Family Ski Getaway at Camelback Resort: Skiing & Après Ski Fun
Skiing with my wife and daughters is my favorite way to spend time, and Camelback Resort in the Poconos has quickly become a family favorite. I’ve lived nearby my whole life, yet somehow, this was my first time skiing here. Just a quick two-hour drive from home, it checks all the boxes—great skiing, lively après, an indoor waterpark, and plenty of time to reconnect with friends and family.
Here’s how our weekend at Camelback unfolded, and why it’s quickly become one of our go-to spots for a quick ski getaway.
Friday Night at Barley Creek Brewing and The Trail's End Pub
After an easy two-hour drive, we kicked off the weekend with dinner and beers at Barley Creek Brewing, a local favorite just minutes from Camelback Resort where they have a few of their beers on tap. The place was alive with a Friday night din of laughter, clinking glasses and the buzz of weekenders settling in. The food hit the spot, and the laid-back vibe set the perfect tone for what was ahead.
Walking into Camelback Resort you could feel the energy of the upcoming weekend. Packed with visitors arriving for their trip, check in was still a relative breeze. Our double queen suite was absolute perfection. With stunning mountain views, a cozy living room with a fireplace, and a well-equipped kitchenette, this space is perfect for an extended stay.
Despite getting in a bit later then we anticipated, the night wasn’t over yet. We headed downstairs to the Trail’s End Pub, where the lively crowd was still going strong.
That’s where I grabbed a Black Bear 6 IPA, a Camelback collab with Stable 12 Brewing, a brewery in Phoenixville that I usually frequent while waiting at my daughter’s field hockey practices. Even better? We ran into some mutual friends, turning what was supposed to be a quick drink into an impromptu après party. With good beer, great company and a weekend of skiing ahead, we were off to the perfect start.
Skiing at Camelback Resort: The Best Kind of Family Fun
Saturday morning, we woke up to clear skies and great snow conditions. There’s nothing better than waking up at a resort and knowing the slopes are just steps away—no need for a long drive or dealing with the morning traffic.
Early on the Stevenson Express lift was cranking. Lift lines were nonexistent, allowing us to lap that area directly outside of Camelback Lodge rather quickly. As the crowd in that part of the mountain built up, it was time to move to the main base. There, I was pleased with how the Black Bear 6 lift made getting up the mountain quick and easy. This speedy 6-pack kept lift lines to a minimum and we had plenty of space to enjoy the trails. The snow was beautifully groomed, and my daughters had an outstanding time tearing down the slopes.
One of the best parts of skiing at Camelback is the variety of runs for all skill levels. From some easy greens to a few challenge-worthy blacks, everyone in the family was able to enjoy themselves keeping the stoke high throughout the day.
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Lunch at Summit House: Views, Food, and Drinks
By lunchtime, we were all ready to refuel, and the newly reopened Summit House was just what we needed. With its laid-back bar scene and breathtaking views of the valley below, it was the perfect spot to grab a bite. We dug into some hearty comfort food—loaded fries, a chili sampler, and grilled cheese with tomato soup. The chili sampler was a fun Super Bowl weekend competition between resort chefs, adding a little extra flavor to the meal. To top it off, we sipped on spiked hot chocolate, the perfect way to warm up after a morning on the slopes.
The food was outstanding, and the relaxed vibe enhanced by legendary flowered shirt bartender Christian, made it feel like the perfect place to hang out after a few hours on the slopes.
Après Ski at The Thirsty Camel
After a fun day of skiing, it was time to really dive into après ski. The Thirsty Camel is one of those spots where the energy is always electric. Great music fills the air, cold drinks flow freely and the crowd is eager to swap stories from the slopes. It’s the perfect place to unwind, laugh and soak in the après scene. It’s the kind of spot where everyone’s in a good mood, and you just know the afternoon is going to be full of laughs.
Photo Credit: Camelback Resort
My wife and I enjoyed a beer or two while my daughters grabbed some snacks from Big Pocono on the Go. Big Pocono on the Go was a game-changer for our crew—especially for my daughters, who are always on the hunt for snacks. With Amazon Just Walk Out technology, they could stroll in, grab what they wanted, and be back outside before I even had my beer to meet them on the deck.
No lines, no waiting—just a quick tap of a credit card or scan through the Camelback App, and they were set. The store’s smart sensors tracked their picks (without recording personal info), and the receipt hit my inbox automatically. The only rule? Put things back where they belong—nobody wants to pay for someone else’s misplaced candy bar!
Snow Tubing and Aquatopia: More Family Fun
Of course, après ski isn’t all about the drinks at Camelback. After our time at the Thirsty Camel, we decided to change gears and head over for some snow tubing. Camelback boasts the largest snow tubing park in the area, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The extra long runs were slick and exciting. My daughters couldn’t get enough of it, and I’ll admit, I had just as much fun racing them down the hill.
We rounded out the day at Aquatopia, the resort’s indoor waterpark, where I made sure to hit up my favorite ride—the Venus slide trap. There’s something about that slide that gets my adrenaline going every single time. With the whole family together in a massive tube, we sent it into the dark abyss only to pop out into the mouth of a Little Shop of Horrors-esque Venus Fly Trap. This waterslide is an adrenaline rush unto itself and an all time favorite. The whole family had a blast, and we even took a moment to relax at the pool bar before calling it a day.
Dinner at Trail’s End Pub: Perfect Comfort Food
After a day full of activities, we were hungry, and Trail’s End Pub came through in a big way. From the massive plate of nachos to the garlic parm chicken tender mac and cheese, the food was just what we needed to refuel. My wife and I went for a beautifully cooked steak with chimichurri, and the desserts—wow. Just wow. If you haven’t had the chance to try them yet, trust me, you’re in for a treat.
As we sat by the window and ate, we watched the snow fall outside at a rapid rate and knew Sunday was going to be something special.
Sunday: Fresh Powder and More Skiing
Sunday morning greeted us with eight inches of fresh powder. The mountain was in perfect condition—soft, untouched, and ready to rip. Even better, it was Super Bowl Sunday, which meant light lift lines and plenty of room to carve. We took full advantage, packing in as many runs as possible before it was time to head home. There’s nothing like skiing through fresh snow, and the combination of great snow conditions and a laid-back vibe made for one of the best ski days I’ve had in a while.
Why Camelback Resort is the Perfect Family Getaway
All in all, our weekend at Camelback Resort was everything we could’ve hoped for and more. From the easy drive and smooth check-in to the skiing, après ski, snow tubing, and fun at Aquatopia, we had a blast every step of the way. If you’re looking for a place that offers a mix of great skiing, family-friendly activities and some seriously good food and drink, Camelback is where it’s at.
We’ll definitely be back for more adventures. I have no doubt Camelback will become a regular getaway for our family. Whether it’s carving up the slopes or unwinding with après drinks, there’s always something to enjoy. More than anything, it’s the perfect place to spend time together and make family memories. Can’t wait to do it all again!
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 Perfect Way to Stay Cozy at Camelback Resort
View from The Summit House
From carving fresh powder to unwinding with après ski drinks, Camelback Resort delivers everything we love about a ski weekend. Whether you're grabbing a beer at the Thirsty Camel, warming up with spiked hot chocolate at Summit House, or celebrating another epic day on the slopes, our Après-Ski Fleece Sweatshirt is the perfect companion.
Designed for both on-mountain warmth and après-ski comfort, it’s a must-have for any ski trip.
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