When winter arrives in the Pocono Mountains, the whole area turns into a snowy playground. Tall pine trees get covered in frost, lakes freeze into shiny ice, and the ski slopes fill with skiers, snowboarders, and families ready to enjoy the snow. Whether you want a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a weekend with friends, the Poconos offers multiple things to do in the winter. You can have the perfect mix of adventure, beautiful views, and peaceful moments.
Here is your easy guide to the best Poconos winter activities, from fast runs down the mountain to gentle walks through quiet forests.
Skiing: The Ultimate Poconos Winter Fun
The Poconos are one of the best winter spots on the East Coast. It is great for beginners, has fun parks for tricks, and has family-friendly resorts.
1. Camelback Mountain Resort, Tannersville
Camelback is the biggest ski area in the Poconos, with 39 trails and many lifts. The slopes are perfect for beginners and those with some experience. There are also terrain parks for people who like freestyle skiing or snowboarding and a popular snow tubing park. With places to eat, ski lessons, and a lively base area, Camelback is great for families and first-timers looking for a fun day on the snow.
2. Jack Frost Big Boulder, Blakeslee
These two Poconos mountain attractions are close and share one ski pass, but each offers a different experience.
- Jack Frost has smooth and longer slopes that are quieter and perfect for skiers who enjoy peaceful runs.
- Big Boulder is known for its exciting terrain parks and lively vibe. This is making it popular with snowboarders.
Together, these spots give you lots of options for skiing and snowboarding fun in the Poconos.
3. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, East Stroudsburg
Shawnee is a favorite for families. It has easy slopes, affordable prices, and great ski lessons. These are making it perfect for kids and beginners. They also host fun winter festivals and special themed weekends to add extra excitement.
4. Blue Mountain Resort, Palmerton
Blue Mountain has the biggest vertical drop in Pennsylvania. This means it is popular with experienced skiers and snowboarders. It has challenging runs for experts and wide, gentle trails for beginners. It is a great spot for people looking for variety and a challenge. It is true with modern lifts, good snowmaking, and several places to eat.
Pro Tip: Try to go on a weekday when lift tickets cost less and the slopes are less crowded.
Snow Tubing in Pocono Mountains: Easy and Fun for Everyone
Snow tubing in the Poconos is simple; no lessons, prior experience, or special gear are needed. Just hop on a tube, slide down, and have a blast. It is one of the best family activities in the Poconos, which makes it great for groups with kids.
1. Camelback Snow Tubing Park
Camelback has the biggest snow tubing park in the U.S., with over 40 lanes. They also offer Galactic Night Tubing, where colorful lights and music make night sliding extra fun.
2. Blue Mountain Snow Tubing Park
Blue Mountain has long, fast lanes and a magic carpet lift to bring you back up. It is known for great music and interactive night sessions.
3. Shawnee Mountain Tubing Hill
Shawnee’s tubing hill is perfect for younger kids or families who want easy, gentle slopes. The lanes are well-lit for evening fun, and the smaller size makes it easier for parents to watch their little ones.
Pro Tip: Wear waterproof jackets and snow pants because you will get splashed with snow while sliding.
Ice Skating & Ice Fishing: Relaxing Winter Fun
If you like slower, peaceful activities, the Poconos has plenty of frozen lakes and pretty ice rinks to enjoy.
1. SkyTop Lodge Ice Rink
This outdoor rink is surrounded by snowy trees and old lodge buildings. It is a perfect spot for couples or families to enjoy classic winter ice skating.
2. Promised Land State Park
When the lake freezes thick enough, you can skate on natural ice in a quiet forest setting. It is a simple and peaceful way to be outside.
3. Lake Wallenpaupack
One of Pennsylvania’s biggest man-made lakes, it’s great for ice skating and ice fishing. The winter views are stunning, and many fishermen come here to catch perch and trout.
4. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
This lake is popular for winter fishing because it is easy to get to and has plenty of fish. Many people enjoy fishing here early in the morning with snowy views all around.
5. Lake Henry, Ice Fishing
Known for good winter fishing, Lake Henry is a quiet spot for more experienced anglers who want fewer crowds.
Safety Tip: Make sure the ice is at least 4 inches thick before walking on it. Always check park updates before heading out.
Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking: Enjoy the Quiet Beauty of the Poconos
For outdoor lovers, winter hiking is a peaceful way to explore. Snowshoeing makes walking on snowy trails easier and more fun.
- Lehigh Gorge Trail: This pretty trail runs for miles along a river with wide-open views. This is great for winter photos. The path is mostly flat, so it’s perfect for snowshoeing.
- Hickory Run State Park: Famous for its Boulder Field, this park offers a unique winter scene. The trails go through forests, streams, and frozen areas that look very different in winter.
- Tobyhanna State Park Loop: A quiet trail that circles a lake, great for seeing winter animals. It is an easy trail, good for beginners and families with kids.
- Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area: This area has amazing views and many trails. In winter, the air is fresh and you get clear views of the mountains and the Delaware River.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have snowshoes, many local stores and ski resorts rent them out.
Snowmobiling: Exciting Winter Fun in the Poconos
Snowmobiling is a fast and fun way to explore the snowy woods and enjoy beautiful winter views.
- Pocono Outdoor Adventure Tours: This guided tour takes you on safe, fun rides through private forest trails and snowy fields. It’s great for beginners who want an exciting but easy experience.
- Lost Trails ATV Adventure Park: Lost Trails here offers snowmobile rentals and marked trails with hills, woods, and open spaces. Riders love the variety of terrain and the wide areas to explore.
- Promised Land State Park: Some trails open for snowmobiling when the weather is right. These paths are better for people with some riding experience and take you through quiet, deep forest areas.
Pro Tip: Dress in layers because snowmobiling is fun, but the wind can get cold quickly!
Family-Friendly Winter Fun for Everyone
Winter in the Poconos has lots of activities that families can enjoy together.
- Indoor Waterparks: Warm up at places like Kalahari, Great Wolf Lodge, or Aquatopia. They have water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and fun attractions for all ages, open all winter.
- Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Skytop Lodge and Happy Trails Stables offer classic sleigh rides through snowy paths. These are perfect for holiday photos and a peaceful ride.
- Winter Festivals: Events like Jim Thorpe’s Winter-Fest and Hawley Winter-Fest have food, crafts, music, and festive decorations. You can walk around, shop, and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Pro Tip: Winter weekends can get busy, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. So, book your activities early.
Where to Stay: HolidayKeepers Offers a Cozy Winter Getaway
Your winter trip feels even better when you have a warm, comfortable place to come back to. HolidayKeepers vacation homes offer privacy, plenty of space, and a cozy, home-like feeling that you don’t always get at hotels or resorts, like:
- Big homes for families and groups. Everyone has room to relax, no squeezing into tiny hotel rooms.
- Warm and cozy inside with fireplaces, large living rooms, and full kitchens, it feels like a true winter retreat.
- Close to fun winter spots. Many homes are just minutes from ski resorts, tubing parks, lakes, and hiking trails.
- All the comforts of home, along with vacation perks. You can cook your own meals, relax, play games, and enjoy private extras like decks or hot tubs.
If you want a mix of privacy and convenience, these rentals are the perfect home base for your winter adventure.
Conclusion
Winter in the Poconos means adventure, beautiful views, and cozy times. Whether you are ready for Poconos snow skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, or just relaxing in a hot tub under the stars, there are a lot of things to do in the Poconos in the winter for everyone.
This winter, leave the city behind and enjoy snowy forests and fresh mountain air. Plan your trip with HolidayKeepers and make every snowy day a memory to treasure. Contact our team for booking assistance.
FAQs
Q: When is the best time to visit the Poconos in winter?
A: December through February is the peak season for snow activities.
Q: Are the ski resorts beginner-friendly?
A: Yes, most resorts offer lessons and gentle slopes.
Q: Can kids join snowmobiling tours?
A: Some tours allow kids as passengers. However, you must check age requirements ahead of time.
Q: Do I need to bring snow gear?
A: You can rent most gear, including snowshoes, skis, and helmets.
