14 Top-Notch Ski Resorts for Your Mountain Escape
And they’re all within six hours of Philly.
The pristine trails at Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills / Photograph courtesy of Belleayre Mountain
Pack up the car and head for the slopes at one of these ski resorts, all within six hours of Philly.
Pennsylvania
Camelback Resort / Photograph courtesy of Camelback Resort
Camelback Resort
Poconos — Tannersville, PA
Ski Report: This local favorite is known for its specialized instruction and family-friendly experiences. It’s also the Poconos’ largest ski area. Thirty-nine scenic trails create continuous opportunities for beginners to hone their skills, while terrain parks and three double black diamond trails entice experienced skiers and snowboarders to keep coming back. All trails are open for night skiing and night tubing.
Beyond the Slopes: We get it: You were dragged on this family ski trip and are longing for something more tropical. At Camelback’s indoor waterpark, you can learn to surf via the Flowrider simulator, take après-ski to another level at the adults-only swim-up bar, and slide down 13 different slides. Camelback is also home to a snow tubing park with 40 lanes running 600 feet each.
About Town: Make a pit stop in Tannersville before returning home; there are several family eateries, shops, and attractions. Take a tour at Barley Creek Brewing Company, or get nostalgic with a conehead sundae at Friendly’s.
Drive Time From Center City: 2.5 hours
Blue Mountain Resort
Poconos — Palmerton, PA
Ski Report: Blue is an ideal destination for intermediate and advanced skiers to sharpen their skills before traveling farther afield. Forty trails snake down PA’s highest vertical drop, which features a two-lodge setup: seasoned pass-holders often start at the aptly named Summit Lodge (near the top of Blue’s 1,600-foot peak), while beginners can take advantage of rentals and amenities at the Valley Lodge.
Beyond the Slopes: There are 56 lanes of tubing — each more than 1,000 feet long — which makes Blue the largest snow tubing park in the country. Take a spin after dark during their new disco-vibed Sonic sessions, with groovy lighting and music.
About Town: While the resort is a bit of an inland island, the locals love Joey B’s in Palmerton for pints and pub grub. Their flights of novelty cocktails are delightfully over the top. If you wrap your snow session early enough — and are feeling culinarily curious — the mod Moya in nearby Jim Thorpe is worth the drive for its ever-changing flavors and bold design.
Drive Time: 2 hours
Montage Mountain
Poconos — Scranton, PA
Ski Report: Montage packs a surprising punch for a mid-Atlantic mountain. With 27 trails, 1,000 feet of vertical, and White Lightning — one of the region’s steepest expert runs — it’s ideal for day-trippers and intermediate to advanced skiers. Plus, night skiing and snow tubing keep the mountain humming long after sunset.
Beyond the Slopes: The resort’s snow tubing park is one of the largest in the East, while nearby Nay Aug Park offers winter hiking and frozen waterfall views.
About Town: Start your morning in downtown Scranton with a honey lavender latte at Zummo’s Café, and for dinner, hit the landmark Cooper’s Seafood House (as seen on The Office) for lobster and crab in a kitschy, nautical space. And catch live music after dark at the Bog or a show at the historic Scranton Cultural Center.
Drive Time: 2.5 hours
Jack Frost/Big Boulder
Poconos — White Haven, PA
Ski Report: This two-in-one resort boasts one of PA’s most dynamic ski and snowboard experiences. Beginners have plenty of space to build confidence, while the experts embrace the challenge and variety of the 13 black diamond runs and three freestyle terrain parks (between the two resorts). From 3 to 10 p.m. daily through the end of February, Big Boulder kicks things up a notch with night skiing, complete with illuminated trails and discounted lift tickets.
Beyond the Slopes: Big Boulder has 13 lanes for snow tubing. Been there, done that? If you have a snowmobile, head for Hickory Run State Park and its 21 miles of trails. If you don’t, take a winter horse trail ride at Daisy Field Farm or battle it out in the snow at Skirmish Paintball.
About Town: The nearby enclave of Lake Harmony welcomes visitors with warm meals. Fuel up with a cozy breakfast at Piggy’s Restaurant, or end the day right with surf and turf at Louie’s Prime Steakhouse.
Drive Time: 2 hours
Jack Frost/Big Boulder / Photograph courtesy of Jack Frost/Big Boulder
Liberty Mountain Resort
Blue Ridge Mountains — Fairfield, PA
Ski Report: Liberty’s expertly powdered trails and terrain parks present experienced skiers and snowboarders with ample opportunities to rip, while expert instructors deliver beginner-friendly lessons for all ages. Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports, a volunteer-run nonprofit, instructs beginners with disabilities.
Beyond the Slopes: Twelve 600-foot lanes of fun and a magic-carpet lift ensure that guests young and old can make the most of their two-hour snow tubing sessions.
About Town: Gettysburg has more than just history. Sample the local suds at Appalachian Brewing Company and Fourscore Beer Co., and find gifts in the specialty shops around Lincoln Square. (Stop in Lark, Oh Man!, and Nerd Herd.) At Waldo’s & Company, a nonprofit dedicated to making the arts accessible, order your favorite drink from the pay-what-you-want coffee bar, then explore the artists’ studios. As for the trip back in time? Join a ghost tour, visit the battlefield, or stop by the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle museum.
Drive Time: 3 hours
Blue Knob All Seasons Resort
Alleghenies — Claysburg, PA
Ski Report: Adventure junkies get their fill by tackling PA’s highest skiable peak and the mid-Atlantic’s only bowl skiing. Groups love that the resort’s 34 slopes meet the various interests and abilities of everyone in their party; families appreciate the inverted setup of the park (the lodge and parking area are at the summit), allowing them to hit the slopes faster.
Beyond the Slopes: Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing along the Nordic Center’s six miles of gently sloping wooded trails.
About Town: Altoona is home to the world-famous Horseshoe Curve, and the town’s proud of it. But there’s more: Try on new threads at Humble & Kind and discover eco-friendly goods at Wildfire. (And shop for locally made wares at Lightning Bug Gift Co. in the borough of Hollidaysburg.) Engage in lighthearted competition at the Slinky Action Zone or Tilt Studio (think arcades and laser tag), and head to Levity Brewing Co., the Knickerbocker Tavern, or Molly’s Pub and Grill for local food and drink.
Drive Time: 4 hours
Laurel Mountain Ski Resort
Alleghenies — Boswell, PA
Ski Report: The Lower Wildcat, a double black diamond run, draws thrill-seekers. But there’s something for everyone: Nineteen trails, most of which are gentle beginner runs, offer an ideal weekend destination for mixed-ability groups. The Adult Ski Steeps program prepares participants for more difficult mountains out West.
Beyond the Slopes: While Laurel Mountain doesn’t offer winter activities off the slopes, the adjacent Forbes State Forest allows snowmobiling and has two areas for cross-country skiing: the North Woods and Laurel Mountain trail systems. Or rent snowshoes from Laurel Ridge State Park and explore the 70-mile Laurel Highlands hiking trail.
About Town: Keep an eye out for the Pie Shoppe as you head into the quaint town of Ligonier: This no-frills bakery fills bellies with breakfast, lunch, and baked treats. For dinner, the Kitchen on Main is elevated yet casual. Leave time to visit the Flight 93 Memorial on your way back to Philly.
Drive Time: 4 hours
New York
Belleayre Mountain / Photograph courtesy of Belleayre Mountain
Hunter Mountain
Catskills — Hunter, NY
Ski Report: With 320 acres of skiable terrain, Hunter is a popular destination for families. First-timers can learn on gentle slopes, intermediate skiers can wind down scenic blue trails, and the pros can attempt some of the region’s most challenging double-black runs.
Beyond the Slopes: Take the kids down Hunter’s nearly 1,000-foot tubing hill, then refuel with hot chocolate and s’mores.
About Town: Get breakfast at Fellow Mountain Cafe, just seven minutes from Tannersville — not to be confused with the one in PA — known as “the painted village in the sky.” Stroll down Main Street, take a crochet workshop at the Knitting Room, shop for outdoor gear at Camp Catskill (perhaps before hiking Kaaterskill Falls), and dunk pretzels into beer cheese at Last Chance Cheese.
Drive Time: 4 hours
Belleayre Mountain
Catskills — Highmount, NY
Ski Report: While Belleayre has ample steep runs, bumps, and glades to entertain advanced skiers, it also has plenty of beginner- and intermediate-friendly slopes, making the resort ideal for families and groups.
Beyond the Slopes: Try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking. Ride the Catskill Thunder Gondola up to the mountaintop or go fat-tire biking.
About Town: Stop for pastries at Margaretville’s Cafe Marguerite, then explore Main Street’s antique shops and the exhibits at Longyear Gallery and ArtUp. Or drive 20 minutes for the Phoenicia Diner’s pancakes, then visit the world’s largest kaleidoscope at the Emerson Resort. Cap off the day with a pint at Woodstock Brewing, or hit a strike on a restored 1960s alley at the Ark Bowl & BBQ in nearby Arkville.
Drive Time: 3.5 hours
Gore Mountain
Adirondacks — North Creek, NY
Ski Report: It’s easy to avoid the crowds at New York’s largest ski resort. This is not a luxe destination — it’s one of a few state-owned facilities in the area that really put the focus on snow sports, with 100-plus trails stretching out over four peaks and ample alpine variety for skiers and riders of all levels. If it’s a clear day, hop on the High Peaks Quad lift and enjoy breathtaking views of the Adirondacks from 3,600 feet.
Beyond the Slopes: Slow down and enjoy the expansive Nordic Center at the foot of Little Gore Mountain, which offers an array of lighted and groomed trails for cross-country skiers. You can even strap on snowshoes and explore on the sides of the trails.
About Town: Take a quick jaunt to Bolton Landing on the western edge of nearby Lake George for dinner and drinks at the Gem, a cozy camp-style barbecue joint (with killer drinks). Warm up with a Bear Trap, made with hot cider, honey, house-spiced butter, and bourbon.
Drive Time: 5 hours
Massachusetts
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
Berkshires — Hancock, MA
Ski Report: Jiminy Peak has a spirit of sustainability — it’s partly powered by its own wind turbine. With 45 trails, nine lifts, and well-groomed cruisers, it’s ideal for intermediates and families looking for a relaxed, approachable ski getaway.
Beyond the Slopes: For an adrenaline hit, ride the Alpine Mountain Coaster, a self-braking alpine roller coaster that winds through the woods for thousands of feet. For slower-paced fun, strap on snowshoes and explore quiet, snow-packed trails.
About Town: The surrounding enclaves of Hancock and Williamstown channel classic New England charm. Tuck into the best breakfast sandwich around at the Country Store in Hancock, at the base of the mountain. In Williamstown, wander amid world-class art at Clark Art Institute, stock up on locally made cheeses and natural wine at Provisions Williamstown, and pop in for a hot chocolate at Tunnel City Coffee.
Drive Time: 4.5 hours
Virginia
Bryce Resort / Photograph by Andrew DeVier-Scott
Bryce Resort
Shenandoah Valley — Basye, VA
Ski Report: Young families will find that Bryce has the right balance of expert instruction, challenge, and fun without being so large you have to worry about keeping tabs on everyone. With four new trails this season, this intimate resort features four beginner trails, six intermediate, and two advanced — each providing ample opportunity to practice skills picked up at the oft-praised ski and snowboard school.
Beyond the Slopes: Race down the snow tubing path or compete on the ice-skating rink. Copper Kettle Restaurant overlooks the base of the mountain, providing a view of epic wipeouts.
About Town: Mount Jackson is replete with outdoor adventure and local flavor (as are the other nearby small towns). Savor wine flights at Cave Ridge Vineyard; if the kids are in tow, stop by the Route 11 Potato Chips factory to see (and sample) the kettle-cooked crisps. Pale Fire Brewing Co., minutes from the resort, slings Detroit-style pizzas; the Burn Barrel, next door, has pub fare, pool, trivia, and live music.
Drive Time: 4.25 hours
Vermont
Killington Resort
Green Mountains — Killington, VT
Ski Report: Killington is the largest ski area in the eastern U.S., with seven peaks, 155 trails across 1,500 acres, and one of the longest seasons in the country, often stretching into May. The terrain is evenly balanced across all skill levels, and it suits everyone from first-timers to experts tackling Outer Limits, one of the East’s steepest mogul runs.
Beyond the Slopes: Adventure continues with snowshoeing, mountain biking, and guided snowmobile tours through the Green Mountains.
About Town: Killington’s main village stretches along Killington Road, buzzing with casual eateries, après bars, and gear shops. In nearby Woodstock, stop by the Billings Farm & Museum for a glimpse into Vermont’s rural heritage, stock up on sweet souvenirs like small-batch jams and candles at the historic F.H. Gillingham & Sons general store, and warm up over generous bowls of oatmeal drizzled with Vermont maple syrup at Mon Vert Café.
Drive Time: 6 hours
Okemo
Green Mountains — Ludlow, VT
Ski Report: Okemo is a crowd-pleaser, known for impeccably groomed trails, modern high-speed lifts (including the heated Sunburst Six bubble), and an easy-to-navigate base area. Its 123 trails span multiple mountain areas, with tons for beginners and intermediates, while the Jackson Gore area keeps things lively for confident skiers and riders.
Beyond the Slopes: Hop on the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster — a four-season alpine ride that zips through the trees — or head to Fox Run Nordic Center for dedicated cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. The Spring House Pool & Fitness Center has an indoor pool, two outdoor hot tubs, a sauna, and access to the outdoor pool complex for a winter dip.
About Town: Ludlow anchors Okemo’s après and dining scene with a small-town Vermont vibe. Make time for cocktails at Main + Mountain before dinner at the Downtown Grocery, a longtime local favorite.
Drive Time: 5.5 hours
>> Click here to return to Winter Getaways: Where to Ski (and Snowboard) Near Philadelphia
Published as “Tickets to Ride” in the December 2025/January 2026 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
