Prime Pennsylvania Skiing is just around the Corner

If you get excited about being outside no matter the season, temperature or activity, then you would fit right in at The Settlers Inn. Our innkeepers are outdoor enthusiasts who love to take advantage of the many outdoor activities our beautiful region provides. Winter, spring, summer and fall, we consider ourselves part of the “roof rack” crowd, and we would love for you to join us. While the less hearty get intimidated by a little snow, we rejoice in it! And when the temperatures begin to drop, it simply means that prime Pennsylvania skiing is just around the corner. Here in the Pocono Mountains, you can enjoy downhill skiing and cross country skiing at a number of different mountain resorts and Pennsylvania state parks. Here is our guide for outdoor enthusiasts like us who want to get out and experience some great Pennsylvania skiing.

Ski Big Bear

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain is our local mountain and great for families and beginners. It’s a smaller Pennsylvania skiing environment and therefore less intimidating for new skiers. Ski Big Bear opens mid-December and offers lessons for all levels of ability. There are downhill trails as well as cross country trails. The cross country trails are located within Masthope Mountain Community and are for use by Masthope Mountain Community members.

Elk Mountain

Elk Mountain is one of the premier ski resorts in Pennsylvania. On par with the slopes of Vermont, Elk Mountain offers 1,000 feet of vertical excitement. Trail ratings are from Green (Easier) to Black Diamond (Most Difficult). There are also some lighted trails on the mountain as well as a slalom trail.

Montage Mountain

Montage Mountain, located in Scranton, PA, just 40 miles from The Settlers Inn, offers a wide variety of trails and terrain. Sixty percent of the trails are Beginner or Novice, but there are also plenty of trails to challenge experienced skiers up to expert level. Night skiing is available on 100% of the mountain, and there are 270 snow guns to ensure that skiing conditions are always superb.

Camelback

Camelback Mountain Resort has been voted the #1 ski resort in Pennsylvania four years in a row. Camelback trails are friendly for beginner riders and advanced skiers alike, and there are several Terrain-Based Learning programs available onsite for both kids and adults. After a long day of cruising down the slopes at Camelback, stop by the Thirsty Camel or Glen Lodge for some refreshments and live music on the weekends. Cross country skiing is also available at Camelback Mountain Resort.

Shawnee

Shawnee Mountain is known year-round for being one of the Pocono Mountains premier festival destinations, but in the winter, the mountain transforms into a family favorite ski resort. Shawnee offers 23 slopes and trails, 2 terrain parks, 100% snowmaking and night skiing. The trail difficulty is divided 25% Beginner, 50% Intermediate and 25% Expert.

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While Ski Big Bear is the most convenient Pennsylvania skiing area to our bed and breakfast, Elk Mountain, Montage Mountain, Camelback and Shawnee are all within about an hour range from our Hawley PA location. A comprehensive list of Pennsylvania cross-country ski trails is also available at crosscountryskipa.com. After your day of invigorating Pennsylvania skiing, we invite you to return to The Settlers Inn. Our historic Arts & Crafts Lodge has all the comforts of a small inn with the added convenience of a full-service farm-to-table restaurant and tavern. You can cozy up by one of our crackling fireplaces, climb into your featherbed and take a late-afternoon nap or soak in a private Jacuzzi tub. Book your Pennsylvania skiing vacation and your room at The Settlers Inn today!