of all the ski areas on our list and is also one of the largest. The ticket prices are quite reasonable compared to other resorts, and Blue Mountain offers night skiing on many of its trails.
– Location: 1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton, PA
– Stats: 39 trails, 16 lifts, 1,082 ft vertical drop
– Ticket Prices: $50 – $65
– Website: Ski Blue Mountain
Camelback Ski Area
Camelback holds a special place in my heart, as it was my childhood home mountain. About a 90-minute drive from Philadelphia, it’s one of the largest ski areas in the Poconos. It features 38 trails with varied difficulty levels, from beginner to expert, serviced by 16 lifts.
– Location: 301 Resort Dr., Tannersville, PA
– Stats: 39 trails, 16 lifts, 800 ft vertical drop
– Ticket Prices: $40 – $70
– Website: Ski Camelback
Shawnee Mountain
Often overlooked, Shawnee Mountain offers diverse terrain with fewer crowds. It’s a great option for mixing up your ski destinations, and its longest trail is nearly a mile long.
– Location: 401 Hollow Rd., East Stroudsburg, PA
– Stats: 23 trails, 11 lifts, 650 ft vertical drop
– Ticket Prices: $55 – $65
– Website: Shawnee Mountain
Elk Mountain
Elk Mountain is one of my favorites, even though it’s the farthest from Philadelphia. Nestled in the Endless Mountains, north of the Poconos, Elk often has better snow conditions than its competitors and offers a more locally owned and run feel.
– Location: 344 Elk Mountain Rd., Union Dale, PA
– Stats: 27 trails, 6 lifts, 1,000 ft vertical drop
– Ticket Prices: Varies
– Website: Elk Mountain
Jack Frost/Big Boulder
Jack Frost and Big Boulder are two separate mountains you can explore on the same ticket. With 36 trails between the two, they offer a lot of variety. Big Boulder primarily operates for night skiing, making it perfect for those looking to extend their skiing hours.
– Location: 434 Jack Frost Mountain Rd., White Haven, PA (Jack Frost) | 357 Big Boulder Drive, Lake Harmony, PA (Big Boulder)
– Stats: 20 trails (Jack Frost), 15 trails (Big Boulder), 12 lifts (Jack Frost), 10 lifts (Big Boulder), 475 ft vertical drop (Big Boulder), 600 ft vertical drop (Jack Frost)
– Ticket Prices: $50 – $65
– Website: Jack Frost / Big Boulder
Montage Mountain
Montage Mountain offers significant terrain and some of the best vertical drops in the area, and it’s relatively close to Scranton. This proximity means plenty of options for entertainment and accommodations if you decide to stay overnight. They also offer discount tickets for Monday-Wednesday, non-holiday skiing.
– Location: 1000 Montage Mountain Rd., Scranton, PA
– Stats: 26 trails, 7 lifts, 1,000 ft vertical drop
– Ticket Prices: $58 – $67
– Website: Montage Mountain Resorts
Do you have a favorite ski resort in Pennsylvania or New Jersey that’s a short drive from Philadelphia? We’d love to hear your recommendations and thoughts on our list!