The Pocono Mountains became the state's first commercial ski area in 1946 and have welcomed an abundance of skiers since. Although there are more difficult runs for the experienced skier, the modest slopes of the Poconos are especially suited for families and those just learning to ski. There are seven major ski resorts in the Poconos area: Alpine Mountain (alpinemountain.com); Blue Mountain (skibluemt.com); Camelback (skicamelback.com); Jack Frost Big Boulder (jfbb.com); Shawnee (shawneemt.com); Ski Big Bear (ski-bigbear.com); and Skytop Lodge (skytop.com). Blue Mountain features the highest vertical in Pennsylvania at 1,082 feet. Professional ski lessons are available at all Pocono skiing destinations and most resorts also offer night skiing; check in advance.
According to the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, the Poconos contain some of the best snowboard terrain parks on the East Coast, as rated by "Transworld Snowboarding Magazine." Snowboarding is available at all of the major ski resorts in the area, featuring exciting jumps and half-pipes for experienced boarders and gentle hills for the beginner. If you're new to the sport, rent a board and take an introductory snowboarding class before hitting the slopes.
Snow tubing is a family friendly activity and works well for non-skiers or young kids in your group. Climb on an inflatable tube and go sliding down a slope for a simple and inexpensive winter thrill. Shoot down the hill in a single tube or grab the whole family and share the fun by climbing in a family tube. Go snow tubing at all of the major ski resorts, or visit Fernwood Winter Fun Center (fernwoodhotel.com) in Bushkill, a park dedicated to snow tubing.
If downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing aren't your cup of tea, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy in the Pocono Mountains. If you're looking for peace and quiet, head out for an afternoon of snowshoeing through beautiful forests, hit a cross-country skiing trail, snuggle under a blanket in a horse-drawn sleigh, practice your figure eights on a skating rink or drop your line through the ice and enjoy ice fishing. For a more adventurous activity, explore the sparkling landscape of the Poconos region by snowmobile or climb aboard a dogsled led by a team of Siberian huskies.
