Spas, Slopes and More Winter Fun in Northeastern Pennsylvania

As the weather cools, Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) gears up for the ski season, where the region’s resorts take center stage offering everything from family-friendly bunny hills to black diamond thrills. But winter fun here isn’t just about skiing.  Those who would rather stay warm can retreat to cozy inns, luxury spaces and resorts that provide pampering, pools and plenty of relaxation.

Hitting the Slopes

Shawnee Mountain in East Stroudsburg celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. For five decades the resort has offered fun for all ages and ability levels. Guests can enjoy 23 trails, two terrain parks and snow tubing. Shawnee is also known for having one of the best children’s programs in the region, according to Rachel Wyckoff, Marketing Director. “Our Snowsports School and other dedicated learning areas are designed to create confidence and a lifelong love of winter sports,” she said.

High in the sky at Shawnee Mountain

Big Boulder in Lake Harmony and Jack Frost in Blakeslee (JFBB) are sister resorts which also offer winter fun. Big Bolder is the perfect launchpad for beginners with a dedicated learning hill and gentle slopes designed to build confidence, while Jack Frost offers a natural progression for more advanced runs. “We’re not just teaching people how to ski, we’re helping them fall in love with winter,” said Tony Santora, JFBB General Manager.

Camelback Resort in Tannersville touts 166 skiable acres, 56 snowtubing lanes and a hotel and waterpark, making it a year-round destination. Jason Bays, the new Vice President and General Manager at Camelback, said, “With new automated snowmaking on key trails and the modernization of the Stevenson Express chair lift, guests can look forward to more time enjoying the slopes and less time waiting.” And it isn’t often that skiers have a choice to spend all day on the mountain and later splash away at an on-site water park.

Enjoying a cozy evening at Camelback.

Palmerton’s Blue Mountain Resort, with 171 skiable acres across 40 trails, recently implemented cutting-edge snowmaking and has brightened some of the favorite runs for an enhanced skiing experience. “Three hundred and eighty lights have been upgraded to energy-efficient LEDS, brightening Challenge, Razor’s Edge, Main Street, Chute, Midway, Nightmare, Dreamweaver and Switchback,” said Marketing Director Ashley Seier.

There’s so much to do at Blue Mountain, both on and off the slopes. After hitting the trails, guests can kick back at Last Run Lounge with trivia nights or live music, or grab a bite at Slopeside Pub & Grill and take in the incredible mountain views from the Summit Lodge. “Swap your skis for tubes and check out the country’s largest Snow Tubing Park – and after 5 p.m., it lights up with music and magic for guests of all ages,” said Seier.

Winter Pampering

If skiing isn’t your idea of fun, NEPA offers other indulgent winter activities. Consider a luxury escape in the heart of the Pocono Mountains at The Swiftwater, where guests can frolic year-round in a heated indoor/outdoor saltwater pool. “It lets guests swim through the stream as snow falls around them and is one of our most loved experiences,” said Julian Beltran, Creative Director, Marketing.

Guests can also enjoy fine dining at The Olivet. “Our on-site fine-dining restaurant adds to the cozy indulgence with seasonal menus, an exceptional wine list and fireside ambiance,” said Beltran, adding that their private plunge pool suites are popular for an elevated winter escape.

Then there’s The French Manor Inn & Spa—a four-diamond winner for lodging and dining. The serene retreat perched atop Huckleberry Mountain in Newfoundland is a family-owned business run by the Reese family, with Genni Reese and Bridget Weber as second-generation owners. “It works out well as a destination for couples and girlfriend getaways for those looking to escape the city,” said Reese. Guests can enjoy stunning 28 -mile views from their balconies and in November and December can enjoy wine tastings.

The French Manor Inn and Spa is a four-diamond winner for lodging and dining.

For an all-inclusive experience, Woodloch Resort in Hawley spans three distinct properties. Woodloch Pines caters to families--there are go-carts, bumper cars, indoor climbing areas, a splash zone and water slide, along with a kids’ club supervised by staff.

The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spa for ages 16+, refreshes its facilities annually. “This year there’s new tilework, new flooring and an upgraded locker room,” said Erica Bloch, Associate Director of Communications. Guest who need a bit of a refresh can book a post-Christmas appointment when the spa re-opens. Treatments include Ayurvedic therapies, hot stone massages, customized facials, deep tissue massages and more.

The Spa at Woodloch offers many services to help guests feel pampered.

For the golf enthusiast who wants to work on his or her game, Woodloch Springs is located across the street from the spa. The golf community is comprised of 400 guest homes--70 of which are managed by Woodloch.

Winter Wrap Up

Whether you’re sailing down the slopes, bumping over tubing hills, or unwinding at a spa retreat, Northeastern Pennsylvania offers countless ways to celebrate the season. With activities that get the blood pumping, it’s the perfect place to emerge from hibernation.

 Credits: Thanks to Poconomountains.com and Woodloch for photos.