Pennsylvania Family Ski Vacations

Billed as the Poconos' best ski value area, Alpine Mountain also has snowtubing, snowboarding, a half pipe and terrain park. It also has 21 trails, three lifts and a 500-foot vertical drop -- far from the largest -- and there is a kids' ski program for children ages 4 to 12, which includes a lift ticket, lesson, lunch and supervision.

Recommended Hotel: Comfort Inn & Suites Mount Pocono

Bear Creek Mountain Resort is in Macungie, about an hour from Philadelphia, and offers plenty of opportunities to ski, snowboard and snow tube. Lessons and inexpensive childcare services are also available. If you're planning to visit for a few days, you'll be happy to know there are four onsite dining options, as well as a hotel. The ski resort is also within close proximity to the historic town of Bethlehem!

Recommended Hotel: Bear Creek Mountain Resort

With a 1,082-foot vertical, 34 trails and 10 lifts, Blue Mountain Ski Area, located in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, is a favorite for families because of its proximity to Philadelphia, Delaware, Baltimore and Washington D.C. There are novice, intermediate and expert trails for every level of ability, and the mountain has a 3,000-foot double black diamond trail, Challenge and a terrain park. There are several dining options on the mountain, including Valley Cafe and Courtyard, a grill and pizza place. Lessons are available for skiers 4 and older, through the Blue Mountain Resort Explorers program.

Recommended Hotel: The Lodge at Woodstone Country Club

One of the best Poconos ski resorts, Jack Frost Big Boulder in Lake Harmony offers ski lessons for children ages 3 and older. Snowtubing is also a popular activity; Big Boulder has 20 snowtubing chutes, two tows and a 600-foot conveyor carpet to transport snow-tubers up the hill. Jack Frost has six snow-tubing chutes and two tows. There are no restaurants on the mountain, but there are several family dining options nearby.

Recommended Hotel: Lake Harmony Inn

Located in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, just over an hour from Hershey, Liberty Mountain Resort is small in size, but not in offerings, which include a First Class Learn to Ski and Board Program for children ages 8 and up, as well as snowboarding and snow tubing opportunities. Other family-friendly amenities include shuttle bus services, complimentary ski and board checks, free Wi-Fi access, childcare services and a Starbucks. For added savings, book a stay at The Hotel at Liberty Mountain Resort.

Recommended Hotel: Liberty Mountain Resort

Shawnee Mountain is a great mountain for intermediate and beginner skiers, with its 700-foot vertical drop and 23 trails. Shawnee offers lessons for children, starting at age 3, as well as Mommy & Me lessons and snowboarding lessons for kids ages 7 and older. There is an onsite nursery for children ages 18 months and older, and babysitting is also available. Shawnee is an affordable and beginner-friendly Pennsylvania family ski resort, and kids will love the two terrain parks and snow tubing. In the fall, Shawnee has a popular hot air balloon festival with demonstrations, balloon rides and entertainment.

Recommended Hotel: Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort

Ski Big Bear, located in Lackawaxen, is a great Pennsylvania family ski resort for intermediate skiers. It also offers snowboarding, snow tubing and terrain parks. The mountain features 18 trails, 650 feet of vertical drops, and six lifts. Group lessons for kids ages 8 and older are available, as well as private lessons for those ages 3 and up.

Recommended Hotel: Woodloch Pines

Montage Mountain, located in Scranton, has 30 trails and seven lifts, a terrain park and tubing, and is great for beginners and families. This Poconos ski resort boasts 10 percent expert trails, as well. There are lessons available for children ages 3 and older, and an onsite nursery for children ages 2 to 5.

Recommended Hotel: Mountaintop Lodge at Lake Naomi

Closer to Hershey, Pennsylvania (just over 30 minutes away), Roundtop Mountain Resort offers several programs just for kids, including Put Your Mind at Ease, which allows youngsters to utilize the resort's carpet lift with the aid of friendly instructors. The Snow/Night Ranger Packages are fun, too, and include lift tickets, 1.5 hour lessons, and rental equipment at one rate. Regular discounts, four onsite dining options, and free Wi-Fi add to the appeal.

Recommended Hotel: Wingate by Wyndham Mechanicsburg/Harrisburg West