Shawnee Mountain Ski Area

The Pocono Mountains have been a popular recreational area in northeast Pennsylvania for decades. During the winter months, the terrain at places like the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area draws the attention of ski bums locally and abroad. Since 1975, the winter venue has worked with local communities to build a complete ski/ride vacation experience just 1.5 miles west of New York City.

Motorists using the Interstate can employ I-80 to get to Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. US Route 209 takes drivers the remaining distance. Those traveling by air will find the International airports that serve New York City convenient for flights and ground rentals or Lehigh Valley International Airport near Allentown (domestic flights only).

An Integrated Experience

The Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is within striking distance of several population centers in the region. That said, there are many community-based condos, inns, or lodges that allow skiers and riders to extend their stay on the slopes. The Shawnee Inn is partnered with the resort and is only 2.5 miles down the road. When guests finish playing in the snow for the day, they can find dining, entertainment, and shopping in Stroudsburg.

Anyone traveling to the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area and surrounding region will find several craft breweries to visit. Local eateries abound in Stroudsburg, offering a sampling of foods for any craving. Skiers and riders can stay fueled on-mountain, though, with dining options that keep them at the ski area. A store, rentals, repairs, and even babysitting help visitors enjoy their time on the mountain.

The Shawnee Mountain Ski Area offers group and private lessons for both children and adults. Children or developmental programs are an option for park rats, while inspired souls wanting to teach can take the ITC program approved by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Instructors who take the course receive several benefits tied to the ski area.

Ski or Ride the Poconos

The Pocono Mountains have a temperate climate, but it is not uncommon to have one or more storms dump 12 inches of snow once or twice a year. Average annual snowfall amounts at the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area reach 50 inches. Snowmaking equipment covers 100-percent of the trails and parks on the mountain, supplementing nature and keeping conditions ideal for carving the pow.

The base height of the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area rests at 650 feet, with a top elevation of 1,350 feet. A 700-foot vertical drop will keep newbies and casual skiers/riders busy, which the terrain favors. Nearly 125 acres of skiable terrain is available to choose from, with half rated as blue for intermediates. A quarter of the mountain is rated green for guests to learn on, while the remainder rates as a black diamond for advanced skiers and riders.

The Shawnee Mountain Ski Area maintains 23 slopes and trails (the longest run here is over 5,000 feet in length). Two terrain parks provide features to challenge guests, and a snow tubing park is fun for those looking to enjoy snow off their planks. Visitors to the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area have ten lifts to move them around, including four magic carpets.