Bear Creek Mountain Resort doesn’t claim a lot of natural snow or a high vertical - an average annual snowfall of 40 inches falls on its 510 feet of vertical - but it does claim close proximity to Philadelphia, which draws a lot of urban skiers, and 100% snowmaking kicks in when Mother Nature doesn’t. 21 trails are available to skiers and boarders, appealing mostly to novice skiers. There are several trails with short but steep pitches for the advanced skier. Two large areas are available for new skiers, with their own rope tows and chairlift. All trails are lit for night skiing.

For those who would rather slide down the mountain on an inner tube, Bear Creek also has a snow tubing park, with 750-foot long runs and a 17% grade. Tubing tickets are sold separately from lift tickets.

Bear Creek has three separate terrain parks spread over 13 acres. Cascade Park is geared towards the beginner skier or snowboarders and includes small jumps and easy rails. Black Bear Park contains more advanced features, such as as 20- to 50-foot tabletops. Family Park rounds out the three terrain parks.

Although Bear Creek primarily receives day visitors, there are many lodging and dining options available nearby. At the base area of Bear Creek is the full-service Inn at Bear Creek, which is modern and nicely landscaped. The hotel offers discounted midweek packages including lodging and lift tickets. As with many mid-Atlantic resorts, you will find better prices and less crowds if you visit Bear Creek midweek.

Bear Creek was previously known as Doe Mountain but changed its name when it switched ownership in the late 90’s. Bear Creek is a year-round resort, offering lots of activities throughout the summer including popular summer camps.

Photo provided by Bear Creek Mountain Resort.