Industry News
The Pocono Mountains boast a diverse array of winter attractions. The region offers comprehensive skiing and snowboarding options with over 185 slopes and trails catering to all skill levels, from moguls to bunny hills. Beyond the slopes, visitors can enjoy snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling through picturesque landscapes.
For those seeking unique winter experiences, the Poconos deliver. Adventurers can take dogsled rides or horse-drawn sleigh tours. Ice skating, ice fishing, and snowshoeing provide additional outdoor pursuits. Even paintball enthusiasts can engage in frosty battles, adding an unconventional twist to the traditional winter getaway.
This weekend, all six ski resorts in the Pocono Mountains will be open for the 2024-25 season, with new enhancements on and around the slopes. Internationally recognized as a premier winter destination, the four-county region is home to the country’s two largest snow tubing parks, cutting-edge snowmaking systems, and award-winning learn-to-ski and snowboard programs led by seasoned instructors. These are the new things visitors can look forward to this season.
Blue Mountain Resort
Open as of December 6
New in 2024-25:
- New Peak-to-Peak Pocono Pass “Reward” for season passholders: unlimited skiing and lift access to Blue Mountain Resort & Camelback Resort through the exclusive Peak-to-Peak Poconos Pass program. Available for a limited time at $999, passholders enjoy special perks and discounts at both destinations with no blackout dates or restrictions.
- New snow groomer and enhanced snowmaking technology, including 132 new stick guns and six fan guns, resulted in a 17.5% increase in opening day snow production compared to last season.
- Home to the country’s largest snow tubing park, Blue Mountain’s newly installed snowmaking equipment allows the snow tubing park to open with up to 56 lanes and Sonic Tubing after dark.
- Expanded trails include Come Around, Lower Lazy, Falls, and Lower Sidewinder.
- Refreshed and expanded eatery options: Waffle Hut, Beers & Buns on Burman, First Chair Coffee, Sip & Slide, and the Cluck Truck.
Camelback Resort
Opening December 14
New in 2024-25:
- New Peak-to-Peak Pocono Pass “Reward” (see above).
- New adult, senior, and youth classes at Ski & Ride Academy.
- Camelback remains the first ski resort in the country to offer Just Walk Out technology utilizing only a credit card, the Amazon app, or the Camelback app at the resort’s Big Pocono On The Go eatery.
- Rakuda Ramen joins the dynamic dining scene with authentic Japanese flavors for both grab-and-go and on-site enjoyment.
Jack Frost Mountain & Big Boulder Ski Area
Open as of December 4th & Opening December 13th
New in 2024-25:
- New energy-efficient snow guns increase resource efficiency at key runs, allowing Jack Frost to be the first ski resort in Pennsylvania to open this season.
- New LED slope lights added to Big Boulder’s world-class beginner terrain are 42% brighter and require approximately 53% less energy to run.
- New snow tubing park signage, lighting, and tubes.
- My Epic app with Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets allows guests to use their phone as their ticket to the slopes. It includes interactive trail maps with GPS location tracking and resort alerts, such as snow reports and conditions.
- Seasonal programs include Mountain Explorers (a four-week program where participants are coached in small groups) and the Women’s Development Program (a six-week program designed for women by women).
- First Fridays event series from Women in Powder is designed exclusively for women and offers a blend of movement, connection, and relaxation. Offered First Fridays starting in January at Jack Frost and February at Big Boulder.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Open as of December 6th
New in 2024-25:
- 3rd and 4th Grade Pass for students from any school and state. With a paid adult lift ticket, children in these grades receive three complimentary ski or snowboard visits, valid midweek or after 3 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
- Now offering convenient lodging packages at the historic Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort that include snow tubing, group lessons, or private lessons, simplifying the purchasing process for guests.
- Renewable Energy Initiative focuses on sustainability through an innovative wind energy agreement with ENGIE, upgrading energy-efficient snowmaking equipment, and implementing eco-friendly practices throughout the resort.
- Discounted tickets for college students, active-duty military members, and seniors aged 65 to 69. Additionally, seniors ages 70+ ski for free, as do children under 46” tall.
- Shawnee Mountain maintains its commitment to affordability by offering free parking to all guests, eliminating hidden fees, and providing a hassle-free experience from arrival.
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain
Opening December 14
New in 2024-25:
- New and updated snow guns, pumps, and compressors complement the resort’s 100% snowmaking capabilities and ability to lay down more snow more quickly.
- New Rossignol skis were added to the fleet, and 1600+ skis and 500+ snowboards are available for rental.
- Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain continues prioritizing people through staff development, aligning with goals to create and fill positions to meet customer needs and maintain, serve, and develop operational efficiencies.
The Pocono Mountain ski resorts, conveniently located near NYC and Philadelphia, offer easy access via major interstates. They’re an ideal day trip for the Northeast and a great vacation option for those seeking a more extended stay. The resorts cater to skiers of all levels, with challenging terrain and beginner-friendly trails, and are perfect for families seeking a city escape and fresh mountain air.
