For most Philly families, it’s essential to occasionally escape the city for a winter wonderland beyond the Schuylkill. We suggest taking the family skiing — the sport that combines the love of snow with the love of sitting indoors with hot cocoa. (Because really, can you do one without the other?)

Take the Family Skiing in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers surprisingly great skiing without the expense or travel time of distant mountain destinations. Most resorts are within a few hours’ drive from Philadelphia, making weekend trips entirely feasible. Listed below — closest to farthest — you’ll find the best family ski resorts around here. 

Spring Mountain Adventures

757 Spring Mount Road, Spring Mount, PA | 36 miles from Center City

“So much fun, so close to home!” is more than just a slogan. Just west of Lansdale, Spring Mountain Adventures is an affordable way to spend a day or weekend snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing, and taking private or group lessons. For the 2025/2026 winter season, Spring Mountain is offering $40 season passes to all 4th graders!

Bear Creek

101 Doe Mountain Lane, Macungie, PA | 57 miles from Center City

Bear Creek is rated high on most people’s favorite ski resort list — and with good reason. Bear Creek has all the amenities you’d want in a ski resort: plenty of slopes for all levels, snow tubing, boarding, skiing, onsite hotel and lodging, dining options, spa, and slope-tracking webcams to check on conditions before heading out.

Blue Mountain

1660 Blue Montain Drive, Palmerton, PA | 76 miles from Center City

While the highest vertical in Pennsylvania (1,082 feet) might be too high for your snow bunnies, that’s not the only exciting element at Blue Mountain. Amid the 39 ski slopes, there are four on-site dining locations, several area hotels that offer “ski and stay” packages with perks (among which are no lines — a big bonus when skiing with children), live slope webcams, and of course, plenty of ski and snowboard rentals.

Jack Frost Big Boulder

434 Jack Frost Mountain Road, White Haven, PA | 93 miles from Center City

This place has all the amenities necessary for your family — especially if you’re planning to be a repeat visitor throughout the season. Choose from two vacation rental companies and plenty of lodging options boasting lake views and living room spaces with cuddle-friendly fireplaces for post-ski down-time. Get passes in the fall before prices go up at the start of the season.

Camelback Ski Resort

301 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA | 100 miles from Center City

Camelback is one of the premier skiing and winter sports destinations in the Poconos. The resort has packages to fit every budget, and instructors pride themselves on their “learn here, learn right” principle. There is onsite lodging at Camelback Lodge or vacation rentals just off-site.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area

401 Hollow Road, East Stroudsburg, PA  | 108 miles from Center City

Featuring 23 trails and slopes, 2 terrain parks, and a snow tubing park, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in East Stroudsburg has something for the whole family. They offer kids’ learn to ski programs offer classes for ages 4 and older. You can save money on accommodations by booking through one of the ski area’s lodging partners. Get your season passes now while you can through this link.

Roundtop Mountain Resort

925 Roundtop Road, Lewisberry, PA | 118 miles from Center City

If you’re a bit on the nervous side, give Roundtop Mountain Resort a try. Just past Lancaster and York, this 1,355-foot elevation mountain is great for beginners- 29 percent of slopes are rated easy. Roundtop offers Play Care for little ones between 18 months to 12 years. Kids are kept busy with activities, crafts, and snacks. Get your season passes before opening day.

Montage Mountain

1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton, PA | 123 miles from Center City

With 35 percent of trails designated beginner, Montage Mountain delivers for the kids. Rent skis, snowboards, snow tubes, and or take lessons at the ski school on-site. There are two options onsite for food: their restaurant and bar for a sit-down, or a food court for a more casual setting.

Elk Mountain

344 Elk Mountain Road, Union Dale, PA | 151 miles from Center City

One of Pennsylvania’s first commercial ski areas (it opened in 1959), Elk Mountain is worth the drive. In the past decade, they’ve invested almost $10 million in renovations and upgrades, like the Winter Garden Restaurant for après-ski drinks and food, including a kids’ menu. With over 1,000 feet of vertical trails, there’s a trail for all skiing abilities. They offer lessons, rentals, and while there is no on-site lodging, there are plenty of bed-and-breakfasts, hotels, and inns nearby. If interested, you can fill out a season pass application here!

Tussey Mountain Ski & Recreation

301 Bear Meadows Road, Boalsburg, PA | 187 miles from Center City

Located near State College and home to Penn State’s ski team, Tussey Mountain may be farther out, but it’s worth the journey. They have 50 acres, three ski and snowboard lifts, one snow tube lift, and a snowmaking system that covers 90 percent of their skiable terrain. If your family is more skilled, Tussey might be for you, with more trails in the intermediate range.

Hit the Slopes This Winter

Whether you’re seeking a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, Pennsylvania offers excellent skiing options. From beginner-friendly slopes to challenging terrain, there’s something for every skill level.

Meg Willcox contributed to the update of this article.