What's New On The Pennsylvania Slopes For The 2024/2025 Winter Ski Season

Cooler weather has settled into the Pennsylvania mountains, setting the stage for the 2024/2025 ski and snowboard season. The Pennsylvania Ski Area Resorts (SkiPA) have been enhancing their facilities to ensure an unforgettable winter season. Skiers, riders, and snow tubers can expect fresh improvements, including new dining options, expanded terrain, energy-efficient lighting, and upgraded snowmaking capabilities. New mobile apps, convenience pass perks, and optimized resort amenities round out the offerings, ready for families and winter sports enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy.

Whether you're a seasoned skier or a beginner, Pennsylvania’s resorts offer something for everyone. Read on to learn more about some of the exciting highlights and key points of interest this season at your favorite SkiPA resort. 

IN THE EAST 

Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Lehigh Valley

Bear Creek Mountain Resort, spanning over 330 wooded acres, remains a top destination for skiers and riders of all levels. The resort’s upgraded snowmaking system ensures consistent coverage across its varied trails. This season, Bear Creek offers the Loyalty Pass, an affordable season pass providing unlimited access for regular visitors. New for young skiers, the 4th through 6th Grade Session Card allows (4) week-day visits (Monday-Friday, non-holiday) and includes a 20% discount on day rental equipment. Children must be accompanied by an adult with a valid lift ticket or season pass, and only one Session Card can be purchased per person per season. Ski and snowboard lessons are available separately. 

Blue Mountain Resort, Palmerton

Blue Mountain, home to the state's highest vertical at 1,082 feet, has completed a multi-million-dollar snowmaking upgrade with the addition of 132 new stick guns, six fan guns, and revamped automation software. This update will increase early season coverage by 17.5%. A new Prinoth Bison X Cat snow groomer has also been added, and popular trails like Come Around and Lower Lazy have been expanded. Blue Mountain’s Wood Fired Pizza & Pub returns with quick, delicious options like the Dreamweaver pizza. Additionally, Blue Mountain and Camelback have launched the Peak-to-Peak Poconos Pass, which offers unlimited access to both resorts without blackout dates. 

Camelback Resort, Tannersville

Camelback Mountain, touted as one of the best ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada, boasts 39 trails spanning 166 acres, an outstanding Ski & Ride Academy, and a high-speed lift capable of transporting 600 guests per hour. This season Camelback introduces two state-of-the-art offerings to enhance the ski experience. Amazon’s Just Walk Out, available on the Camelback app, gives guests effortless shopping at the resort’s Big Pocono on The Go, allowing guests to shop without waiting in line. The Camelback app also includes SkiLynx, enabling guests real-time tracking for trails, miles and vertical feet covered, as well as live lift wait times and friend location tracking. The news Peak-to-Peak Poconos Pass, allows pass holders to free ski at both Camelback and Blue Mountain resorts, receiving special perks with no restrictions.

Elk Mountain Ski Resort, Union Dale

Nestled in the scenic Endless Mountains, Elk Mountain is a favorite for those seeking challenging terrain and a commitment to preserving the natural landscape. This season, Elk Mountain continues its tree-planting program, adding new trees along the Tuscarora, Mohawk, Iroquois, and Lenape trails, enhancing both aesthetics and wind protection for guests. Elk Mountain has also upgraded its rental shop with new snowboards, helmets, and an improved computer system for an efficient guest rental experience. Extensive drainage work across the mountain and essential repairs to the compressor building will support high-quality snow coverage and reliable snowmaking throughout the season.

Jack Frost and Big Boulder (JFBB), White Haven

Jack Frost and Big Boulder, located in the Pocono Mountains, offer two distinct mountain experiences in one destination with Jack Frost featuring a variety of inviting terrain and Big Boulder, boasting the most progressive and innovative terrain park system in the Poconos. This season, both mountains have made substantial improvements to their snowmaking systems, with new pipes, valves, and hoses to increase efficiency and snow quality. Additionally, the installation of new snow guns ensures better snow coverage, while upgraded LED slope lighting allows for extended hours of fun, enhancing both day and night skiing. These upgrades reflect JFBB’s commitment to providing guests with top-notch conditions and an unforgettable winter experience. 

Montage Mountain Resort, Scranton

Montage Mountain Resort offers terrain for all skill levels, from beginner slopes to challenging steeps, across 140 acres. The resort also features a 10-lane tubing park with LED lighting for nighttime fun and an innovative Terrain Park. For a limited time, Montage Mountain Resort is offering a Lift Ticket 3-Pack special. Guests can purchase three lift tickets for $179, or $249 with rentals, saving up to $183. With no blackout dates, tickets can be used any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. For those interested in learning, Montage Mountain Resort’s Learn to Ski & Ride Program provides six lessons and nine-night lift tickets over nine weeks for $300, or $325 with rentals. It is recommended to sign up by January 1, as spots are limited.

Shawnee Mountain, East Stroudsburg

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area has expanded its commitment to sustainability through a four-year agreement with ENGIE Resources to purchase 6,000 annual Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), covering 100% of its energy load with wind power from Texas. This initiative is expected to reduce the resort's carbon footprint by avoiding 2,501 metric tons of CO₂ emissions each year, equivalent to burning 2.8 million pounds of coal. Located in the Poconos, the resort is kicking off the season with a range of exciting deals and new offers designed to make skiing more accessible and affordable for everyone. The resort is offering free skiing for 3rd and 4th graders from any school or state, who can receive three complimentary ski or snowboard visits with the purchase of an adult lift ticket. These visits are valid midweek or after 3 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Families can also take advantage of the Double Up Deals, available through December 1, which allows the purchase of two discounted anytime lift tickets or lift tickets with rentals. These tickets are transferable to family members and valid throughout the entire 2024-2025 season.

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain, Lackawaxen

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain Community continues to enhance its snowmaking capacity, investing in updated snow guns and pumps to improve coverage and efficiency. Following last summer's addition of new compressors, these upgrades demonstrate the resort's commitment to delivering optimal snow conditions. The rental shop now includes new Rossignol skis, expanding an extensive fleet of over 1,600 skis and 500 snowboards. Ski Big Bear also places a high priority on people, expanding staff roles to better serve guests and streamline operations.

Spring Mountain Adventures, Schwenksville

Spring Mountain has added to its snowmaking capacity with the addition of a second Latitude 90 Snowmaking box for the upcoming winter season, helping to maintain great conditions during warmer temperatures and low snowfall. The resort is also nearing the launch of a brand-new solar array. Once the solar panels are installed, the main parking lot will be paved. Spring Mountain’s kids, adults and private lesson programs are open for booking. Ice skating lessons and full ice rentals are also available on the resort’s full-sized outdoor skating rink. Guests are encouraged to reserve their spots ahead of time.

CENTRAL 

Liberty Mountain, Carroll Valley

Located just an hour from the major metro areas of DC and Baltimore, Liberty Mountain Resort is a popular winter destination for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. After a successful inaugural season, Liberty Mountain Resort will expand its capacity to welcome more little learners ages 4-6 to its full and half-day Kids’ Academy. Liberty Kids Academy is designed to help young skiers and snowboarders fall in love with the mountain and unlock their full potential. Whether it's a child’s first time on skis or a board, or they're ready to explore all the trails, the Kids Academy offers opportunities for every skill level. With full- or half-day sessions led by world-class instructors, children are inspired and motivated to build the skills they need to conquer new terrain—all while having fun! Academy classes are available for children ages 4 to 6 on Saturdays and Sundays, starting January 4. Spots are limited, so it is advised to register ahead. 

Roundtop Mountain Resort, Lewisberry

Located near the state capitol just 20 miles south of Harrisburg, Roundtop Mountain Resort will celebrate its 60th anniversary with celebratory off-slope fun like special events, Après-ski fun. In addition, investments in snowmaking at the resort, including new snow guns, will enhance the guest experience and lead to more powder on popular trails.

Ski Sawmill Family Resort, Morris

Ski Sawmill Family Resort continues to enhance its offerings to remain a favorite family ski destination. The resort features 12 slopes, three lifts, and a vertical drop of 515 feet, with a peak elevation of 2,215 feet and a base elevation of 1,770 feet. This season, the resort has undergone a series of updates, including refreshing the decks with pressure washing and staining, updating the lodge floors with a fresh coat of paint, and enhancing the bathrooms and doors for a more modern, welcoming feel. The team also focused on maintaining the lifts, groomers, and snow guns in preparation for the season, with a major upgrade being the installation of a nearly 5,000-foot-long cable for the main T-bar. Guests can save approximately 30 to 50%, when buying 4,6,9 prepaid lift ticket or lift ticket and rental package punch cards by December 1, 2024.

Tussey Mountain, Boalsburg

Located in the heart of State College attractions and home to the Penn State Ski Team, Tussey Mountain is a popular winter recreation destination for students and locals alike. This season Tussey is bringing back its popular Explorers Program and Women's Clinic classes. The five-week Explorers Program is designed for kids ages four through 5th grade and intended to improve the skills and boost confidence. The Women's Clinic is a five-week program taught by women for women and open to all skill levels. Registration is open for both

Whitetail Resort, Mercersburg

Whitetail Resort is a popular weekend destination for Baltimore and Washington skiers and riders. The resort offers skiing and snowboarding on 23 trails. The mountain boasts a 935-foot vertical drop, nine lifts, a halfpipe and two terrain parks. Whitetail is introducing the Kids’ Mountain Camp this season, which offers full and half-day programming for children ages 4-6 and 7-12 of all ability levels. This new program provides parents with the time to explore the slopes on their own while the kids learn and develop their downhill skills.

IN THE WEST

Blue Knob, Claysburg

Nestled among the highest peaks of the Allegheny Mountains, Blue Mountain Resort offers the highest lift-served skiing in Pennsylvania on the state's second-highest peak, 3146-foot Blue Knob. The mountain crew has been hard at work to enhance the guest experience for the upcoming season. The Expressway Triple chairlift now features a new haul rope, counterweight cable, and a newly installed communications line. The Route 66 Double Chairlift has also been upgraded with a new master control board. To boost snowmaking capabilities, the resort has added more compressed air and additional air compressors, allowing for more snow guns to operate when conditions permit. In addition, Blue Knob has expanded its rental fleet with 82 new pairs of skis, providing even more equipment options for guests. 

Hidden Valley Resort, Hidden Valley

Tucked away in the southwest corner of PA, Hidden Valley's 26 snow-covered slopes and trails are ideal for beginners and families to learn and grow together. This season, the resort will launch two new seasonal programs – Valley Adventure Team for youth ages 8-17 and the Snow Angels women’s program. The Valley Adventure Team program is designed to take developing skiers and boarders to the next level through a non-competitive learning environment with on-slope instruction on all mountain terrain, based on individual skill levels. The Snow Angels women's program provides a comfortable and supportive environment designed to improve skills in an enjoyable class setting. Reservations for the new seasonal programs at Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel Mountain can. be made online. 

Laurel Mountain Resort, Boswell

Located in Laurel Mountain State Park and within 200 miles of major metropolitan areas like Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, and D.C., Laurel Mountain offers 19 slopes and trails, including the famous Wildcat Slope, the steepest skiable slope in Pennsylvania. This season, the resort will introduce a new seasonal Ski Steeps Terrain program aimed at helping advanced skiers refine their skills for local slopes and prepare for trips to world-renowned resorts like Vail, Breckenridge, and Whistler-Blackcomb. The program is designed for skiers ages 18 and up who are comfortable navigating advanced terrain.

Mount Pleasant of Edinboro, Cambridge Springs

Mount Pleasant of Edinboro, a family-friendly resort serving the local community for over 50 years. The resort will debut a brand-new bar featuring specialty drinks, which will be celebrated at the Kickoff to Winter Party on Saturday, December 7. The event will include outdoor fire cauldrons, a live DJ, complimentary cookie and hot chocolate bars, warm food, a costume contest, a visit from Santa Claus from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Mount Pleasant has also upgraded its snowmaking capabilities with the installation of a new 150-horsepower snowmaking pump and motor, increasing output by 30%. This enhancement will allow the resort to open earlier, cover more terrain faster, and stay open later. Two new snow guns have also been added to improve snow coverage. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the lodge to register for lesson programs, check out new seasonal apparel, purchase season passes, or secure a locker.

The Peak a Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington

Situated in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania, The Peak at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is an ideal learning environment for first-time skiers and snowboarders. With a 300-foot vertical drop, The Peak at Nemacolin Woodlands provides the excitement of skiing without the intimidation that steep mountain destinations present to first timers. This season families can purchase a Peak Winter Season Winter Pass, which provides access 25 acres of skiing, snowboarding, lift access, a heated pool and hot tub. Early booking is advised. Passes increase January 3, 2025.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Seven Springs

Conveniently located off the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Seven Springs offers a wide range of family-friendly amenities, including an on-site hotel, indoor pool, arcade, bowling, and snow tubing. The resort is expanding its lesson offerings to include full and half-day children’s group lessons, in addition to the previously available private children’s lessons. These programs are designed to help kids build confidence and learn new techniques with the guidance of professional instructors specially trained to work with young skiers and riders. The resort will also introduce two new seasonal development programs: Her Turns Academy for women and Mountain Adventure Team for children ages 8-17. To further enhance the guest experience, Seven Springs will add 300 new parking spaces for the season and continue to offer a full slate of exciting events, including Ullr Fest, holiday celebrations, Toyota Takeover Weekend, and après entertainment at the Foggy Goggle and main lodge.