Montage Mountain, PA, Report: Skiing the 2nd Steepest Slope in the East

Report from Monday, February 5, 2024

We live in the age of mega passes that allow skiers and riders the opportunity to visit many different mountains throughout the season. There are different types of choices to select from deciding which pass to choose, ranging from national to regional options. The Indy Pass offers skiers the opportunity to visit over 180 resorts, on three continents, with two days at each resort. One thing all skiers love about the Indy Pass is that it supports independent resorts, which keeps the history and essence of skiing alive. 

One of those resorts on the Indy Pass is Montage Mountain located in the Pocono Mountains and is right off of Interstate 81 just outside of Scranton, PA. It first opened in 1984 with seven trails and expanded in 1987 and added its North Face Complex for an expert-only ski/board area. It now has 27 trails and claims to have the second steepest vertical slope in the east with its signature trail, “White Lightning.” 

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Montage Mountain’s layout is unique because the lodge is located in the middle of the mountain. The top part of the mountain is comprised of beginner and intermediate trails, while the bottom of the mountain is geared to expert skiers/boarders. The North Face area of the mountain is where “White Lightning” is located. Having the lodge in the middle of the mountain turned out to be quite convenient for meeting up with people who were spread out across the mountain, hitting other trails.

Quick Facts and History

• Opened in 1984
• 27 Trails
• 1000 Vertical Feet
• Skiable Terrain: 140 Acres
• 20% Beginner Terrain
• 45% Intermediate Terrain
• 35% Advanced Terrain
• 1 Quad Chairlift
• 3 Triple Chairlifts
• 1 Double Chairlift
• 2 Conveyor Lifts
• 100% Night Skiing
• 100% Snowmaking
• 1 Snow Tubing Park
• 1 Terrain Park
• 1 Rail Plaza

Every time that I have visited Montage Mountain, White Lightning has not been open due to snow conditions or for it being closed for being too dangerous by ski patrol. This time, White Lightning was open, and I had to seize the chance to ski down the second steepest slope in the East. The run is located at the North Face Complex at Montage and is on the skier’s far left of the mountain. It is a little deceiving at first because accessing White Lightning involves taking a short trail to the main headwall that is not steep at all and would be classified as a beginner trail at best.

It is important to follow the trail ratings and warning signs because a person cannot see White Lightning from the connector trail, and for those who are not prepared for the steep vertical drop of the run, it will be very difficult to navigate. Once you take the connecting trail and get to the headwall at the top of the run, it quickly becomes very steep, and you can immediately tell why it is one of the steepest runs in the East. It consists of one headwall and is just pretty much a straight shot down the mountain with no turns in it at all. The day I was there conditions were very good considering the warmer temperatures Montage had the previous days. There were some icy spots on the run, but anyone who has skied the East on very steep terrain is accustomed to that already. 

It is only about 400 feet of vertical, but there is no doubt it is pretty steep and I took it easy for my first run down the mountain. It would be a great run to hit in the spring when the conditions are softer, and the bumps start getting bigger. It may not compare to other more famous steep runs in the East like the Goat, Outer Limits, or the Slides, but for Pennsylvania, it is a challenging run. 

Montage Mountain has a wide variety of terrain options for all levels of skiers and riders, which makes it great for families. The top section of the mountain is great for beginner and intermediate-level skiers. The runs at the top of the mountain consist of packed groomers, a terrain park, and glade skiing. The glades were not open when I was there, but you could see the snowmaking teams setting up the snow guns in the trees, trying to get them open. One nice and long run would be taking the Long Haul Lift to the top of the mountain and hitting Upper Fast Track to Lower Fast Track. Upper Fast Track is in an intermediate run, and Lower Fast Track is a single black diamond run. When conditions are right, this trail will also allow you to hit some glades on your way down the mountain as well. 

There are dining options at Montage at the lodge and spots on the mountain for those who want to stay outdoors. The Slocum Hollow Bar & Restaurant is located in the main lodge and provides a menu ranging from appetizers, handhelds, soups and salads, and desserts. The prices at the Slocum Hollow Bar & Restaurant are very competitive for any ski resort, with prices ranging from $10 to 18 dollars for menu items. 

Midland is an outdoor hotspot that features fire pits, private tent rentals, and delicious bites and brews slopeside. It Features easy grab-and-go options, waffles, snacks, sips and more. It is a great place to relax, warm up by the fire, and grab some food while staying out on the mountain. It is located between the main parking area of the resort and at the top of the Phoebe Snow Lift in the North Face Complex. 

There are other activities and accommodations at Montage that make it a great resort to visit, which will be sure to make everyone in the family happy. Montage offers snow tubing for those who want to find fun on the mountain without putting on a pair of skis or snowboard. The resort also has an outdoor waterpark for those who enjoy the thrill of hitting the water slides to beat the heat during the hot summer months. There are also numerous shops, restaurants, and hotels located on the main access road to the mountain for those wanting to not travel far. 

If you’re looking for a quick day or weekend trip, Montage Mountain is a great option for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. It is a quick jump right off of Interstate 81 and is 2 hours away from Philadelphia and about 2 1/2 hours away from New York City. Montage Mountain is one of the bigger ski resorts located in the Pocono Mountains and offers a wide variety of slopes and terrain while still maintaining that great vibe of being an independently owned ski resort. 

For more information, check out Montage Mountain’s website.