The area around Scranton PA in the beautiful Pocono
Mountains, a rolling verdant range that helped give
Pennsylvania its name (the state’s name means “Penn’s
woods), is home to many of the best places for Pennsylvania
skiing. Montage
Mountain, Elk Mountain, Big Boulder/ Jack
Frost, Camelback, and Tanglewood Ski Resort, among
others, compete for visitors from eastern Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, and southern New
York. Among these, Tanglewood Ski Resort has established
itself as a premier learning ground for Pennsylvania skiing.
Tanglewood Ski Resort is not large, it has just 7 trails
on 35 skiable acres. But despite this, Tanglewood’s
two double chair lifts and tow lift serve some of the
best beginners and intermediate terrain in the Poconos.
Tanglewood Ski Area may boast three black diamond runs on its trail map, but do not be fooled. There is nothing on the mountain that will challenge an average skier, although Wildcat, a wide black trail in the center of Tanglewood Ski Area, offers some bumps that earn its black rating. Weasel, another black-rated trail, is only made difficult by its narrow course; otherwise this is a great winding run perfect for intermediates to practice turning.
Beginners will love the blue-rated Big Bear and the narrow green Deer run. Combined, these trails meander over one mile down Tanglewood Ski Area’s entire 415 vertical drop. First-timers have their own learning area serviced by a tow lift. Tanglewood’s ski school is well renowned, especially for child lessons.
Pennsylvania skiing generally relies heavily on snowmaking facilities. Although Tanglewood Ski PA does get more snow than some Pocono Mountain resorts, it too has invested in modern snowmaking equipment. With a manmade base, seasons at Tanglewood Ski PA run from mid-December to mid-March. During these months, Tanglewood Ski Area also runs a lift for snowtubing.
Tanglewood Ski PA has 14 slopeside condominiums and offers night skiing until 10 pm, so this is a nice place for a family weekend. There is more lodging in nearby Scranton PA. Lift tickets are only $30 ($25 at night), and ski lessons are similarly inexpensive, so this is a good place to introduce children to skiing or snowboarding. Tanglewood Ski Resort a true family resort.
