Finding Family Fun in a Pennsylvania Winter
When the temps drop and winter blankets the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, it means one thing: it’s time to pack up the family and hit the mountains. While the rest of the world escapes indoors, it’s the perfect time to introduce the kids to the joys of winter—specifically, skiing and snowboarding.
It’s best to find resorts that have beginner-friendly terrains, prioritize family fun, and offer additional activities beyond the slopes.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania, sharing all the reasons why they’re perfect for families and newcomers to the sport.
Liberty Mountain Resort: A Family Winter Haven
Nestled near the historic site of Gettysburg, Liberty Mountain Resort is a top choice for families looking to hit the slopes. It’s known for a welcoming atmosphere and a variety of slopes suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Family-Focused Features:
- Ski & Ride School: From first timers to its-been-a-long timers, lessons are designed to learn and build the skills at any level.
- Diverse Terrain: There's something for every level of skier, from gentle sloped beginner areas to steeper black diamond runs.
- Off-the-Slopes Fun: Go downhill without skis or a snowboard at Bubly Tube Park at Liberty.
- Dining: On-mountain options include a cafeteria at the base, slopeside BBQ, bars with après, and sit-down restaurants.
Whitetail Resort: Where Families Thrive
The newest resort in the area, Whitetail Resort has quickly earned a reputation as one of Pennsylvania’s favorite family-friendly ski destinations.
With 1000’ of vertical, a variety of well-groomed slopes, and a top-notch ski and ride school, it’s the perfect place for beginners to learn the basics or seasoned skiers and riders to reach their next level.
Family-Friendly Highlights:
- Magic Carpet Lifts: These beginner-friendly lifts make it easier for kids and first-timers to get up the hill.
- Ski and Ride School: A dedicated kids' program designed to teach skiing and snowboarding in a fun, engaging way.
- Comfortable Facilities: The resort offers spacious lodges where families can relax and recharge together.
- Night Skiing—Groomed and lit slopes for additional time on the mountain.
- Tubing—Adventure snow tubing provides downhill fun for non-skiers too.
- Dining: Coffee shop? Check. Slopeside grill? Yes. Pizzeria? Totally. Après? On tap. Pub fare? Got it.
Roundtop Mountain Resort: Focused on Fun
Known as the “fun mountain,” Roundtop Mountain Resort has a storied history of family skiing and fun that dates back 60 years. It's a place where learning, adventure, and fun come together as one for many memorable family ski experiences.
Why Families Love Roundtop:
- Beginner-Friendly Slopes: Numerous green runs offer a safe learning space for beginners and kids.
- Tubing: Roundtop's snow tubing park is a hit for all family members.
- Ski and Ride School: Group and private lessons are available for all skill levels, focusing on fun and safety.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort: Endless Ways to Family Fun
The "cruise ship" of ski resorts, Seven Springs offers more than just skiing or snowboarding for a fun winter family vacation. After a day on the slopes, families can enjoy the abundance of activities and amenities the resort has to offer. From axe throwing and bowling to relaxing at the indoor pool or Trillium Spa, there really is something for everyone in your group. Experience those activities and more the next day when you stay in one of our slopeside hotel rooms or a mountaintop condo.
- Ski & Ride School: Learn and build skills with Tiny Tot and Mountain Adventure programs.
- Snow Tubing: Take some runs at the bubly tubing park for even more downhill fun.
- Trillium Spa: Relax, unwind and renew with a selection of manicure and pedicure services, massages, and body treatments tailored for first-time and veteran spa goers.
- Ski the Laurel Highlands: Families can enjoy nearby resorts Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain, less than 30-minutes away from Seven Springs, for an extended getaway to southwestern Pennsylvania.
Choosing the Perfect Pennsylvania Resort
When searching for family ski resorts in Pennsylvania, consider what each resort offers beyond the slopes. Look for accommodations that cater to families, restaurants with kid-friendly menus, and whether the resort has a kids' programs at the ski school.
The best family ski resorts in Pennsylvania offer more than just skiing and snowboarding—they provide a winter getaway for kids and parents alike. They understand that a memorable family vacation is more than just good skiing—it’s about creating a place where families can bond and make lasting memories.
They also know that introducing kids to winter sports in a fun, safe environment can spark a lifelong passion for the mountains.
So whether you opt for the historical charm of Liberty Mountain Resort, the endless options of Seven Springs Mountain Resort, the family-oriented slopes of Whitetail, or the adventurous spirit of Roundtop, Pennsylvania is rich with destinations dedicated to helping create the ultimate family ski vacation.
