Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing remain relatively safe activities during the pandemic. However, resorts are still taking precautions during the 2022 winter season to keep patrons as safe as possible from COVID. Many spots require advanced ticket purchase online, as well as mask-wearing and social distancing in crowded spaces. Some resorts require proof of vaccination to dine indoors. Be sure to check with each location for the latest updates to conditions, both COVID-related and weather-related.

Skiing and Snowboarding Less than 2 Hours from Philly

1. Bear Creek Mountain Resort—Lehigh Valley

At Bear Creek, you can explore more than 86 acres of slopes, trails, and terrain across more than 20 ski trails. The resort's ten snow tubing lanes are open to children 6 years and older. There's an awesome family-friendly terrain park, featuring small jumps, rails, and boxes. Experts will find six black diamond trails and can try their skills in Black Bear Park with its large jumps and technical features. Reservations are recommended for lessons, which are available for kids of all ages and abilities.

2022 winter season updates: The resort asks all guests to wear face masks indoors. Reservations are recommended but not required.

2. Big Boulder Resort—Blakeslee

This family-friendly ski resort has 15 slopes and trails, beginner through expert. Elevations from 1700 to 2175 feet make for a longer season. For those who are more comfortable on a snowboard than skis, the Mountain Dew Terrain Park and half-pipe cater to the daredevil's needs. There are also 15 snow tube runs, expected to open later in the season. The resort offers lessons to kids ages five and up.

2022 winter season updates: Face coverings are required for all indoor settings, and proof of vaccination is required for all guests ages 12 and up to dine indoors. The mountain plans to operate at normal capacity this season, however, dining reservations are recommended for indoor restaurants.

3. Blue Mountain Resort—Palmerton

This skiing, snowboarding, and tubing destination is a local favorite and will expand to 40 trails in 2022. Great skiing conditions, two lodges, outdoor grilling and eating areas, food trucks, and a waffle cabin make this a top weekend destination. With five terrain parks, thrill-seekers can practice their skills or take to Razor’s Edge, a 3,000-foot double-black diamond trail. Night skiing is available every evening, and the resort gives lessons to kids ages three and up. Three lifts make it easy to enjoy tall 46 tubing runs, so you can make it down all the hills.

2022 winter season updates: Masks are recommended indoors and online reservations are required.

RELATED: Outdoor Ice Skating in the Philly Area

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Jack Frost Resort offers several learn-to-ski programs. Photo courtesy of Jack Frost

4. Jack Frost Resort— Blakeslee

Jack Frost is the smaller half of the Jack Frost/Big Boulder Resort. Offering 20 slopes and trails and six tubing lanes, the “little sister” to Big Boulder is open for skiing every day. Tubing is expected to open later in the winter season. The resort offers lessons for kids ages five and up.

2022 winter season updates: Face coverings are required for all indoor settings, and proof of vaccination is required for all guests ages 12 and up to dine indoors. The mountain plans to operate at normal capacity this season, however, dining reservations are recommended for indoor restaurants

5. Spring Mountain Adventures—Spring Mount

Spring Mountain is on the smaller side with 7 trails and a 428-foot vertical drop, but its Montgomery County location is under an hour's drive for many Philadelphians, making it a must-ski for families with younger children. Trust us, there's plenty of fun to be had on these slopes, including a terrain park and a brand new ice skating rink. Private and group lessons are given to children three and older, and the resort is open until 9pm for night skiing. Online reservations are recommended.

2022 winter season updates: Masks are recommended indoors for all guests.

Skiing and Snowboarding More than 2 Hours from Philly

6. Blue Knob All Seasons Resort—Claysburg

Blue Knob boasts the highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania. But even for beginners, there are plenty of options, including more than 100 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 1,072 feet. Families will find 34 runs serviced by five lifts. For night skiing, 42 acres remain open. There's also a small tubing run with four lanes and one of the only cross-country ski options around. Blue Knob offers lessons for kids four and older.

2022 winter season updates: Guests are asked to observe social distancing measures and masks are recommended indoors.

RELATED: Great Winter Day Trips and Getaways near Philly

Aerial views of Camelback Mountain's LED-lit nighttime trails. Photo courtesy of Camelback Mountain

7. Camelback Mountain Resort—Tannersville

Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, the whole family can take to the 39 trails and 15 lifts at Camelback Ski Resort–recently voted one of the best ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada by the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. There are also two high-speed quads, a snowboard competition half-pipe, two terrain parks, and a wide selection of trails for all ability levels. Night skiing is available every evening, and there are more than 40 tubing runs. Book lessons for kids as young as four, and on weekends, the resort offers an adaptive skiing program for skiers with special needs, available by appointment. Early risers receive discounts on snow tubing every Saturday and Sunday. Camelback has a whole range of activities worth checking out during your trip and often offers great deals for those who make it an overnight stay.

2022 winter season updates: Masks are recommended for all guests regardless of vaccination status and social distancing is encouraged.

8. Elk Mountain—Union Dale

This 180-acre 27-slope resort offers family-friendly thrills. For the 2022 season, the resort plans to offer night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays until 9pm. Kids six years and older can take lessons, and the mountain holds a parent/child clinic for kids ages 3-5. Elk Mountain has two terrain parks–Stompin' Grounds, and Little Foot, which is suitable for beginners. 

2022 winter season updates: Indoor occupancy is limited and non-skiers cannot stay inside the lodge. Masks are required for all indoor settings. Reservations aren't needed, however, tickets can be purchased in advance online. 

9. Eagle Rock—Hazle Township

A private resort community, Eagle Rock mountain is on the smaller side, with 14 lighted slopes ranging from beginner to expert available for day skiing on weekends only. Certified instructors can help your whole family get the hang of things. The resort also offers snow tubing, sledding, and a winter play park.

2022 winter season updates: Eagle Rock doesn't currently have any specific protocols in place but continues to monitor the situation and will update its policies as needed.

10. Hidden Valley Resort—Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley Resort features 26 slopes and trails, and nine lifts to keep the family skiing and snowboarding all day long. The resort offers regular specials, so definitely check their website before heading up for the day. Families can ski at night on Fridays and Saturdays. Hidden Valley's Snowsports School hosts private and group lessons for kids of all ages and abilities. Lessons must be reserved online in advance and accompany the purchase of lift tickets. The resort can't host kids inside the lodge, so if they're unable to complete a lesson, parents will be contacted for pickup. With six tubing lanes open to kids four and older, there are several ways to enjoy this fun-filled mountain resort. 

2022 winter season updates: All guests must wear masks inside and whenever social distancing isn't possible. Reservations for lift tickets are recommended.

11. Laurel Mountain—Boswell

Laurel Mountain has 20 slopes and trails, including the 3,000-foot long Wildcat Slope. Night skiing is available Friday and Saturday until 7pm. There is no tubing at Laurel. With its proximity to Pittsburgh, this resort makes a great weekend getaway. Private lessons are available for skiers and snowboarders ages three and up.

2022 winter season updates: Laurel Mountain recommends face masks for all guests.

12. Liberty Mountain Resort—Carroll Valley

This small resort has 91 acres of skiing on 16 trails with plenty for everyone to do. From night skiing to snow tubing, Liberty Mountain offers fun for the entire family. Children's lessons are available starting at three years old.

2022 winter season updates: Face coverings are required for all indoor settings, and proof of vaccination is required for all guests ages 12 and up to dine indoors. The mountain plans to operate at normal capacity this season, however, dining reservations are recommended for indoor restaurants. 

RELATED: 5 Great Winter Hikes for Philly Families

A young snowboarder sails down the hills at Montage Mountain. Photo courtesy of Montage Mountain

13. Montage Mountain—Scranton

Montage Mountain claims to have the most diverse range of trails in the mid-Atlantic with 27 trails for every level. There are 140 acres of black and double-black diamond terrain, with the White Lightning ranking as the second steepest slope on the East Coast. You can enjoy night skiing every night of the week and 10 tubing runs. Ski School is in session with lessons for kids aged five and up. The mountain's impressive terrain park beckons true daredevils.

2022 winter season updates: Montage doesn't currently have any specific protocols in place but continues to monitor the situation and will update its policies as needed.

14. The Peak at Nemacolin—Farmington

One of the only spots in the state for cross country skiing, The Peak has six slopes and 25 acres of downhill skiing from beginner to expert levels. Other activities onsite include dog sledding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing, making it an awesome family-friendly spot to try all your winter favorites. The Peak is only open to guests with overnight accommodations or memberships.

2022 winter season updates: Nemacolin doesn't currently have any specific protocols in place but continues to monitor the situation and will update its policies as needed.

RELATED: The Best Philly-Area Sledding Spots for Kids

Friends enjoy a ride on Roundtop Mountain Resort's ski lift. Photo courtesy of the resort

15. Roundtop Mountain Resort—Lewisberry

With 600 acres of skiable land and 20 trails, Roundtop is rated one of the best places to learn to ski or snowboard. Night skiing is available every night and kids can snow tube on ten different runs. Out of four different terrain parks, Grom Jam is suitable for kids ages 6-13. Kids three and over can take lessons.

2022 winter season updates: Face coverings are required for all indoor settings, and proof of vaccination is required for all guests ages 12 and up to dine indoors. The mountain plans to operate at normal capacity. Dining reservations are recommended for indoor restaurants. 

16. Seven Springs Mountain Resort—Seven Springs

This resort destination has it all for the adventurous family. The longest run is 1.25 miles and there are 33 slopes and trails in total. You'll also find 11 tubing lanes and a whopping eight different terrain parks with more than 70 jumps, jibs, and the only super-pipe on the East Coast. The Arctic Blast Children's Area and Santa's Terrain park specifically cater to little ones, as do Tiny Tot lessons for children ages 3-7. Night skiing is available every evening.

2022 winter season updates: Seven Springs recommends face masks for all guests. The child care program is currently paused.

17. Shawnee Mountain Resort—East Stroudsburg

Shawnee has a reputation for high-quality snow. On 23 slopes and trails, this resort offers day and night skiing, snowboarding, a tubing park, and two terrain parks. Shawnee teaches lessons to kids three years and older. If skiing isn’t your thing, take the “Pocono Plunge” at the snow tube park, featuring single tubes as well as adult and child tandem tubes with two conveyor lifts to whisk you to the top. Tubing is available daily on six lanes. 

2022 winter season updates: Shawnee strongly recommends face masks and social distancing and will conduct wellness checks on any guests exhibiting symptoms. Capacity limitations will be in effect, so advanced ticket purchase online is strongly advised.

18. Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain—Lackawaxen

With 18 slopes serviced by seven lifts, including a mile-long run, Big Bear is a great ski destination. There's also a small tubing spot with two lanes. Tubing is offered in two-hour sessions. Private lessons for ages four and up are available any day the mountain is open, and beginner group lessons for ages six and up are offered on weekends and holidays.

2022 winter season updates: Masks are recommended indoors and social distancing is encouraged. The Lodge is open for dining, warming, and restroom use at normal capacity, and guests can place take-out orders online. 

19. Ski Sawmill Family Resort—Morris

You can enjoy 12 trails, a terrain park, and four tubing lanes, which were recently upgraded at this family-friendly ski resort in Morris. Sawmill offers a peak elevation of 2215 feet. The resort gives group and family lessons for kids seven years and older, or private lessons for children six years and younger.

2022 winter season updates: Face masks and physical distancing are required throughout the resort indoors and outdoors.

20. Tussey Mountain All Seasons—Boalsburg

With skiing on 38 acres, a terrain park, night skiing, and a tube run with four lanes, this is a small but fun ski destination. Instead of fighting the crowds you might find at more popular spots, Tussey Mountain is a great place to learn and grow your skills. Private and group lessons are offered on select days.

2022 winter season updates: The resort will have designated areas for mask-wearing and asks guests to observe social distancing measures at all times.

RELATED: Winter Activities Guide

Ski school is in session at Whitetail Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

21. Whitetail Resort—Mercersburg

This is a go-to park for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. There are 23 slopes with nine lifts so wait times tend to be minimal. The resort has 10 tubing lanes, which are sold in one or two-hour sessions. The two terrain parks offer rails, boxes, and other features as well as regular competitions. Kids ages four and up can take advantage of ski instruction, which must be booked in advance online.

2022 winter season updates: Face coverings are required for all indoor settings, and proof of vaccination is required for all guests ages 12 and up to dine indoors. The mountain plans to operate at normal capacity this season, however, dining reservations are recommended for indoor restaurants. The child care facility will remain closed.

How to Save Money and Ski for Free at PA resorts in 2022 

• The Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association is a resource-rich nonprofit that was created to promote and serve the Pennsylvania ski industry. Most of the resorts on this list are PSAA sites. Their website consistently offers deals on nearby slopes. The popular Pennsylvania Snowpass Program for Fourth and Fifth-graders is canceled again this year, but certain resorts have chosen to offer the Snowpass individually, and others still provide deep discounts on season passes for that age group.
• Many resorts don't charge at all for children under 5 years of age and charge less for kids under 12, so reap the benefits of teaching them young! 
• New skiers often save on extra trips by purchasing learn-to-ski passes from the resort.
• Most resorts have discounted nights, and weekday ski is almost always cheaper than weekend ski (plus less crowded).
• Save with a season pass. If you intend to go more than once, purchasing a pass often makes sense as many seasons run through March.
• Bundle lessons, lift tickets, and rentals to score resort deals.
• Look into going as a group. Many resorts offer discounts for groups of 15 or more.
• Finally, follow favorite resorts on Facebook or Instagram. They often post last-minute deals on social media.

This post has been updated for 2022 with additional reporting by writer Danielle Smith.