Pennsylvania Promotes Winter Activities

A Pennsylvania winter typically has multiple measurable snowfalls between late November and mid-March each winter, with an average daily temperature of -6 C statewide, making it a fantastic destination to head to for a wide selection of wintery activities.

Temperatures are milder in the south and east and grow colder to the northern and western parts of the state. Snowfall follows the same pattern, with snow blanketing fields in the northern parts of the state about 75 percent of the time. Northwestern parts of Pennsylvania can experience more than 250 centimetres of snow each winter.

The combination of multiple snowfalls and lingering sub-freezing temperatures create long-lasting, quality snow that is ideal for adventurous winter activities or a cozy afternoon by the fire. 

Skiing and Snowboarding

Whether you prefer thrilling vertical drops, long and gentle runs, or engaging terrain parks, Pennsylvania’s many ski areas and resorts offer skiers and snowboarders endless opportunities for fun across the state.

Home to several ski resorts, the Laurel Highlands boasts the highest peaks in Pennsylvania and, on average, the largest amount of natural snowfall in the state. Pennsylvania’s largest resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort has 33 slopes and trails, seven innovative terrain parks, an Olympic-sized half pipe and a rail yard with nearly 100 features. Hidden Valley Resort, located only 13 miles from Seven Springs, offers26 slopes, two terrain parks and 30 miles of dramatic vistas highlighting the beauty of the surrounding countryside. 

The Pocono Mountains is less than two hours from New York City and Philadelphia, here you’ll find modest mountains, deep snow and impeccably groomed trails.

Elk Mountain Ski Resort, in upstate Pennsylvania features 27 slopes and trails and is loved for its consistently groomed trails, fun runs and unpretentious atmosphere. Those who love a steep ride should consider family-friendly Montage Mountain Resort, home to 27 diverse trails, including White Lightning – one of the steepest runs on the East Coast.

The slopes at Spring Mountain Adventures draw downhill devotees from Philadelphia, less than 40 miles away. Choose from seven trails, their beginner magic carpet lift, a terrain park, and a vertical drop of 428 feet.

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Cross-Country Skiing

While Pennsylvania has a robust roster of ski resorts and areas for downhill enthusiasts, the state also hosts plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiers. Hit groomed and ungroomed trails in state and local forests situated in Susquehanna, Wyoming, and Sullivan counties in the Endless Mountains of Northeastern PA. Book a stay at a friendly lodge for a multiday adventure; the Eagles Mere Inn, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, is just two blocks away from the Conservancy Trails — perfect for cross-country skiing, and Eagles Mere Lake.

A hub for hikers and bikers in the summer, the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage is regularly groomed for cross-country aficionados on the portion that passes through Ohiopyle State Park. Presque Isle and Parker Dam State Parks also become Nordic wonderlands when summertime pathways are converted into pristine ski zones.

Dogsledding

Dogsledding excursions supply tail-wagging experiences amid Pennsylvania’s gorgeous snow-carpeted landscapes. The adorable and athletic Alaskan Huskies at luxury resort Nemacolin power snowy treks across the southwestern PA countryside. The indelible outing is enhanced with a kennel tour and a visit with the musher.

Snowmobiling

Gas up and get ready for an adrenaline rush! Pennsylvania’s forests offer thousands of miles of awesome snowmobile trails to enjoy the wintry landscape.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort and the Highlands Sporting Clays Lodge offer snowmobile guided tours

Guests at Pocono Palace Resort, Cove Pocono Resorts, Cove Haven Resort  and Paradise Stream can hire snowmobiles to explore the Pocono Mountains, offering incredible scenery as you wind through pine forests, along mountain streams and across wide-open fields.

Snow Tubing

Many Pennsylvania ski areas offer snow tubing, a fantastic alternative for those who prefer not to don ski boots. And forget dragging your ride up the hill — magic carpets and rope tows do all the work for you! Camelback Mountain in the Pocono Mountains boasts the largest tubing park in the U.S. with more than 40 sledding lanes, while AvalancheXpress at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York has a seven-story, 900-foot tubing hill.

Mercersburg’s Whitetail Resort is also known for its excellent sledding terrain; book a tubing party or purchase a two-hour block of riding time. For an old-fashioned ride, try Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide, which has amused kids of all ages since the early 1800s.

Iceboating

A mix of sailing, ice skating and sledding, ice boating is an ideal endeavour for extreme recreation enthusiasts. Iceboats, essentially sailboats with sled rails, can glide up to 70 miles per hour across frozen surfaces. Set sail on the frozen waters of 19 Pennsylvania State Parks. Those who’ve never sailed on ice should consider connecting with the Erie Yacht Club, an excellent resource for first-timers.

Ice Fishing

Home to more than 2,500 lakes, Pennsylvania teems with outstanding ice-fishing locales in the wintertime. Hot picks for ice fishing include Lake Chillisquaque at Montour Preserve in Danville, where schools of yellow perch, northern pike, and walleye hide under the ice, and Crook Creek Lake, a hangout for bass, musky, sunfish, and crappie just 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

Lyman Run State Park near Coudersport is known for rewarding anglers with catches of rainbow and palomino trout, while Black Moshannon State Park near Philipsburg has yellow perch, bluegill, northern pike, and largemouth bass.

Ice Skating

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced skater, Pennsylvania has divine surfaces for gliding outdoors on picturesque lakes and reservoirs. Cook Forest, Gifford Pinchot, Nockamixon, and Presque Isle State Parks and Green Lane and Oxford Valley parks are just a few of the many PA lakes and ponds offering ice-skating fun. Cook Forest State Park‘s lighted pond offers a fire ring, skate rental, and a nearby sledding hill.

For an urban delight, consider the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park in Philadelphia, which has a warming hut with hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks, while the Earl E. Schaffer Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink has an outdoor Olympic sized rink and offers an adaptive skate session for those with special needs. Find more places to ice skate in PA.

Carriage Rides

For a relaxing and romantic cruise through Pennsylvania’s postcard-worthy winter woodlands, book a horse-drawn carriage ride. Gateway Lodge in Cooksburg offers beautiful rides along snow-dusted trails in the heart of Cook Forest — a perfect way to enjoy a winter stay at this iconic property.

For more reasons to visit Pennsylvania, check out visitPA.com.