Be sure to check with each location for the latest updates to weather-related conditions.

Skiing and Snowboarding Less than 2 Hours from Philly

1. Bear Creek Mountain Resort—Lehigh Valley

At Bear Creek, you can explore more than 86 acres of slopes, trails, and terrain across more than 20 ski trails. The resort's ten snow tubing lanes are open to children 6 years and older who are at least 42 inches tall. There's an awesome family-friendly terrain park, featuring small jumps, rails, and boxes. Experts will find six black diamond trails and can try their skills in Black Bear Park with its large jumps and technical features. Reservations are recommended for lessons, which are available for kids of all ages and abilities.

2. Big Boulder Resort—Blakeslee

This family-friendly ski resort has 19 slopes and trails, beginner through expert. Elevations from 1,700 to 2,175 feet make for a longer season. For those who are more comfortable on a snowboard than skis, the Mountain Dew Terrain Park and half-pipe cater to the daredevil's needs. There are also 15 snow tube runs, expected to open later in the season. The resort offers group lessons to kids ages four and up. Limited private one-on-one lessons are available for children aged 3 to 4.

3. Blue Mountain Resort—Palmerton

This skiing, snowboarding, and tubing destination is a local favorite, boasting 40 trails. Great skiing conditions, two lodges, restaurants, food trucks, and a waffle cabin make this a top weekend destination. With five terrain parks, thrill-seekers can practice their skills or take to Razor’s Edge, a 3,000-foot double-black diamond trail. Night skiing is available every evening, and the resort gives lessons to kids ages 4 and up. Three lifts make it easy to enjoy the 52 tubing runs, for all ages 36 inches or taller, so you can make it down all the hills.

RELATED: Outdoor Ice Skating in the Philly Area

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Jack Frost Resort offers several learn-to-ski programs. Photo courtesy of Jack Frost

4. Jack Frost Resort— Blakeslee

Jack Frost is the smaller half of the Jack Frost/Big Boulder Resort. Offering 20 slopes and trails and six tubing lanes, the “little sister” to Big Boulder is open for skiing every day. Tubing is expected to open later in the winter season. The resort offers lessons for kids ages four and up, with limited private one-on-one lessons available for ages 3 and 4.

5. Spring Mountain Adventures—Spring Mount

Spring Mountain is on the smaller side with 7 trails and a 428-foot vertical drop, but its Montgomery County location is under an hour's drive for many Philadelphians, making it a must-ski for families with younger children. Trust us, there's plenty of fun to be had on these slopes, including a terrain park and an ice skating rink. Private and group lessons are given to children three and older, and the resort is open until 9pm for night skiing, open every day except Mondays. Online reservations are recommended.

Skiing and Snowboarding More than 2 Hours from Philly

6. Blue Knob All Seasons Resort—Claysburg

Blue Knob boasts the highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania. But even for beginners, there are plenty of options, including more than 100 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 1,072 feet. Families will find 34 runs serviced by five lifts. For night skiing, 42 acres remain open. There's also a small tubing run with four lanes and one of the only cross-country ski options around. Blue Knob offers lessons for kids four and older.

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Aerial views of Camelback Mountain's LED-lit nighttime trails. Photo courtesy of Camelback Mountain

7. Camelback Mountain Resort—Tannersville

Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, the whole family can take to the 39 trails and 15 lifts at Camelback Ski Resort, which has been voted one of the best ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada by the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. There are also two high-speed quads, a snowboard competition half-pipe, two terrain parks, and a wide selection of trails for all ability levels. Night skiing is available every evening, and there are more than 40 tubing runs. Book lessons for kids as young as four, and on weekends, the resort offers an adaptive skiing program for skiers with special needs, available by appointment. Early risers receive discounts on snow tubing every Saturday and Sunday. Camelback has a whole range of activities worth checking out during your trip and often offers great deals for those who make it an overnight stay.

8. Elk Mountain—Union Dale

This 180-acre 27-slope resort offers family-friendly thrills. The resort offers night skiing on Thursdays and Saturdays until 9pm. Kids six years and older can take lessons, and the mountain holds a parent/child clinic for kids ages 3-5. Elk Mountain has a terrain park, as well, for snowboarders and skiers. 

9. Eagle Rock—Hazle Township

A private resort community, Eagle Rock mountain is on the smaller side, with 7 lighted slopes ranging from beginner to expert available for day skiing on weekends only. Certified instructors can help your whole family get the hang of things. The resort also offers snow tubing, sledding, and a winter play park.

10. Hidden Valley Resort—Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley Resort features 26 slopes and trails, and eight lifts to keep the family skiing and snowboarding all day long. The resort offers regular specials, so definitely check their website before heading up for the day. Families can ski at night on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Hidden Valley's Snowsports School hosts private and group lessons for kids of all ages and abilities. Lessons must be reserved online in advance and accompany the purchase of lift tickets. 

11. Laurel Mountain—Boswell

Laurel Mountain has 19 slopes and trails, including the 3,000-foot long Wildcat Slope. Night skiing is available every day except Mondays until 7pm. There is no tubing at Laurel. With its proximity to Pittsburgh, this resort makes a great weekend getaway. Private lessons are available for skiers and snowboarders ages four and up.

12. Liberty Mountain Resort—Carroll Valley

This small resort has 100 acres of skiing on 16 trails with plenty for everyone to do. From night skiing to snow tubing, Liberty Mountain offers fun for the entire family. Children's lessons are available starting at four years old.

RELATED: 5 Great Winter Hikes for Philly Families

A young snowboarder sails down the hills at Montage Mountain. Photo courtesy of Montage Mountain

13. Montage Mountain—Scranton

Montage Mountain claims to have the most diverse range of trails in the mid-Atlantic with 26 trails for every level. There are 140 acres of black and double-black diamond terrain, with the White Lightning ranking as the second steepest slope on the East Coast. You can enjoy night skiing every night except Tuesdays and 10 tubing runs. Ski School is in session with lessons for kids aged five and up, with private lessons for kids aged 3 and 4 available. The mountain's impressive terrain park beckons true daredevils.

14. The Peak at Nemacolin—Farmington

One of the only spots in the state for cross-country skiing, The Peak has six slopes and 25 acres of downhill skiing from beginner to expert levels. Other activities onsite include dog sledding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing, making it an awesome family-friendly spot to try all your winter favorites. The Peak is only open to guests with overnight accommodations or memberships.

RELATED: The Best Philly-Area Sledding Spots for Kids

Friends enjoy a ride on Roundtop Mountain Resort's ski lift. Photo courtesy of the resort

15. Roundtop Mountain Resort—Lewisberry

With 600 acres of skiable land and 21 trails, Roundtop is rated one of the best places to learn to ski or snowboard. Night skiing is available Wednesday through Sunday, and kids can snow tube on ten different runs. There are two different terrain parks with challenges for snowboarders. Kids three and over can take lessons.

16. Seven Springs Mountain Resort—Seven Springs

This resort destination has it all for the adventurous family. The longest run is 1.25 miles and there are 33 slopes and trails in total. You'll also find 11 tubing lanes and a whopping seven different terrain parks with more than 70 jumps, jibs, and the only super-pipe on the East Coast. North Park and Santa's Beard park specifically cater to little ones, as do skiing lessons for children ages 3-12. Night skiing is available every evening.

17. Shawnee Mountain Resort—East Stroudsburg

Shawnee has a reputation for high-quality snow. On 23 slopes and trails, this resort offers day and night skiing, snowboarding, a tubing park, and two terrain parks. Shawnee teaches lessons to kids three years and older. If skiing isn’t your thing, take the “Pocono Plunge” at the snow tube park, featuring single tubes as well as adult and child tandem tubes with two conveyor lifts to whisk you to the top. Tubing is available daily on six lanes. 

18. Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain—Lackawaxen

With 18 slopes serviced by seven lifts, including a mile-long run, Big Bear is a great ski destination. There's also a small tubing spot with two lanes. Tubing is offered in two-hour sessions. Private lessons for ages four and up are available any day the mountain is open, and beginner group lessons for ages six and up are offered on weekends and holidays.

19. Ski Sawmill Family Resort—Morris

You can enjoy 12 trails, a terrain park, and three tubing lanes at this family-friendly ski resort in Morris. Sawmill offers a peak elevation of 2,215 feet. The resort gives group and family lessons for kids seven years and older, or private lessons for children six years and younger.

20. Tussey Mountain All Seasons—Boalsburg

With skiing on 50 acres, a terrain park, night skiing, and a tube run with four lanes, this is a small but fun ski destination. Instead of fighting the crowds, you might find at more popular spots, Tussey Mountain is a great place to learn and grow your skills. Private lessons for ages three and up, as well as group lessons for ages six and up are offered on select days.

RELATED: Winter Activities Guide

Ski school is in session at Whitetail Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

21. Whitetail Resort—Mercersburg

This is a go-to park for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. There are 23 slopes with nine lifts, so wait times tend to be minimal. The resort has 10 tubing lanes, which are sold in two-hour sessions. The terrain parks offer rails, boxes, and other features. Kids ages four and up can take advantage of ski instruction, which must be booked in advance online.

This post has been updated for 2024 with additional reporting by writer Alyce Wilson.