Looking forward to the next snowfall when you can take your family skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing? (Or maybe visiting an indoor water park during the winter is more your speed?)

In this list, we highlight nearby snow sports destinations and encourage you to explore what Eastern PA has to offer. You don’t have to go far to create lasting family memories on the slopes this winter. What’s more, you don’t even have to wait for snow — most start making snow in December.

5 Day Trip Destinations for Snow Sports

Pennsylvania (and NJ) boast an array of top-notch snow sports locations that cater to families seeking thrilling adventures on the slopes. From the picturesque Pocono Mountains to the charming Alleghenies, delve into the best destinations for an unforgettable snow-filled getaway.

Listed in order of driving distance from the Main Line area, these resorts offer an ideal blend of adventure and family-friendly amenities.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort

Macungie, PA

Bear Creek, in nearby Macungie, PA, isn’t just a day trip — it’s a getaway. For instance, the resort boasts an onsite hotel, spa, and lodging options, including family suites, ensuring that your ski adventure seamlessly blends with comfort and convenience. After a day on the slopes, unwind in the cozy embrace of accommodations tailored to meet every traveler’s needs.

In addition to skiing, Bear Creek offers snow tubing on Thursdays-Sundays and holidays, providing another thrilling way to zip down the slopes. And if you can’t wait to jump out of bed and get your day in the mountains started, Bear Creek now offers Sunrise Snowshoe Tours. Beginning an hour before dawn, these hour-long offerings provide a uniquely challenging way to experience the mountain.

Blue Mountain Resort

1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton, PA

Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton, PA offers skiers and snowboarders a winter wonderland just a short drive from the Philadelphia area. The resort boasts Pennsylvania’s highest vertical at 1,082 feet and 40 diverse trails ranging from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs over 171 skiable acres. With cutting-edge snowmaking technology, multiple terrain parks, and a Learning Center, Blue Mountain promises an exciting playground for winter adventurers at every level.

Home to America’s largest snow tubing park, Blue’s renowned 56-lane experience provides another adrenaline-packed way to enjoy the mountain. Opt for their Sonic Snow Tubing Experience after 5 pm, when Blue’s tubing area transforms into a music and laser light show. Tubing sessions last 2 hours and participants must be 36″ tall. Get ready for a season of snow-capped thrills and unforgettable moments at Blue Mountain Resort in the enchanting Pocono Mountains.

Big SNOW American Dream

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ

Families, get ready for the ultimate winter adventure at Big SNOW American Dream. It’s the first and only real-snow, indoor ski and snowboard resort in North America, open year-round! This vast indoor ski dome offers 150,000 square feet of slopes — an easy winter wonderland, tailor-made for unforgettable family moments. With two Magic Carpet Surface Lifts, a Fixed Grip Quad Chairlift, and a Poma Platter Surface Lift, everyone in the family can effortlessly glide to new heights, enjoying the thrill of skiing and snowboarding in a controlled, frosty atmosphere. Maintained at a cool 28 degrees Fahrenheit, this extraordinary venue provides a consistent all-weather setting, allowing families to indulge in their winter passion any time of the year.

Have kids that aren’t ready to hit the slopes on skis quite yet? Experience Big SNOW’s all-new SNOW Play and Snow Tubing on real snow, rain or shine. Tubing is open to ages 3 and up, while SNOW Play is recommended for children ages 3-10—just bring gloves and an adventurous spirit. They even provide optional outerwear rentals. Winter fun for the whole family awaits at Big SNOW American Dream!

Camelback Resort & Indoor Waterpark

193 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA

Camelback Ski Resort is one of the premier skiing and winter sports destinations in the Poconos. With 39 trails, an 800′ vertical drop, a terrain park, and multiple high-speed ski lifts, Camelback is well-suited to winter sports enthusiasts who want to get their runs in relatively close to home. Additionally, 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 various vacation rentals available just off-site. The resort also offers 40 lanes of snow tubing fun and an indoor water park, Aquatopia, with over a dozen slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and kid zones for continued family adventures. What’s more, day passes are available for purchase.

Jack Frost – Big Boulder

Jack Frost: 434 Jack Frost Mountain Rd., White Haven, PA

Big Boulder: 357 Big Boulder Dr., Lake Harmony, PA

Whether it’s your first day on a board or you want to take on new terrain, the instructors at Jack Frost Big Boulder have a lesson for everyone! With world-class skiing and snowboarding, delicious dining, family-friendly events, snow tubing and challenging uphill trails, you’re sure to find fun for the whole family at these two mountain resorts.

Additionally, Jack Frost provides an Adaptive Program so that people with disabilities or unique needs can have the opportunity to experience a variety of snow sports. The resort offers opportunities for all skier levels, from beginners to experts five years of age and older.

Essential Gear for Snowboarding and Skiing

Preparing for a day of snow sports on the slopes requires the right gear. Explore our comprehensive checklists for both skiing and snowboarding, and ensure that your family is well-equipped for a safe and enjoyable snowsports experience. Be sure to lather up any exposed areas of skin with SPF 30+.

Winter Apparel

• Waterproof jackets and pants
• Insulated gloves or mittens
• Neck gaiters or multiclavas
• Thermal base layers
• Moisture-wicking socks

Headgear

• Ski/snowboard helmet
• Goggles with UV protection

Footwear

• Insulated and waterproof boots
• Ensure proper boot fit for skiing/snowboarding

Equipment

• Skis/snowboard with appropriate bindings
• Ski poles (for skiing)
• Sturdy snowboard boots (for snowboarding) or appropriate ski boots (for skiing)
• Snowboard bindings (for snowboarding)

Apres-Ski and Snowboarding Activities

The fun doesn’t end after a day of snow sports. For instance, you can warm up after a day on the snow at cozy fireside retreats, handpicked for their charm and comfort. Discover family-friendly apres-ski entertainment and relax in delightful snowboarder’s spots, offering the perfect ambiance for post-ride gatherings. Or, grab a hot cocoa or a waffle for a cozy and relaxing post-skiing experience. Many resorts also offer hot tubs, ice skating, tubing, and various winter entertainment options for families. Visit the resort websites for details.

Drivable Snow Sports Spots for Main Line Families

Pennsylvania’s mountain resorts offer fun and challenging winter adventures in the snow. Whether you’re a seasoned skier, snowboarder or snow tubing enthusiast , our regional snow sports destinations guide aims to help your family plan a winter escapade filled with excitement and lots of memorable experiences. So, embrace the snowy magic and embark on a journey to create winter memories that will become family traditions for years to come.

Lead Photo courtesy of Liberty Mountain. Becky Ormsbee contributed to this article.