Situated in the northeast of the U.S. near New York, Toronto and Washington D.C, Pennsylvania (PA) is known for many things, including sports teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles and the popular regional fast food, the Philly Cheese Steak. And, of course, the timeless movie classic, “Rocky Balboa,” starring Sylvester Stallone.
However, being home to some top-tier ski resorts is not something PA is known for. But those who often visit the Pennsylvanian mountains will agree that it’s a hidden gem for skiing and snowboarding, stacked with world-class slopes and mesmerizing scenery. The best news is, unlike in most other states, in PA you can play online poker both on and off the slopes!
Popular Ski Resorts in Pennsylvania
Despite the fact that many skiers flock to Colorado, Utah or Idaho, ski resorts in PA have managed to maintain a lively and progressive scene. With over 20 resorts to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Pennsylvania ski resorts are the perfect answer for those wanting to avoid overly busy mountains and exorbitant prices. Here’s a quick tour of the best resorts in Pennsylvania.
Blue Mountain Resort
Reaching an altitude of 1,540 feet, Blue Mountain boasts the highest vertical drop in Pennsylvania at 1,087 feet. Nestled in the mountain range are 40 runs, 15 modern lifts and 171 acres to explore. Regarded by many as the best ski resort in PA, Blue Mountain Resort provides top-quality runs, serene views and a festive après-ski scene.
Blue Mountain skiing offers a wide range of runs from green slopes to black, making it an excellent destination for groups and young families with different skill levels. And for the advanced skiers or snowboarders, their five freestyle parks are equipped with jumps, rails, humps and bumps — even among the most popular ski resorts, the choice of five terrain parks is uncommon.
Only a 30-minute drive from the closest airport (Lehigh Valley International Airport,) the time to visit is usually 25th November — 26th March. That gives you just shy of a four-month window to enjoy the snow.
Camelback Mountain Resort
Only two hours from Philadelphia and just under two from New York, the Camelback Mountain Resort offers city-goers a quick getaway to the stunning Poconos Mountains.
The resort is known for its excellent ski schools and great package deals, making it a great place for beginners. And when you’re tired of the slopes or want to entertain the little ones, there’s the well-rigged Aquatopia Waterpark to enjoy.
Accommodation at the base of the hill eliminates the hassle and time of transferring your luggage onto the lifts and up the mountain. It also allows punters to explore the extensive range of restaurants and shops nearby.
Ski season dates are typically from 23rd November – 27th March.
Elk Mountain Ski Resort
Elk Mountain Ski Resort is known for its lush snow and minimal crowds and the conditions are often referred to as similar to the popular and nearby New England slopes.
The consistent lack of crowds is due to the fact that it’s one the furthest resorts from the bustling cities of New York and Philadelphia. This means that it’s not uncommon for skiers to enjoy first-class runs with only a few others. Another explanation for the small crowds is its remote location and the dearth of nearby hotels, restaurants and shops. With limited additional amenities and activities, Elk Mountain Resort is for skiing fanatics.
With plenty of intermediate and advanced trails, it’s an excellent choice for experienced skiers and snowboarders who want to try the 1,000-foot vertical drop. But the park does have two terrain parks for each skill level: Little Foot for beginners and Stompin’ Grounds for the advanced.
The best time to go is typically between 16th December – 31st March.
Montage Mountain
With its 1,000-foot vertical drop, accessible accommodation and welcoming eateries – as well as the vast amount of black runs on offer (over a third of the slopes are double black or black diamond) – Montage Mountain is the perfect playground for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
That said, with Montage Mountain’s forgiving summit ridge, beginners aren’t completely left out. It gives newbies an authentic mountain experience rather than the mundane bunny slopes offered by many other resorts.
Based on its 2022/2023 ski season dates, your best time to go is from 16th December – 6th April.
Online Gambling in Pennsylvania
One of the original thirteen states in America, the history of gambling in Pennsylvania dates back to the colonial era. Fast-forward to 2017, the state legalized online casinos and sports betting. Since then, Pennsylvania has been at the forefront of gambling innovation, from video poker machines and live dealer games to cryptocurrency and virtual-reality gambling.
And with the likes of The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Parx Casino and Mount Airy Casino Resort (situated in the Pocono Mountains,) there’s no shortage of top gaming destinations in Pennsylvania.
Gamble Online with Borgata Online
Regardless of what ski resort you choose, as long as you’re in Pennsylvania you can place a bet or play a casino game. Luckily for you, Borgata Online offers both. With the option to bet on sports or to play casino games such as poker, roulette, bingo and blackjack, Borgata Online offers an extensive range of gambling activities. Register today and get in on the action.