Best Skiing In Pennsylvania: Guide For Best Mountains and Dates for Peak Snow Conditions

Are you ready to hit the slopes and experience some of the best skiing in Pennsylvania? From the Poconos to the Alleghenies, the Keystone State has some fantastic ski resorts perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. 

One of the great things about skiing in Pennsylvania is the varied terrain. From gentle bunny slopes to challenging black diamonds, you’ll find various runs to suit your abilities and preferences. 

But with so many options, deciding which ski resort to visit can be tough. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a list of some of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania, so you can choose the one that’s right for you, your friends, and your family.

Blue Knob All Seasons Resort

If you’re a Pennsylvania skier, you must check out Blue Knob. Located in the Allegheny Mountains, this resort boasts the highest skiable mountain in the state (an incredible 3120 feet!). What can you expect? Excellent snow conditions and some of the longest runs around.

The north-facing slopes ensure the snow stays fresh and isn’t too affected by the sun.

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But the fun doesn’t stop there. Blue Knob has a total of 34 named runs, with a vertical drop of 1,072 feet. You’ll have your choice of five lifts to get to the top, including two doubles, two triples, and a surface lift. You’ll be able to avoid the crowds! And if you’re into terrain parks, Blue Knob has one packed with bumps, rails, and other cool features. 

Competitive skiers will also love the resort’s challenging runs and NASTAR racing facility, one of only five in the state.

Now, at Blue Knob, you’ll also find the Stembogan bowl. This small area is usually packed with snow, and its below runs are some of the most challenging on the mountain – think East Wall Glades, D-Trail, and Stembogan Field.

If you want to switch things up, the resort also offers snow tubing on Fridays and weekends. So grab your gear and hit the slopes at Blue Knob.

Average Annual Snowfall

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to hit the mountain from early December to late March. And if you’re a fan of fresh powder, you’ll definitely want to visit in January or February – these are the snowiest months at the resort. The average snowfall per year is around 75 inches, which is relatively high compared to other resorts in the state.

February is the best month in terms of average snowfall, with 29 inches of average snowfall over 9 days. The base depth increases to 26 inches, and the summit depth jumps to 36 inches. The maximum base depth can reach an impressive 48 inches at times.

January is the second-best month to visit this resort and isn’t too far behind February’s snow. You can expect an average of 28 inches of snowfall in January over around 9 days. That leads to an average base depth of 21 inches and an average summit depth of 28 inches. But it doesn’t stop there – the maximum base depth can even reach a whopping 35 inches.

Best Skiing in Pennsylvania: Blue Mountain Resort

Looking to hit the slopes in Pennsylvania? Look no further than Blue Mountain! With a massive 1,100-foot vertical drop and 40 named runs, this resort in the Poconos has everything you need for an epic day on the mountain. 

With 15 modern lifts and 95% snowmaking coverage, you won’t have to worry about lift lines or early season closures. Plus, 96% of the runs are lit at night, so you can keep shredding long after the sun goes down.

But it’s not just about skiing at Blue Mountain. The resort also boasts five terrain parks for snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts, with features like jibs, rails, and bumps to keep things interesting and varied.

If you’re feeling worn out from all the action on the mountain, you can always take a break and slide down one of the 34 tubing lanes, including double tubes, for a buddy ride. With a top speed of around 25 mph, these chutes are the longest and fastest in the state.

In the 2022/23 season, Blue Mountain will install a brand new six-person chairlift to replace the Main Street and Burma Chairlifts. This lift is expected to move 3,000 skiers per hour to the top, with a ride time of under five minutes. Talk about efficiency! 

So whether you’re a snowboarder, a seasoned skier, or just looking for a fun winter activity, Blue Mountain has something for everyone.

Average Annual Snowfall

The snowy season at Blue Mountain runs from December through March, with February being the snowiest month on average. This ski resort gets around 43 inches of snow on average per year.

In February, you can expect around 16 inches of snowfall over the course of 3 days, making for some seriously epic conditions on the mountain. And with average base and summit depths of 32 inches and 50 inches, respectively, you’ll have plenty of powder to play in.

Camelback Mountain Resort

Camelback Mountain Resort should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking for a ski resort in the Poconos. It’s a full-service resort, meaning you can find everything you need on the mountain – even for those family members who would prefer to skip out on skiing.

Besides, it’s super convenient because the resort has its own accommodations at the base of the hill, so you don’t have to worry about commuting to the resort for skiing. And if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a massive lodge with over 450 rooms and an indoor waterpark called Aquatopia.

But enough about the amenities – let’s talk about the mountain itself. It has 39 runs and an 800-foot vertical drop, which is pretty impressive. Plus, the trails are extensive – each one averages four acres in size – so you’ll have plenty of space to ski or snowboard. 

Snow coverage is usually pretty good, thanks to the resort’s elevation (2130 feet), but if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, Camelback has efficient snowmaking equipment to make up for it.

Weekends can get pretty crowded at the Camelback Mountain Resort, so be prepared for some lift lines. But don’t worry – the resort has some of the most modern lift infrastructures in the state, so the wait shouldn’t be too bad.

In 2023, waiting times will be even better because the resort is installing a brand-new six-passenger chair called the Black Bear 6. It’ll be able to move 600 more skiers to the top of the mountain than the old Sullivan Express Quad, so the lift lines should be shorter, which means more time for skiing!

Average Annual Snowfall

On average, Camelback Mountain gets 17 inches of snow in March, making it the snowiest month and the best time to visit the resort. There are typically 3 days of snowfall during this month, and the average base depth is 35 inches. At the summit, the average depth is 50 inches, and the maximum base depth is 52 inches. The most significant snowfall for this month was 20 inches.

The snowy season lasts about 4 months, from December to March, and the resort receives 47 inches of snow on average in a year.

Best Skiing in Pennsylvania: Montage Mountain

Residents of Scranton are lucky to have the popular ski resort Montage Mountain within a stone’s throw of their homes. Located just 8 miles from downtown, Montage is so close that it might as well be considered within the city limits. This proximity makes it one of the most convenient resorts in the state for those looking to hit the slopes.

Though it may be close to the city, Montage Mountain is far from small. The resort boasts an impressive 1,000-foot vertical drop and an array of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, including 27 runs, a tubing area, and a terrain park that illuminates at night.

From gentle green and blue slopes suitable for families to steep and challenging chutes in the Northface area, there’s something for everyone at Montage.

Are you feeling brave and ready for a challenge? If so, you can head over to White Lightning at Montage Mountain, a run the resort claims is the second steepest in the Eastern United States.

Thanks to its convenient location near Scranton, Montage Mountain is an affordable destination for skiing enthusiasts. The resort offers some of the best deals in the East for those wanting to try their hand at the sport – every week from Monday to Friday, a lift ticket and rental skis can be purchased for just $40!

Regarding accommodation and dining options, the city of Scranton is only a 15-minute drive away. It has plenty to offer, with a wide range of accommodations and numerous restaurants and grocery stores.

Average Annual Snowfall

Like other resorts in Pennsylvania, Montage mountain’s snowy season lasts from December to March. However, the best time to visit this resort is from January to March, as you will likely get more than 10 inches of snow each month. Overall, the resort receives about 41 inches of snow each year.

The snowiest month at the resort is February, with an average snow of 17 inches. The average base depth during that month is around 30 inches, and the average summit depth is approximately 39 inches.

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