Philadelphia’s rich history is a definite draw for many travelers. While trying a famous Philly cheesesteak and visiting the Liberty Bell are a must, there are also popular skiing options only a few hours outside of the city. Many of the resorts are open year-round to help supplement your travels to the city known for its revolutionary past. Add adventure to history with our list of ski resorts near Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Airport Car Rental
Blue Knob All Seasons Resort
Blue Knob All Seasons Resort, near Claysburg, Pennsylvania, is a 3.5-hour drive from Philadelphia and is well worth a visit. Skiing enthusiasts will be pleased to roam the resort’s 100 skiable acres, 40 of which are available for night skiing. There are 34 runs, and not to mention, the highest skiable mountain in all of Pennsylvania, with a vertical drop of 1,072 feet. It is also one of a handful of resorts in the state that has the NASTAR Racing Program. This program is ideal for all levels of experience and offers weekend and holiday competitions and prizes. The resort also offers cozy guest quarters with kitchens, balconies, and dining. In the summertime enjoy golfing, swimming, hiking and mountain biking activities.
Bear Creek Mountain Resort
Bear Creek Mountain Resort is just a short one hour drive away from Philadelphia outside of Macungie, PA. It’s on the smaller side when it comes to resorts, at 86 acres, but it is a family-friendly gem offering 21 trails for a variety of skill levels. There is a beginner area dedicated to entry-level skiers with carpet lifts and lessons available. A black diamond challenge is also available for seasoned veterans. When it comes to the technical details, Bear Creek has a 1,100-foot summit and 600-foot vertical drop and three terrain parks. The onsite lodge is spacious and offers a variety of food options. If you need to relax a bit from mountain sports, don’t miss out on the lodge’s monthly spa specials, which offer a variety of services such as manicures, pedicures, facials and hot stone massages.
Jack Frost and Big Boulder
Jack Frost and Big Boulder, also known as JFBB, are separate resorts but are typically both visited when headed to the area. Both are set in the Pocono Mountains and less than a two hours’ drive from Philadelphia, making them an ideal weekend excursion or day trip destination. 50 inches of snowfall is combined with artificial snow, keeping their 36 trails open for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing as well at a variety of skill levels. The resort has a 2,000-foot summit, 1,400-foot base and a 600-foot vertical drop. It also features two terrain parks. This long-running resort opened back in 1972 and continues to be a hot spot for locals and visitors alike.
Camelback Mountain Resort
Another resort less than a two hours’ drive from Philadelphia, partially in the Poconos, Camelback Mountain resort features many slopes that are friendly to beginners. 166 acres of skiable and snowboarding area, 35 trails, and two terrain parks are geared towards helping skiers to learn and become better at the sport. Non-skiers who still want to take advantage of the slopes can also enjoy snow-tubing. For those looking for variety in their snow adventure, the resort also has an indoor waterpark.
