When Pennsylvania’s gorgeous fall foliage gives way to frost, it’s a great time to hit nearby slopes in search of winter adventure.

A whole new season of fun awaits. From kids’ camps and ski lessons to dare-devil jumps for thrill-seekers, resorts throughout Pennsylvania’s mountains are home to many experiences that can only be found during winter.

Let’s set out for 10 great choices, all less than three hours from northwest Philadelphia.

45 minutes away

Spring Mountain Adventures

757 Spring Mountain Road, Spring Mountain, PA 19478.

Phone 610-287-7900, springmountainadventures.com

Less than a hour from Philadelphia, Spring Mountain Adventures offers cold-weather fun close to home. The resort just celebrated its 25th anniversary in March.

At Spring Mountain, ice skating joins skiing and snowboarding for a well-rounded winter experience. The ice rink also is used for weekly open hockey games (adults only) and the annual Legend of the Woods men’s hockey tournament. The rink can even be rented out for parties and private hockey games.

Equipment rentals are available for all three main activities. After a day on the slopes, guests can sit down at the Powder Pig Pub for a hearty meal or drop by the Spring Mountain Cafe for some quicker grub.

Whether you’re a beginner, a fledgling instructor, or a parent looking for after-school lessons for kids, there’s something to learn with Spring Mountain’s many tiers of both group and private lessons. Two special programs welcome the youngest guests into the fun: the Ski Bees for aspiring skiers ages 3 to 5 and the Ice Mice for budding skaters ages 3 to 4.

Spring Mountain transforms into Scream Mountain during the fall. The Halloween experience takes guests up a “haunted lift,” back down the mountain through a dimly lit spooky trail and finishes with a haunted hayride through themed scenes. A less-scary version of the hayride, intended for younger visitors, departs during daylight.

1 hour, 15 minutes away

Bear Creek Mountain Resort

101 Doe Mountain Lane, Lehigh Valley, PA 18062.

Phone: 866-754-2822, 610-682-7100, bcmountainresort.com

This destination is just over an hour’s drive. Open year-round with three separate terrain parks to explore, “Bear Creek is a resort, much more than just a ski area,” said Gary Kline, director of marketing and guest experience. Guests will find, he says, “a premier learning to ski and ride destination in the region,” with “something for everybody, challenging black diamonds and beginner slopes alike, to cater to every group.”

Bear Creek is well known for its award-winning ski school, which offers group and private lessons at all skill levels. Instructors emphasize safety-first Responsibility Code and Smart-Style skiing and have won awards from the Professional Ski Instructors Association (PSIA) and American Association of Snowboard Instructors.

There’s plenty of space to stay on site in the Hotel at Bear Creek, with 160 guest rooms and larger loft suites that can sleep parties of 10. Dining opinions include the cafeteria-style Mountain Eatery and finer sit-down fare at the Trails End Cafe. The newly opened Snack Shack at Kodiak and Black Bear offers mid-mountain quick bites, while the Coffee & Hot Chocolate Stand and Waffle Cabin help guests warm up with a nice treat.

While the winter season only runs from December through March, Bear Creek Mountain has events and activities all year long. Outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy target shooting, axe throwing, pond activities, tennis, pickleball, and more than seven miles of trails for bikes and hikes. Guests also can look forward to wine and spirits festivals, murder mystery dinners, concerts, fireworks, bike races, and nine weeks of summer camps.

1 hour, 30 minutes away

Blue Mountain

1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton, PA 18071.

Phone 610-826-7700, skibluemt.com

Just a little farther away, the Blue Mountain Resort focuses on outdoor adventure and equipment options fit for a pro. Also open year-round, Blue Mountain is known for its expansive campgrounds and assortment of both summer activities and snow sports.

Winter guests will find skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing from early December to early March. Blue Mountain stands alone as home to Pennsylvania’s highest vertical at 1,082 feet and has 171 skiable acres across 40 different trails. Skiing and snowboarding lessons for all ages are offered at the Learning Center, with all needed equipment available for rent… even snow pants! For veteran skiers that bring their own equipment, the True Blue Tuning Shop will help keep gear in tip-top shape.

Outside of winter, guests can look forward to activities including mountain biking, ziplining, laser tag, high ropes, and rock wall climbing. Blue Mountain’s Bike Park is the only bike park in the state, with many downhill trails for visitors to explore. Seasonal events include Oktoberfest, Fall Food Truck Fest, Fright Time Zip & Climb High Ropes Course, an annual Monster Ball, and finally the Ullr Festival (a music, food, and drink festival inspired by the Norse god of snow) in November.

Dining options depend on the time of year. The main restaurant, Slopeside Pub & Grill, is open year-round. The Spud Truck, a new offering debuting this winter, serves creative variations on loaded fries and stuffed baked potatoes. Some additional options are only open in fall and summer: Woodfired Pizza, Summit Scoops, and the Tipsy Taco Food Truck.

Blue Mountain does not offer any lodging during the winter months but sets itself apart in summer and fall with scenic camping options. Located behind the Snow Tubing Park at the bottom of the mountain, the campground offers spots to set up camping equipment or an RV. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire pit, trash can, and parking. Fifteen glamping sites, curated to offer different experiences and views, can be rented pre-furnished. The nearby Adventure Center provides indoor showers and restrooms available for all campers.

1 hour, 45 minutes away

Camelback Resort

193 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA 18372.

Phone 855-515-1283, camelbackresort.com

If you're looking for more than typical winter activities, Camelback Resort’s combination of outdoor and indoor attractions provides options the whole family can enjoy all year long.

The 580-acre resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing from mid-December through early March. Guests who opt to stay on-site at the eight-story Camelback Lodge can choose from 453 guest suites spread across family condos with up to four bedrooms, junior suites, and deluxe guest rooms. Ski gear isn’t allowed in hotel rooms, so a Ski Check service is provided and equipment can be rented for both single days and multi-day stays. The Camelback Ski & Ride Academy offers individual, group, and children’s lessons along with adult clinics to get guests ready for the mountain.

Visitors who don’t want to hit the slopes or are looking to spend some warmer time inside can visit the indoor Aquatopia waterpark and Arcadia Adventure Zone, both of which are open year-round. Over a dozen aquatic activities are on offer including a river, wave pool, multi-level play area, and 13 slides. Other “indoor adventures” include Krazy Darts, laser tag, bumper cars, bowling, a “7D” dark ride, two themed escape rooms, the two-level Arcadia Arcade, and the only free-roam VR experience in the Poconos.

Refueling is easy with the variety of sit-down, fast casual, and ski-in/ski-out restaurants found throughout Camelback Resort. Notable choices include sit-down meals at the Trails End Pub & Grill, the Hemispheres breakfast buffet, Graffiti Pizza, and southwestern fare at Alta Vida. Numerous quick bite locations are also available across from the lodge, water park, and slopes.

When the snow is gone, guests can experience Camelback Mountain Adventures in spring, summer, and fall. The Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark, Pennsylvania’s largest, opens during the summer with 37 attractions. Ziplining, a treetop obstacle course, and an alpine mountain coaster headline the resort’s other warm-weather options.

Seasonal events include the October Fall Fest, a Howl O’Ween Doggie Parade, and its own version of the Viking-themed Ullr Festival in November. The resort also embraces the spirit of Christmas with a tree lighting and visit from Santa.

2 hours away

Shawnee Mountain

401 Hollow Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

Phone: 570-421-7231, shawneemt.com

This resort sits minutes off I-80 and offers a compact experience centered around families. “Unlike some larger resorts that can feel overwhelming,” said Rachel Wyckoff, the director of marketing, “Shawnee maintains a friendly, small-mountain charm while still offering big-mountain amenities… everything from dining to snowtubing is within easy walking distance, making it an ideal destination for families and first-timers who want a stress-free winter escape.”

Beginners, advanced skiers and snowboarders will find slopes and lessons on offer, but snow tubing may be the unexpected hit of the trip. “It’s the kind of pure winter fun that doesn’t require any experience, just laughter,” Wyckoff said. “The mountain’s layout also helps parents relax. Everything is close together, so they can watch their kids learn or head inside to enjoy a warm drink by the fire.”

Food options include cafeteria-style quick-bites and a full sit-down restaurant called Groomers Grill and Bar. After a day of fun, guests can turn in at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort down the road or venture a little farther to find lodgings, restaurants, and more attractions in the historic towns of Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg.

The ski season runs from early December through late March, depending on weather, and this year will have an extra special treat – Shawnee Mountain Resort’s 50th anniversary celebration in January! Outside of the winter months, guests can enjoy special Fourth of July fireworks during the summer and the annual Pocono Food Truck Festival in October.

Jack Frost Big Boulder

434 Jack Frost Mountain Rd, White Haven, PA 18661 and 357 Big Boulder Drive, Lake Harmony, PA 18624.

Phone: 570-443-8425, jfbb.com

With two mountains, two hours from Philadelphia, 12 miles apart, the “JFBB” Resort (as it is affectionately known) turns its two sets of terrain into the resort’s unique twist: two different guest experiences with distinct atmospheres and offerings.

Big Boulder boasts beginner-friendly choices with a dedicated learning hill and gentle slopes. This mountain is also home to the family-friendly Bubly Tube Park, where visitors can enjoy snow tubing complete with conveyor carpets to get up the mountain with ease. More ambitious guests can turn to Jack Frost instead, where trails with graduating difficulty levels leave room to learn and grow. Both private and group ski and snowboard lessons can be found at either site, though special programs vary. Jack Frost, for instance, hosts a special six-week Women’s Development Program while Big Boulder holds the four-week Mountain Explorers program for youths ages 7-15.

Both mountains offer multiple dining options. Jack Frost has the full-service E2000 restaurant and bar, Frosty Toboggan, Jack Frost Taqueria, and Jack Frost Café. Big Boulder includes the Incline Lodge deck with a view, Big Boulder Café, Big Boulder Taqueria, and Big Boulder Tubing Lodge. JFBB does not have an on-site hotel or campground, but instead partners with local ski lodges including the Lake Harmony Inn and Kalahari Pocono Resort.

Guests with disabilities and other special needs will find JFBB especially welcoming. In addition to ADA accommodations and accessible facilities, Jack Frost offers adaptive programs to provide opportunities for guests with brain injuries, visual or hearing impairments, amputations, paraplegia, quadriplegia, and other conditions to enjoy snow sports. A team of PSIA-certified instructors will help these visitors participate in skiing and snowboarding with the aid of a guide and/or specialized equipment geared toward each specific circumstance. Interested guests can schedule an adaptive lesson online, and the team lead will reach out to coordinate the experience. JFBB partners with IM Able and also hosts events for Camp Cranium and Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp. A group from JFBB also volunteers with the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Adaptive Sports and Arts program.

Roundtop Mountain Resort

925 Roundtop Road, Lewisberry, PA 17339.

Phone 717-432-9631, skiroundtop.com

Taking a turn toward Harrisburg, it’s time to check out the family-focused Roundtop Mountain Resort. Offering family-friendly getaways since 1964, Roundtop prides itself on offering a relaxed atmosphere and, on a clear day, a scenic view of Harrisburg from one of York County’s highest points.

Roundtop features 103 skiable acres with 21 different trails plus three Terrain Parks that offer rails, jumps, and more for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. Guests ages 7-15 can join the Mountain Explorers to learn snowboarding or skiing, while older visitors can polish their skills in the Adult Development Programs. The two programs are designed to fit well together and allow parents to take their own lessons while their kids enjoy the Explorers.

The Main Lodge Food court has options for the whole crew, from pizza and hot dogs to chili and walking tacos. Guests can also get burgers and brews at the Fireside Lounge or chow down on hearty BBQ at the Smokehouse. Families on the tubing hill can enjoy specialty hot cocoa and churros by the fire at the Mountainview Lodge, and visitors craving a morning boost can head to the Coffee Shop for breakfast.

Special events are held throughout the winter, starting with the season with Roundtop’s take on Ullr Fest. Later on, a winter carnival brings in fun and treats for all ages and the Toyota Rail Jam lets experienced participants show their skills while competing on custom-built snow features. The season finishes with Spring Fling Pond Skim, where costumed participants try to glide across a frozen pond. Out-of-season highlights include summer camps and paintball.

There is no lodging at Roundtop Mountain, but guests can stay at a variety of local bed and breakfasts or hotels in and around Harrisburg.

2 hours, 30 minutes away

Montage Mountain

1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton PA, 18507.

Phone: 570-969-7669, montagemountainresorts.com

Enthusiasts looking for a more intense ski experience may find more to love at Montage Mountain. “Guests can enjoy some of the best skiing in the state, including the steepest terrain of the PA resorts, but also relax between runs in a modern, comfortable lodge,” said Jeff Slivinski, the director of marketing. “Unique to Montage Mountain…. the lodge is situated at mid-mountain as opposed to the base in most instances. This naturally creates separation between beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain which allows for all ability levels to progress at their own pace and tackle the terrain they’re most comfortable with.”

The season at Montage Mountain typically runs from early December through early April, with 100 percent snow-making across the resort, allowing for quick ramp-up and replenishment. Montage’s ski school helps skiers learn proper technique, and an on-site rental facility helps equip guests for a day in the snow. Slivinski touted their “Ski-For-All Special,” which bundles a lift ticket and all-day equipment rentals for $40 on non-holiday Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Every March, Montage Mountainfest brings a mix of live music, snow activities, and a card- board box derby on the ski slopes in partnership with 93.3 WMMR’s Preston & Steve’s Cardboard Classic. Sugar Ray and Wheatus will take center stage for this season’s festival when they appear on March 6-7, 2026. Guests also can look forward to beer and wine festivals in the spring and fall, as well as an outdoor water park from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Liberty Mountain Resort

78 Country Club Trail, Carroll Valley, PA 17320.

Phone 717-642-8282, libertymountainresort.com

West of Philadelphia, south of historic Gettysburg, Liberty Mountain Resort has spent 60 years building a reputation for winter entertainment that caters to all experience groups. History buffs may also want to seek out a bird’s-eye view of Gettysburg Battlefield from the summit.

Skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing are all offered with 100 skiable acres and 16 trails spread across 35% beginner terrain, 40% intermediate, and 25% advanced. The resort’s two terrain parks are divided by difficulty: Beginners can turn left off the chairlift and explore the East Side Park, while veteran riders turn right to go to the West Side Park for more intense offerings.

The Ski and Ride School at Liberty Mountain has a wide variety of programs available. Liberty Kids Academy offers half- and full-day options. The new Instructor Development Program helps learners hone three key areas of study: Skiing and riding skills, teaching skills and people skills. Liberty Mountain proudly includes First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters among the generations of families that have learned to ski at the resort.

Three different on-site lodging options and six restaurants await visitors. Those wanting to stay closest to the slopes can choose the Alpine Lodge, where each room is within walking distance of the action. The Highland Lodge offers modern guest rooms, an indoor saltwater pool, and a varied upscale menu at Eagle & The Owl gastro pub. The Fairway Hotel, on the other hand, is across the street from the winter activities but right next to the resort’s main summer attraction: the championship-length 18-hole Carroll Valley Golf Course.

This year’s diamond anniversary festivities add an extra layer of fun all season long, but every winter at the resort is packed with events. Highlights include a youth freestyle winter sports competition called the Ryan Grom Jam, the inclusive Unlimited PRIDE Weekend, and finally a costumed Pond Skim.

2 hours, 45 minutes away

Elk Mountain

344 Elk Mountain Rd., Union Dale, PA 18470.

Phone: 570-679-4400, elkskier.com

People looking for a pure ski experience may find their match at Elk Mountain, the farthest of the resorts on our list. You won’t find side activities and extras like snow tubing, but you will find a resort wholly dedicated to the ski and snowboard experience.

Bob DeLuca, the director of sales and marketing, said the resort’s focus is on providing an excellent ski experience. Elk Mountain is proud of its extensive snow-making and snow grooming process, which works alongside a more than 50-year-old tree-planting program to emphasize the area’s natural beauty.

The views, he said, don’t come at the cost of safety – Elk Mountain’s ski patrol goes “first on, last off” to check the trails for hazards every morning and errant skiers every night.

Elk Mountain offers ski lessons for all ages, including parent/child groups so the whole family can get in on the fun. A special first-timer package bundles lessons, equipment rental, and a lift ticket into one purchase, with an option to upgrade for guests who progress quickly. Two on-site eateries, the Elk Mountain Cafeteria and fine-dining Winter Garden Restaurant, keep visitors fueled up and relaxed.

Ski season runs from mid-December to late March. Guests looking to celebrate the holidays will find that the resort is open on Christmas for family bonding and also for a reservation-only New Years’ party at the Winter Garden to ring in the next year.