Learn to Ski or Snowboard in the Poconos

1. What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding in the Poconos

A skiing and snowboarding expedition calls for a more strategic wardrobe than your average winter day out. Even in the sunshine, it’s chilly up on the peaks! Opt for waterproof outerwear including coat, snow pants, and gloves that won’t get wet from the snow and add multiple layers underneath for warmth. If you have your own goggles and helmet, be sure to bring them. Most ski resorts have on-site ski and snow shops if you decide you need an extra layer of socks after you arrive. There’s no need to invest in your own gear if you’re just getting started: plan to rent your helmet, boots and board or skis and poles at the mountain. Each ski area offers top-of-the-line equipment and staff expertise to help you find the right fit.

Before you go, be sure to check for the latest weather information on our snow conditions page so you’ll know what temperatures and how much natural and man-made powder to expect. Want to skip a few lines? You can book your lift tickets and passes and even arrange your rentals online ahead of your trip.

2. Beginner Trails at Pocono Ski Resorts

Finding a mountain with beginner-friendly trails is important if you’re new to the slopes, and all six Poconos ski resorts feature great bunny hills as well as dedicated ski school and lesson centers.

Big Boulder Ski Area

At Big Boulder Ski Area in Lake Harmony, you can use the easy on-off “magic carpet” conveyor on the ski school slopes, then graduate to the chairlift and take on the green Lower Sitzmark, Little Boulder, and Edelweiss runs. Two-hour group ski and snowboard lesson sessions are offered throughout the day and can be booked online ahead of time.

Blue Mountain Resort

Blue Mountain Resort located in Palmerton features the Valley School East and West, Frontier Alley, and School Hill for first-timers. Beginners can sign up for Blue Mountain ski and snowboard lessons, adult clinics, and multi-week adventure camps for children ages six to 15.

Camelback Mountain

The largest ski area in the Poconos, Camelback Mountain in Tannersville has multiple beginner-friendly slopes in the Sunbowl and Coolmor areas. Groups of two to eight participants can sign up for Camelback ski lessons at the Ski & Ride Academy where families and friends learn together. Book your lesson online ahead of time and put together your own Camelback ski lesson packages: don't forget your rentals and lift ticket! Camelback kids ski lessons are also available for ages four to twelve at the Kids Learning Center at Adventure Basecamp.

Jack Frost Mountain

Frosty, Powder Puff, and Snowflake are great for beginners at Jack Frost Mountain in White Haven. Jack Frost offers lessons for skiers, snowboarders, solo guests, groups, children, and adults. Discounted lift tickets and rentals are available for group lesson guests.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area

Gentle trails like the Kittatinny and Greenhouse Slope provide an easy introduction to skiing and snowboarding at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, and the learning center right next to the snow tubing park also provides a perfect place to get started. A wide variety of specialty lessons and children's programs are available as well as private and semi-private ski and snowboard lessons.

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain, the region's northernmost ski area, offers a series of six green circle trails winding down from the top, but the Little Bear lift and Snowbird trail are perfect for getting started. Ski Big Bear's renowned ski lesson offerings include private instruction, group lessons, and "learn to" packages.

3. Video Tutorials with Pocono Television

Prep for your first time on the slopes with Pocono Television Network! See what a beginner ski lesson for adults looks like at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area as host Brianna Strunk tries skiing for the first time.

Wondering what a Poconos kids snowboard lesson looks like? Watch kid reporter Zoey Gregory take a lesson at Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain.

4. Book Your Lesson

Poconos ski and snowboard instructors are passionate about what they teach and experienced in preparing beginners for success on the slopes. From how to suit up properly to how to fall safely, let professionals guide you every step of the way. You'll find a wide variety of offerings for beginners, from children's programs to private lessons. Visit each ski area's website to check availability and book your lesson package, lift ticket, and rentals online in advance.

5. Slow and Steady Practice

Take your time practicing the basics on the beginner and novice trails! Concentrate on that slow and gentle turn so you can stay in control as you glide down the mountainside. Don’t forget that learning how to stop is an important part of the process. For skiers, you’ll need to master the wedge. For snowboarders, perfect your balance and focus on edge control. Remember that everyone learns at their own pace!

Plan Your Poconos Ski Trip

This winter could be the beginning of a new lifelong love of skiing and snowboarding: take the plunge and book that ski lesson in the Poconos! Make it a multi-day trip and lock in special savings on ski and stay packages. Browse local accommodations and delicious dining to plan a cozy apres ski evening after your day on the slopes and explore even more winter adventures awaiting in the Pocono Mountains.