Eastern PA Ski Guide: Opening Dates, New Amenities, And More

PENNSYLVANIA — Ski resorts across eastern Pennsylvania are gearing up for the 2024-25 season, with several slopes already open and others planning for opening days this weekend or in the coming days.

While the drought and unseasonably warm temperatures in the fall did not exactly foster conditions favorable to skiing, resorts have been working to improve slope conditions regardless of weather.

"Skiers, riders, and snow tubers can expect fresh improvements, including new dining options, expanded terrain, energy-efficient lighting, and upgraded snowmaking capabilities," a spokesperson for SkiPA, an association of Pennsylvania' ski resorts, told Patch. "New mobile apps, convenience pass perks, and optimized resort amenities round out the offerings, ready for families and winter sports enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy."

There are nine resorts in the Poconos and the eastern portion of the state. Here's a glance at opening dates and key information for each:

Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Lehigh Valley

Opening date: Dec. 7

New this season: The Loyalty Pass, a season pass offering unlimited access for frequent visitors. Also special discounts for 4th through 6th graders.

More information.

Blue Mountain Resort, Palmerton

Opening date: Nov. 29

New this season: Completed a multi-million dollar snowmaking upgrade, with 132 new stick guns, six fan guns, and an estimated 17.5 percent improvement in early season snow coverage. Popular trails like Come Around and Lower Lazy have been expanded.

More information.

Camelback Resort, Tannersville

Opening date: Dec. 13

New this season: A new app, SkiLynx, allowing guests to track their progress over trails, including miles and vertical feet covered. Also includes lift wait times and location tracking for friends.

More information.

Elk Mountain Ski Resort, Union Dale

Opening date: Dec. 13

New this season: An expanded tree planting program, part of Elk's commitment to preserving the state's natural landscape. Thicker forests abound on numerous trails.

More information.

Jack Frost and Big Boulder (JFBB), White Haven and Lake Harmony

Opening date: Dec. 1

New this season: Vastly improved snowmaking systems with new pipes and hoses to improve snow quality and coverage. There is also upgraded LED slope lighting for night skiing.

More information.

Montage Mountain Resort, Scranton

Opening date: Dec. 6

New this season: A special "Learn to Ski & Ride program" offers six lessons and nine-night lift tickets for $300. Occurs over nine weeks.

More information.

Shawnee Mountain, East Stroudsburg

Opening date: Dec. 6

New this season: Shawnee now gets 100 percent of its energy from wind power, produced in Texas. The resort says it will reduce their overall carbon footprint by 2,501 metric tons of CO2 per year. They also offer free skiing for 3rd and 4th graders.

More information.

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain, Lackawaxen

Opening date: Dec. 14

New this season: An expanded rental shop and new snowmaking tools, offering improved snow coverage on all slopes.

More information.

Spring Mountain Adventures, Schwenksville

Opening date: Dec. 14

New this season: A new Latitude 90 snowmaking box, providing better conditions for skiing during warm temperatures. A new solar array and newly paved parking lot will be completed soon.

More information.