Blue Mountain Ski Vacation Guide

A trip to Blue Mountain is well worth the effort because visitors are rewarded with scenic vistas, friendly small-town charm, diverse terrain to ski, and a host of additional facilities and amenities that help make a vacation all the more special. Skiers love this mountain because of its diverse terrain, impeccable grooming, great views, big air, and delightful accommodations.

Ski Levels

This ski resort has the biggest vertical in all of Pennsylvania at 1,000+ feet. There are six fantastic terrain parks for freestyle skiers of all abilities, a massive tubing park with more than 39 slides, and more than 160 acres of land, which includes gladed areas and 39 named runs, plus a children’s learning center for first timers. In addition to 100 percent snowmaking with state-of-the-art snow machines, 100 percent of the terrain is also open for night skiing, every night of the week. The resort has a nice percentage of advanced and expert ski trails compared to other mid-Atlantic resorts, as well as a nice array of intermediate and beginner slopes. The lifts at the resort are great and take visitors up the mountain quickly and efficiently.

In addition to all that, you’ll find a delightful array of premiere ski lessons. They have a separate area, Valley School, which is accessed by its own lift and reserved especially for first time skiers and snowboarders. However, all levels of ski lessons from beginner to expert are offered, group and private lessons are available. The children-only Explorer Program is suitable for ages four through 12 and has both full-day and half-day offerings. There is also an array of special needs and adaptive programs for guests who suffer visual impairment, autism spectrum disorder, and other types of development delay issues. Blue Mountain believes firmly that everyone deserves the right to learn ski sports.

Après Ski

The lodges at the mountain are all full-service and provide a host of amenities to its guests. To get an accurate idea, the lodges offer demos and rentals, ski and snowboard repair and retail shops, cafeterias, sit-down dining, bars, complimentary ski and board check, daycare and babysitting services, seasonal and daily lockers and wireless internet access. The resort works diligently to make sure its guests are well taken care of, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff is always happy to assist.

There is no slope-side lodging, but there are plenty of options to choose from nearby. There are budget hotels, luxury hotels, historic homestays, Victorian bed and breakfast inns, grand mansions, and comely vacation homes. The area is a popular four-season destination so there are plenty of options available and the area can house many visitors. Additionally, there are many ski and stay vacation packages available to guests.

Blue Mountain Snowboard Vacation Guide


Rider’s Guide

This ski area has a great variety of slopes and enough lifts to get the throngs of visitors around to them all. The mountain area contains more than 30 named runs that cater to all ability levels, from first-timer to seasoned expert. The resort doesn’t receive a notable amount of snow, but does have excellent snowmaking abilities, so conditions remain optimal even when the weather is not. Blue Mountain has the largest vertical in the mid-Atlantic region with 1,082 feet and there are several double blacks that take advantage of the area’s steepest parts. The entire area is open at night, every night, so alpine riding and freestyling can continue well after the sun goes down.

Parks and Pipes

There are five impressive terrain parks here. The areas premiere park is called the Sidewinder Park, it is constantly evolving and progressing into a bigger and more challenging park. This park has huge barrels, flats, c boxes, stairs, jumps, and tabletops that change throughout the season. Central Park is the “urban” park and it will also house the Big Air Bag for guests to practice risky jumps safely. The Snow Cross Trail is a chain of turns, rollers, and a large cement mixer jib. The Come Around Park is specifically aimed at intermediate level riders, or progression riders on their way to Sidewinder. The Terrain Run Park is for beginners, it sports mellow transitions and small features to help foster confidence and hone fundamental techniques.

Out of Bounds

The Poconos is absolutely brimming with possibilities for winter sports and activities. There is snowmobiling, ice skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing, cross country, sleigh rides, just to name a few. The resort houses great ski and snowboard lessons, and a massive tubing park that’s also open at night. In addition to exciting snow sports, there is also the Big Air Bag. A variation on the fall cushions used by professional stuntmen, the Big Air Bag lets every skier and rider practice big jumps with the guarantee of a soft, safe landing.

Hangout & Hookup

There are a few bars and lounges located slope side. The most notable of which is the Last Run Lounge. Located at the Summit Lodge, the lounge features a tavern-esque environment, great food and drink specials, music and TV’s. Check out the multi-million dollar expansion that includes the fantastic Slopeside Pub & Grill, a casual family-friendly indoor fun dining experience. Boasting a full bar and two fireplaces, this new hot spot is sure to warm your toes. With a beautiful deck next to the lounge, it’s perfect for some quality relaxation amidst stunning alpine scenery. There are also bars at the Valley Lodge and the Adventure Center.

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