Learning to Ski in the Poconos: An Adventure On — and Off — the Slopes

Resorts in states such as Colorado, Utah, and Vermont are considered the crown jewels of ski trips. But a recent winter trip to Pennsylvania pleasantly surprised me with approachable slopes (especially for newbies) and other fun seasonal activities, both at Camelback Resort and around southeastern Pennsylvania.

Despite growing up in the Seattle suburbs only a couple of hours from multiple ski hills, I only learned how this year. The sport had been on my mind ever since I lived in Québec, and the idea remained over the years I spent country-hopping. Then, for the first time in a while, I spent an entire winter home in the Pacific Northwest.

My dad, who used to love to ski, had recently had shoulder surgery to fix the injury that caused him to stop decades ago. As a Christmas gift to both of us, I booked some lessons (for me) and day passes (for him) back home in Washington State. However, “terrified beginner” still best described me upon touchdown in the Poconos.

Getting to Camelback Resort in Tannersville was no small feat from the West Coast. I took two flights from Seattle to reach Allentown, PA, and then a 45-minute car transfer to the mountain. For travelers coming from New York, western Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, though, it’s an easy drive on Highway 80.

Photos: Camelback Resort

The next morning, my alarm jolted me from a short night’s rest, and I made my way to the shuttle, jetlagged and a little nervous but ready to conquer the bunny hill. My arrival at Camelback’s ski school helped cool my pre-slope anxiety — despite many school districts holding mid-winter breaks, the gear rental and lesson sign-up building was surprisingly calm. Staff didn’t rush while fitting our group with boots, helmets, and skis, and did so with genuine smiles. They took time to explain how the gear should fit, which often feels awkward.

In stark contrast, my preceding lesson experience had been much more chaotic with dozens of adults and kids crammed into a small rental area. Hurried staff asked if boots “fit” without telling me (someone who had never worn them before) what that entailed. This definitely contributed to my lack of chill on the slopes.

Additionally, this go-around, my fellow beginners were three other women who approached skiing with similar fear and caution. Previously, I’d put on my first pair of skis alongside a group of boys in their early 20s. They were all nice enough and also beginners, but the group vibe — overconfidence before nailing technique — wasn’t exactly my speed. All in all, my all-female Poconos group provided a much more comfortable environment.

We started in the learner’s area, a mostly flat section with a shallow incline to slowly work your way up. The instructor took everything slowly, explaining stuff I’d technically learned before: ski stance, pressure on the outside ski to turn, and look where you’re going, not down. But anyone who has learned to ski as an adult knows that these are reminders that warrant repeating.

A forward stance gives the most stability, but it’s not intuitive, especially as an adult learner. The brain’s safe reaction is to lean back as it’s the natural response to the fear of falling. This is unfortunate because the more you lean backward, the more likely you are to fall. However, I was determined to persevere.

Photo: Sydney Baker

I slowly inched up the baby hill, and with each added turn, my confidence grew. I’m sure my previous lessons helped (skis are so awkward the first few times you wear them, so I’m thankful this wasn’t my first time), but so did the lack of crowds, attentive instructor, and supportive all-women group.

I knew I had the ability, but it was nice to see it come to fruition and not get lost in fear. By the end of the lesson, I was swerving left and right around cones, something I’d enviously watched 10-year-olds do beforehand.

If you’re looking to ski for a day at Camelback, a 60-minute friends and family lesson costs $159 (including rentals if you come midweek). You’ll need a minimum of two people or at least one other person besides yourself. Groups can have up to eight in a session — perfect for families or friend groups who want to learn together. The school also offers one-hour private lessons starting at $219.

For all of the above, you’ll need to purchase a lift ticket separately (starting at $49). Full-day gear rentals start at $69. Make sure to book ahead of time as space is limited. Arrive at least 45 minutes before your lesson time for gear fitting and parking. (There’s a free shuttle for Camelback guests.)

The Poconos

Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock

Ideal for families and multi-generational groups, Camelback has options for skiers and snowboarders as well as non-skiers, including a massive indoor waterpark that’s complimentary for all guests. (Non-guests may purchase day tickets starting at $59.) The hot tub relaxes sore muscles after a day on the slopes. You’ll also find VIP cabanas and an adults-only area complete with a swim-up bar.

For younger guests, there’s an on-site arcade, plus multiple dining options. This includes Hemispheres (a buffet-style breakfast and dinner spot) and Coffee by La Colombe (serving espresso and grab-and-go food). Trail’s End Pub and Grille is a cozy spot for warm drinks, cocktails, lunch, and dinner. It’s located at the bottom level of the main lodge and the end of a blue ski run for a ski-in, ski-out experience.

Photo: Camelback Resort + Native Digital + AWStudio

I hadn’t gone snow tubing since I was a child and jumped at the chance to do so at Camelback. The resort’s tubing park is one of the largest in the country and makes for a fun adrenaline-filled day in the snow without the cost or skill requirement of skiing and snowboarding. Tickets start at $49 for a two-hour session, and in the evening, you can tube among rainbow lights.

In addition to ski lifts and the tubing hill, Camelback also runs shuttles to nearby restaurants such as Barley Creek Brewing Company (for anything else, a car is a must). While Barley Creek is a nice place to go for a housemade beer (or two or three), the real reason to swing by is Firkin’ Curling. No, that’s not a typo — just the funniest sport you’ve never heard of. Firkin’ Curling is curling but with old beer kegs (called firkins in the UK, hence the name). Created by Trip Ruvane, Barley Creek’s owner, it makes for a fun night out after a day on the slopes.

Photo: Sydney Baker

Off the mountain, one of the most underrated parts of the Poconos is the town centers. My group spent a magical morning in Stroudsburg (about 15 minutes from Tannersville), which felt straight out of a Hallmark movie. Breakfast at The Cure Cafe is a must (as everyone in the Poconos insisted). It was almost a struggle to select breakfast from the extensive farm-fresh menu, but the coffee was the best I had on the entire trip (a big endorsement coming from a Seattleite).

Afterward, we went on a quick walking tour and loved meeting many of the Snowmen of Stroudsburg (a collection of painted snowmen that local artists create and display around town). Every winter the town brings them out to encourage tourism during the low season.

Camelback Resort: 193 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA 18372

Montgomery County

Photo: Sydney Baker

This region between the Poconos and Philly is rich in history. My group stopped at Valley Forge National Historical Park, where George Washington and the troops prepared to fight the British. In addition to numerous monuments and an informative museum, the park is full of walking and snowshoeing trails. We even saw a few cross-country skiers.

For dinner, we devoured a delicious sampling of dumplings at NanXiang Soup Dumplings, located in the enormous King of Prussia Mall about 10 minutes from Valley Forge. To build out your itinerary with more non-ski activities, or things to do on your way back to Philly from the Poconos, the mall’s Cork and Candles hosts candle-making classes where you can select your own unique scents. Candle-making is a fun Pennsylvania tradition that can add a restful indoor element to your trip.

Valley Forge National Historical Park: 1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia, PA 19406
King of Prussia Mall: 160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Philadelphia

Photo: Matt Stanley for DRWC

If you have time or want a bit of big city lights for your Pennsylvania winter trip, make time for Philly. My group didn’t have too much time in the city, but we enjoyed an afternoon at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest.

Every December through February or March, this outdoor ice rink provides a beautiful skating location along the Delaware River. In the evening, food vendors sell hot chocolate and local snacks like crab fries in a Christmas Market atmosphere. The lodge and rentable fire spots and yurts are available to warm up after a bit of skating. Time permitting, it makes for a lovely way to wrap up a Pennsylvania ski trip that manages to be just a little bit more.

Independence Blue Cross RiverRink: 101 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106