Whitetail Resort Ski Vacation Guide

Whitetop is located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania, an area replete with history, adventure, and pristine natural beauty. The resort has spent the last few years investing in a variety of improvements and has become something of a premiere ski resort in the region. As an added bonus for visitors, Whitetail distinguishes itself from other resorts in the area by putting a cap on tickets sold, so that the mountain never becomes too crowded and bogged down with people, visitors would do well to arrive early to guarantee entrance.

Ski Levels

The resort is one of the larger Pennsylvania resorts with 120 acres and 23 trails plus nearly 1,000 feet of vertical. One of the advantages at Whitetail is that it was designed specifically to separate different ability levels so beginners and experts can both enjoy the mountain without getting in each other’s way. The ability levels are lined up sequentially on the mountain and further separated by their own lifts. There is also nightly afterhours skiing, so guests can enjoy the mountain for longer.

First-timers should head to the ski school for excellent full- and half-day lessons, they can opt for either private or group instruction by certified professionals. There is also Burton Learn to Ride, which uses progressive techniques and specialized LTR equipment. For families with new skiers there is a great “Ski With Me” program which teaches smaller children to learn to ski while the instructor explains to the parent how the child is learning, it’s a great activity to do together. Pennsylvania residents will also enjoy the Pennsylvania Snow Pass which offers 4th and 5th graders the chance to ski for free all winter.

The improvements at the resort include better, more efficient snowmaking technology, including several new machines which will have the mountain in perfect condition each and every morning. There are also updated facilities, dining areas and more in order to better accommodate the many visitors that come to Whitetail every year.

Après Ski

There are two different restaurants located slope side, the Marketplace offers fast, fresh food and Windows Restaurant is a beautiful slope side establishment complete with stunning vistas and hearty fare. There is also an on-site Starbucks. The nearby town of Mercerburg and Clear Spring have more of a selection of eateries, supermarkets and shopping. There is also a snowtubing hill located on the mountainside which is perfect for all ages, and is open at night along with the rest of the resort. The surrounding area has plenty of fun activities like cross-country, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice fishing among other great winter mountain activities.

Planning a vacation to Whitetail is simple. There is not lodging at the resort but Whitetail partners up with several lodgings in the area to offer unbeatable ski and stay vacation package deals. There are also discounts on lift tickets and multi-day passes.

Getting Here

Getting to Whitetail is easy as well, this winter wonderland is just 90 minutes from the beltways and 1.5 hours from both Washington DC and Baltimore.

Whitetail Resort Snowboard Vacation Guide


Rider’s Guide 

Whitetail has top-of-the-line snowmaking on 100 percent of its 120 acres of land, 23 trails (beginner 26 percent, intermediate 42 percent, advanced 32 percent), two terrain parks, and a halfpipe. There is more than 900 feet of vertical to shred and the trails are laid out in sequential order from easiest to hardest so beginners and experts remain separated, which enhances the experience for everyone. The resort has put in a lot of money and time to make some great improvements to the resort and it is far better able to handle the large volume of visitors it receives annually.

Parks and Pipes

Park Place 101 is the beginner’s park. It has small features perfect for beginners, smaller riders and freestyle skiers and those guests looking to warm up. Jib Junction is where to head for large features. The park features massive boxes, large rails and great hits. The features are ever-changing and park builders are constantly evolving and growing the terrain park area. The resort also houses one of the largest halfpipes in the entire region. The parks are lit up at night for after-hours riding. Check out the great deals and discounts on lift tickets and multi-day passes before heading to the resort.

Out of Bounds

The area is absolutely replete with outdoor activities and varying snow sports. There is hiking, ice fishing, ice skating, snowshoeing, cross country as well as sleigh rides and historic walks and tours. On the mountain itself there are several great ski and snowboard lessons and clinics and a large snowtubing park that stays open at night with the rest of the resort.

Hangout & Hookup

Whitetail is not an area renowned for its après ski scene, it’s pretty quiet and caters mainly to families and couples. There is not a bar on the mountain, and although there is a bar or two in Clear Spring and Mercerburg, potential visitors seeking an active and lively nightlife will be disappointed in the Whitetail region. Fortunately, it is close to Baltimore and DC, so it makes a great day trip.

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