I’ve skied Shawnee Mountain before, but it was always early or late season—when the mountain wasn’t fully open. What a difference that makes. What has been a stellar East Coast season so far, I got to check out the ski resort midweek on a morning that featured crispy corduroy, cloudy skies, and temperatures in the upper 20s. The mountain was uncrowded, and there were little to no lift lines on this late February ski day. I really got to hit the whole mountain to see what Shawnee was all about, and I was very impressed for a mountain that is less than 1-1/2 hours from NYC.
The vibe started right as you walked across the bridge to access the lodge: a genuine greeter welcomed us with an authentic “Welcome to Shawnee Mountain—how’s everything going?” No fake corporate cheer; he was truly glad we were there. That set the tone. Inside the rustic main lodge, the real wood-burning fireplace sealed it—as soon as I walked in, you could smell the firewood burning; the atmosphere and ambience were awesome. No gas logs here; it’s warm, carpeted (no clacking ski boots), and full of soul.
In the morning, we primarily stayed on the eastern side of the mountain, hitting mostly blues and blacks. The favorite run of the morning was Upper Pennsylvania, which was a beginner’s trail. However, about mid-mountain, it gave skiers and snowboarders access to several other trails, which was awesome. For a mountain with 23 trails across 125 skiable acres and a 700-foot vertical drop, it offers a surprising variety of terrain with plenty of trails to explore without feeling repetitive. It never gets boring.
By afternoon, it shifted to a bluebird day in the mid-to-upper 30s, and the clouds burned off, and the snow softened just enough without turning slushy. The slopes held up beautifully even as forecasts teased 40s. After lunch, we skated across the top to quieter terrain that most folks would skip due to the long traverse. It was 100% worth it—we had the whole trail to ourselves, like first tracks at 1:00 p.m. Upper and lower Bushkill were beginner-friendly trails with a straight initial pitch that levels out quickly, but delivered perfect training terrain and killer views. The high-speed detachable quad, Tomahawk Express, provided quick access to the summit and gave access to much of the mountain.
Then came the wildlife moment I’ve always wanted to see. Riding up the lift, I spotted a bald eagle soaring overhead—my first time seeing one in the wild. I fumbled to grab my phone to take a photo or video, but it was too late; the eagle had flown out of sight. However, that moment was still magical. This spot near the Upper Delaware River is where 150–200 bald eagles winter annually, drawn to open water and fish. Next time I visit Shawnee, I will have my phone ready.
In a ski world dominated by conglomerates, Shawnee captures the soul of independent skiing and snowboarding. It’s family-owned, multi-generational, and the resort’s staff kids do homework in the patrol room while parents work. Nick Fredericks, President and CEO of Shanwee, has been at the mountain since 1974 and embodies that humble heart. He doesn’t have a huge fancy office; he shares an office with the marketing director. Although his job does mean that he spends time in the office, he does still like getting out on the mountain and helping out if needed. “I’ll drive a snow groomer because it beats being in the office,” Fredericks said in an interview with SnowBrains.
Fredericks is refreshingly ego-free, who said he would prefer to wear plain clothes over putting on a suit and jacket. He told a story in the ’90s when a banking crisis occurred, and he had to drive out to Pittsburgh for a meeting with the Bank. He showed up to meetings in his usual clothes: “This is what I wear—I don’t wear a jacket,” Fredricks said. No smoke and mirrors—just black-and-white profitability that kept the mountain alive.
Fredricks talked about other resorts, and he praised them genuinely: no trash-talk, just appreciation for what they do well. It demonstrates that he not only cares about Shawnee Mountain but the industry as a whole. That’s rare in a competitive world. He’s built a “say-yes” culture at the ski resort with no rigid rules. “There is absolutely no reason for us to say no to anyone,” Fredricks said.
Shawnee knows its audience—mostly from Long Island, Staten Island, northern/central New Jersey, and the NYC metro area. That area is the most populated region in the country, with 19.9 million people according to recent U.S. Census estimates. The proximity to NYC and New Jersey matters. It allows for a short drive from the city for a day on the slopes. However, since Shawnee Mountain’s clientele primarily lives east of the resort, it means lower elevations and warmer temperatures. That affects the mountain in the spring when people don’t see snow on the ground in the City or surrounding areas. Their mind shifts from skiing and snowboarding to golfing, cycling, or other warm-weather activities.
Shawnee Mountain is on the Indy Pass, and it supports these hidden gems and mom-and-pop spots like Shawnee (offering 2 days each, no blackouts on Indy+). These independents aren’t endangered like bald eagles once were, but they’re increasingly rare amid big-resort dominance. Visiting them keeps the soul alive. Shawnee isn’t flashy—no massive cliffs or hype. It’s just great for learning, families, and pure fun. I saw little rippers (3-5 years old) everywhere that day who were progressing and learning on wide-open runs. There’s no pressure at Shawnee Mountain. “Come enjoy yourselves. No stress, just ski and ride, and have a great time,” Fredricks said.
From friendly greeters outside, smiling and chatting, Shawnee Mountain is safe and welcoming: no 100-foot cliffs to scare beginners, and you can leave bags unlocked in the lodge without worry. It’s not that type of mountain. In a season of cold snaps and abundant snow, Shawnee delivered everything: perfect conditions, authentic warmth, humble leadership, and that rare eagle overhead. It’s a real independent mountain with heart that is worth every turn. If you’re near NYC or NJ, make the drive. Support places like this before they become as scarce as that soaring eagle.
Quick Facts & History
- Date Opened: 1975
- Multi-Destination Pass: Indy Pass
- Number of Trails: 23
- Skiable Acres: 125
- Vertical Drop: 700 feet
- Base Elevation: 650 feet
- Summit Elevation: 1,350 feet
- Average Annual Snowfall: 50 inches
- Terrain Breakdown:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 30%
- Number of Lifts: 11
- Night Skiing: Yes (on all trails)
- Other Activities:
- Snow Tubing
