Ski areas in Pennsylvania are a major draw for many locals from cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as for visitors from out of town. Pennsylvania skiing most often centers on skiing in the Pocono Mountains, however there are also some great options for skiing in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pennsylvania ski resorts are also available for winter packages usually between the months of October and late March. Most Pennsylvania ski areas are closed by mid-April. Below is some information about the most popular Pennsylvania ski areas.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort

The Bear Creek Mountain Resort is one of the best places to ski Pennsylvania for folks living in Philadelphia, as it is the closest ski resort Pennsylvania to that city. Covering more than 300 acres of terrain in the Pocono Mountains, guests can ski, snowboard and even enjoy inner-tubing in a special winter park designated for tubers. This popular ski resort Pennsylvania has a large resort for guests known as the Inn at Bear Creek, which has both a swimming pool and a hot tub for guests. The mountain itself is also one of the best places to ski Pennsylvania. Hours for the chair lift are from 8:30am until 10pm during the week, and from 7:30am until 10pm on the weekends and special holidays. Lift tickets are around $34 for an adult and around $30 for children ages 7 — 15. Children age 6 and under can ski free with an adult. This ski resort Pennsylvania also features two terrain parks, lessons (for a fee) and free babysitting.

Elk Mountain

Another of the most popular Pennsylvania ski resorts is Elk Mountain, located about 2 and a half hours northeast of Philadelphia by car. This ski resort Pennsylvania is considered by many to be the most challenging mountain in Pennsylvania and features over a dozen runs for skiers and snowboarders. In addition to T-bars and smaller two-person chairlifts Elk Mountain also has recently implemented a quad-chair which is a favorite and comfortable lift. Elk Mountain chair lifts are open from around 8am until 6pm daily during the winter.

Shawnee Mountain

This is another of the most popular Pennsylvania ski resorts for folks who want to take a weekend or a full week to ski, as there is a lodge and overnight hotel found at Shawnee Mountain. Life tickets can be purchased for one day or for nights skiing. Prices during the day are around $49 for an adult and around $42 for a child. Night skiing lift tickets are $29 per person and start at 4pm and are valid through close, which is usually around 9 or 10pm, depending on the weather. Shawnee Mountain is about a 2 hour drive from Philadelphia, and about a 2 and 1/2 hour drive from Harrisburg.

Skiing on the east coast is known for biting wind and icy cold weather. Wind in particular can be a problem when it creates a blinding cover of snow. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing, including lots of layers and wind-resistant fleece or neoprene. Goggles are a must, and be sure to bring along a snack if you want to avoid eating lunch in the lodge.