Blue Mountain Resort

Blue Mountain Resort, near Palmerton in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, has a 1,082-foot vertical drop, the largest of any ski area in the state. The mountain offers 40 trails across 171 skiable acres, with terrain ranging from dedicated beginner slopes to steep expert runs. Its location within reach of Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, and northern New Jersey makes it a popular destination for day trips as well as longer visits.

Blue Mountain’s terrain includes long cruising runs, steep pitches such as Razor’s Edge and Challenge, and seven terrain parks catering to different ability levels. Snowmaking covers the entire mountain, an important asset at a resort where natural snowfall can be inconsistent. All ski terrain is illuminated for night skiing, allowing visitors to take advantage of the mountain after work or school.

The resort has invested heavily in snowmaking, replacing extensive sections of piping and adding automated snow guns to improve production efficiency. Blue Mountain also has three high-speed chairlifts, including the Main Street Express six-passenger lift, which opened for the 2022-2023 season. That lift replaced the former Main Street and Burma double chairs and provides a 4.5-minute ride from the valley to the upper mountain. Blue Mountain has continued upgrading slope lighting and other facilities.

Blue Mountain traces its roots to the Little Gap ski area. The mountain has expanded considerably since those early days, adding trails, lifts, and base-area facilities. Skiers can start from either the Summit Lodge or Valley Lodge, while the separate Adventure Center serves snow tubing guests.

Snow tubing is another major attraction, with a park offering up to 56 lanes and conveyor lift access. After dark, Sonic Snow Tubing adds music and colorful lighting. The resort also offers ski and snowboard lessons, rentals, and several dining options, including a mountaintop restaurant.

Photo provided by Blue Mountain Resort.