Blue Mountain Ski Resort: Premier Skiing & Après in Pennsylvania

When you think of skiing in Pennsylvania, you probably picture rolling hills and small resorts. Blue Mountain is here to shatter those expectations. Nestled in the Poconos, only two hours from New York City, Blue Mountain Ski Resort delivers a big-mountain experience that you would not expect in Pennsylvania.

Blue has the highest vertical drop in the state, top-notch snowmaking and a solid après ski scene. Blue Mountain’s impressive stats make it a prime destination for skiers and snowboarders in the tri-state area, but numbers only tell part of the story. Experiencing it firsthand with my family truly brought its reputation to life, proving exactly why so many consider it one of the best ski resorts in the state.

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A Seamless Start: The Summit Lodge Advantage

Any skier or snowboarder knows that the morning setup can make or break your day. Our short 1:45 minute morning drive from Central New Jersey had us at Blue bright and early. We parked at the Summit Lodge, only a short walk away which turned out to be a game-changer. As you enter, you instantly notice how clean and well run the lodge itself is. Lines for tickets and rentals are well organized and get people going in the right direction as soon as they walk in. 

There is also ample seating upstairs to enjoy a coffee and small breakfast while you boot up for the day. Most importantly the Summit Lodge offers direct slope access. No schlepping gear across icy parking lots or waiting for a shuttle; we simply walked out to the trail, clicked into our skis and dropped into our first run within minutes of arrival. That convenience alone set the tone for a fantastic day on the mountain.

Big Mountain Vibes and Impressive Snow Quality

Blue Mountain has a reputation for feeling bigger than its Pennsylvania counterparts, and it lived up to the hype. With 1,082 feet of vertical drop—the highest in the state—it offers long, flowing runs that wouldn’t feel out of place in the Adirondacks.

Adding to the experience was the snow quality. While it had not snowed much prior to visiting, the snow was still quite good. This in large part has to do with Blue’s upgraded snowmaking system which they began working on in early 2023 and continue to do so each year. This ultimately made for conditions that were noticeably better than what we’ve experienced at other Mid-Atlantic resorts. The coverage was solid, the surface was well-groomed and even later in the day, the slopes held up impressively well.

Efficient Lifts and a Fun Base Area Scene

One common complaint at ski resorts is long lift lines. This can also be the case at Blue where the Base area does get crowded. Everything funnels down there, after all. However, their lift system for a small resort is impressive and does a great job keeping things moving. There, the resort boasts two six-person lifts and a quad, all of which were run efficiently by lift operators who knew how to group people quickly and get them up the mountain. This kept things moving  and had us getting more runs in then the longer lift lines would suggest. 

Adding to the Base area’s appeal was the DJ who kicks off at 1 PM on weekends. Waiting in a lift line is never fun, but having music pumping in the background definitely made the experience more enjoyable. The energy was high, and it felt like a mini party at the bottom of the mountain.

A Midday Refuel: Slopeside Pub & Grill

When it came time for lunch, we headed to Slopeside Pub & Grill which did not disappoint. This spot delivered on all fronts. The Brisket Grilled Cheese, pretzel bites, and buffalo wings all hit the mark. The food was hearty, flavorful and exactly what we needed to recharge for the afternoon.

Beyond the food, the outdoor bar at Slopeside was the perfect place to soak in the après ski scene. A huge fire pit set into the ground added warmth while encouraging conversation for those hanging around. They also had great beer selection which included beers from Deschutes, a rare find here in the Northeast. Not to be understated, were the outstanding views of the valley below. Combined they created a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that kept the good vibes going long after we’d unbuckled our boots.

A Unique Pit Stop: Beers and Buns on Burma

For a quick, on-mountain break, we swung by Beers and Buns on Burma. A food truck located mid-mountain off the Burma Road trail, it offers a convenient stop for anyone looking for a quite bite, a beer or just a place to relax outdoors. The setup was simple but effective—cold beer, soft pretzels, burger or dogs and even build-your-own s’mores kits. It was a fun, unexpected stop that added to the overall experience of the day.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit for Tri-State Skiers

With its big-mountain feel, top-tier snowmaking, efficient lifts and lively après ski scene, Blue Mountain stands out as one of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania. It’s also a fantastic addition to the Ikon Pass, offering tri-state skiers and snowboarders a great destination without venturing too far from home.

From the seamless start at Summit Lodge to the incredible food and drink options, this trip to Blue Mountain Resort had everything we love about skiing—and then some. It’s safe to say we’ll be back again soon.

Ready to book your trip to Camelback Resort? Here are some of our favorite sites: 

Best Accommodation Site: Booking.com 

Find an activity or tour: Viator

Compare Car Rentals for your drive: Discover Cars

Vacation Rentals: VRBO

Best Après Ski Clothes: Collections

Best Travel Insurance for your trip: Visitor's Coverage

The Ultimate Après Ski Clothing for Blue Mountain Ski Resort

With the final run of the day behind me, my legs pleasantly exhausted and a crisp mountain chill settling in, it was time to swap my ski gear for something more après-worthy. But just because the skis come off doesn’t mean the style has to. That’s why I reached for the perfect post-mountain essential: our Après Ski Team hoodie.

More than just a cozy layer, this hoodie embodies everything we love about après culture—good times, great company and celebrating an epic day on the slopes. As I settled in by the fire pit at Slopeside Pub & Grill, beer in hand and surrounded by the energy of fellow skiers, I realized après ski is about more than just unwinding; it’s about embracing the entire ski lifestyle. And this hoodie? It’s the perfect way to carry that vibe from the mountain to the bar and beyond.

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