Start 2025 off on the right foot: plan a winter escape to experience January in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania! Just a short drive away from New York and Philadelphia, the region offers lots of snow activities and indoor fun. Take to the ski slopes, lace up your skates and glide across a frozen lake, warm up with hearty and delicious fare from unique local restaurants, and so much more: there are lots of great things to do during the month of January in the Poconos. Check out these ten activities to try during your winter trip in the new year.
Skiing
1. Family-friendly Ski Resorts Pocono Mountains
It’s time to gear up and hit the ski slopes! The Poconos has been a top destination for snow sports since the 1940s. With six major ski areas and over 155 trails, this is the perfect place to enjoy a day of skiing, whether you're brand new or a downhill expert. Local mountains offer equipment rentals and first-time lessons for all ages. Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain is a great place to learn the ropes, from putting on your ski boots to boarding the chairlift. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area offers ski programs for kids as well as developmental classes for adults. Whether your group wants to learn skiing or snowboarding, everybody can learn together during a Family & Friends Beginner Lesson at Camelback Mountain.
Big Boulder Ski Area
Find seasonal paradise at Big Boulder in the heart of Pennsylvania's scenic Pocono Mountains. This…
Blue Mountain Resort
A bustling mountain with fun to discover all year round, Blue Mountain Resort is an ideal…
Camelback Mountain
Discover Camelback Mountain's ultimate winter wonderland! With unbeatable skiable acres…
Jack Frost Mountain
Ski up to 20 trails at Jack Frost in the Pocono Mountains! Jack Frost Mountain provides a variety of…
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Shawnee Mountain is your ticket to winter fun! The destination features 125 skiable acres, 23…
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain
Ski Big Bear is a ski area for families. Specializing in private beginner lessons, Ski Big Bear…
Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge - Skiing
Ski downhill with your family on a wide, crowd-free, gentle slope with a vertical drop of 295 feet…
Snowboarding
2. Where to Go Snowboarding in the Poconos
Snowboarders will find some of the best terrain parks on the East Coast in the Pocono Mountains. Big Boulder Ski Area and Jack Frost Mountain both boast sensational terrain parks; 50% of Boulder's mountain encompasses park features, recently reconfigured to allow for better progression, especially for beginner and intermediate guests. Riders can enjoy five terrain parks at Blue Mountain Resort, including 22 jumps and rails at the Dreamweaver Park.
Big Boulder Ski Area - Snowboarding
Spend a day snowboarding at Big Boulder Ski Area in the Pocono Mountains practicing your tricks…
Blue Mountain Resort - Snowboarding
Blue Mountain Resort is home to 171 acres of skiable terrain and boasts the highest vertical drop in…
Camelback Mountain - Snowboarding
Board at Camelback Mountain, a family-friendly ski resort with 39 trails! Camelback has 100%…
Jack Frost Mountain - Snowboarding
Get set for a season of snowboarding adventures at Jack Frost Mountain! Maintaining 20 trails with…
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area - Snowboarding
Shawnee Mountain is the home of the Pocono Mountains’ premier 3,000-foot Delaware Terrain Park with…
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain - Snowboarding
Located about two hours from NYC, Ski Big Bear is a ski area for families. Specializing in private…
Snow Tubing
3. Pocono Snow Tubing Parks
Perfect for first timers and thrill seekers alike, snow tubing is an activity the entire family can enjoy together. Check out the new enhancements to the snow tubing park at Big Boulder Ski Area or visit the largest snow tubing park in the country at Blue Mountain Resort, home to three magic carpet lifts to whisk you to the top of the hill and over 50 lanes to fly down, plus after-dark sonic tubing. The 42 lanes at Camelback Mountain were recently voted the #1 snow tubing destination in the country in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards; they glow in neon after sunset for an out-of-this world evening snow tubing experience.
Big Boulder Ski Area - Snow Tubing
A favorite family activity in the Pocono Mountains! Bring your family out for a day of snow tubing…
Blue Mountain Resort - Snow Tubing
With up to 46 lanes over 1,000 feet long and three lifts to take you back to the top, the thrills…
Camelback Mountain - Snow Tubing
Camelback Mountain is home to one of the biggest Snow Tubing Parks in the USA! With up to 42 snow…
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area - Snow Tubing
Updated: Reservations are required and must be purchased in advance online. Snow tubing is a great…
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain - Snow Tubing
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain offers snow tubing in individual tubes. Snow tubing chutes are…
Ice Skating
4. Pocono Mountains Ice Skating Locations
Whether you like to carve up the ice in hockey blades or you want a toe pick to gracefully execute turns and jumps, the natural beauty of the Poconos is an idyllic backdrop for ice skating. When the temperature drops and the lakes freeze over, state parks including Gouldsboro, Hickory Run, Promised Land, and Tobyhanna, and are open for outdoor, unmonitored ice skating. The lake ice must be at least four inches thick before skating, so be sure to use your best judgment and stay safe!
Gouldsboro State Park - Ice Skating
Ice skating is available as conditions permit. Gouldsboro State Park features a one-acre area near…
Hickory Run State Park - Ice Skating
Cure cabin fever with family fun in the great outdoors. The 15,990-acre park offers a variety of…
Promised Land State Park - Ice Skating
Spend a picture-perfect day skating around Promised Land State Park! Conditions permitting, ice…
Tobyhanna State Park - Ice Skating
Tobyhanna State Park has a 1.2-acre ice skating area near Parking Area 3. Ice thickness is not…
Snowshoeing
5. Snowshoeing Pocono Mountains
Another way to witness the undisturbed pastoral beauty of the Pocono Mountains is by snowshoeing. Journey through pristine and serene snow-covered woodlands. The Delaware State Forest allows non-groomed snowshoeing in the Bruce Lake Natural Area. Promised Land State Park permits snowshoeing on all trails throughout the entire park. Get in touch with local outfitter Naturfi for snowshoe rentals and guided tours!
Delaware State Forest - Snowshoeing
Delaware State Forest is a destination for snowshoeing, weather and conditions permitting. Bruce…
Naturfi
Let Naturfi send you on a memorable snowshoe adventure to the many picturesque places in the…
Promised Land State Park - Snowshoeing
Set out on a snowshoe excursion in beautiful Promised Land State Park! Snowshoeing is permitted on…
Winter Paintball
6. Places to Play Winter Paintball in the Poconos
Suit up for paintball! With or without snow, winter is a great time to enjoy a game on the many different battlefields at Skirmish Paintball. Team up with family and friends or challenge other players in an activity that is sure to get the adrenaline running and warm you up on a chilly day. The Paintball Asylum in Tannersville is another great place for winter paintball with Woodsball, Speedball, Airlift and Gel Blasters.
Skirmish Paintball
Experience the game of paintball in the snow! Track your opponent and take cover behind snowy…
The Paintball Asylum
Looking for the best place to play paintball? You found it! The Paintball Asylum is located just…
Ethnic Dining
7. Unique Restaurants in the Poconos
The new year is the perfect time to branch out and discover new flavors! Explore ethnic dining in the Poconos: discover Polish breads and pastries at Bella Artisan Bakery, feast on Greek and Mediterranean specialties at Cedars Grill, sample traditional Mexican street taco flavors at EZ Taqueria, warm up with Ecuadorian dishes at Bluefoot Cuisine or experience a Hibachi show at desaki.
Bella Artisan Bakery & Deli
Stop by Bella Artisan Bakery and savor the smell of freshly-made baked goods from sourdough to…
Cedars Grill
Looking for delicious Mediterranean/Greek cuisine in the heart of the Poconos? Look no further than…
EZ Taqueria
Tired of bland, boring tacos? Come try EZ Taqueria bold, creative taco creations that will blow your…
Bluefoot Cuisine
Bluefoot Cuisine is a culmination of culture, synergy, and passion. Bluefoot Cuisine offers…
desaki
desaki Japanese Restaurant is the Pocono Mountains' foremost destination for sizzling Hibachi and…
Small Town Shopping
8. Best Places to Go Shopping in the Poconos
Treat yourself to a new year's gift or two while shopping in the Pocono Mountains! Our small towns are filled with character and charm and one-of-a-kind specialty shops and boutiques. Hunt for treasures in the downtown districts in Milford, Honesdale, Stroudsburg or Jim Thorpe, search for deals at the Pocono Premium Outlets, and don't forget to stop in a cafe or coffee shop for a pick-me-up!
Across the Tracks Antiques and More
Across the Tracks Antiques and More is a multi-vendor antique shore in Honesdale, PA featuring…
Alpine Ski & Gift Shop
Alpine Ski & Gift Shop is a family-owned business that has been in the Pocono Mountains for over…
American Candle
American Candle is more than just great candles, it is a destination! Shop candles made on site, let…
American Ribbon Craft and Fabric
American Ribbon Manufacturers has been manufacturing quality ribbon since 1913. Still family owned…
Anthracite Vintage Mercantile & Auctions
Anthracite Vintage Mercantile & Auctions is an antique and collectible marketplace with multiple…
The Apple Tree
A Pocono Destination Boutique specializing in personal service and styling. The Apple Tree team of…
BC Goods & Grain
BC Goods & Grain is a creative studio specializing in custom signage for your event or business…
BetterWorld Store & Cafe
Better for you. Better for the earth. And better for humanity. BetterWorld Store & Cafe has…
Blue Ridge Flea Market
Located at the site of the old Blue Ridge Drive-In Theater, the Blue Ridge Flea Market has been in…
Bronson EBikes & Trikes
The mission of Bronson Ebikes and Etrikes is to provide electric bicycles and tricycles that offer…
Build-A-Bear at Kalahari
Build more memories at Kalahari's Build-A-Bear Workshop! Find your furry friend, dress them in your…
Callie's Candy Kitchen
The Callie Family extends an invitation to you to visit Callie's Candy Kitchen in the Pocono…
The Candle Shoppe of the Poconos
The Candle Shoppe of the Poconos is your one stop shop for candles and gifts. Offering the…
The Shoppes at Castle Inn
The Shoppes and businesses at the Historic Castle Inn are a unique collection of businesses for you…
Country Junction World's Largest General Store
Country Junction is a place for family fun! Stroll the yellow brick road and embark on an…
Country Kettle
Established in 1986 our unique retail store features candy, candles, collectibles and crafts…
Der Jaeger Unique Arts
Shop a wide selection of antiques, artwork, fine porcelain, collectibles and militaria at this…
Dunkelberger's Sports Outfitter
Serving the Pocono Mountains for over 40 years! Located in beautiful downtown Stroudsburg and on…
Earthly Treasures
Located at the Historic Upper Mill in lovely Milford, Pennsylvania, Earthly Treasures is a…
Faded Lace Boutique
Faded Lace Boutique is a free spirited shop that celebrates the adventurous nature of modern women…
Fireworks Outlet - Tannersville Location
Select from a complete line of fireworks. Offering the lowest prices and biggest selections. No…
Fireworks Outlet - Marshalls Creek Location
Select from a complete line of fireworks. Offering the lowest prices and biggest selections. No…
Fireworks Outlet - Marshalls Creek Location
Pennsylvania’s Firework Headquarters. Offering the lowest prices and biggest selections! No…
Fireworks Outlet/Pocono Fireworks - Tannersville
Pennsylvania’s Firework Headquarters. Offering the lowest prices and biggest selections! No…
Fitzpatrick's Celtic & Irish Store
Fitzpatrick's is a Celtic and Irish import shop located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA. Discover…
Gather
Head down to Gather in Honesdale to find fun gifts for everyone on your list. Located in Downtown…
Gorgeous Floral
Gorgeous Floral is thrilled to help you with all your floral needs; whether it is ‘just because’ or…
Grapevine Antiques & Crafts Mall
Grapevine Antiques & Crafts Mall features over 100 vendors in a 6,000-square-foot location. There's…
Grapevine Antiques & Crafts Mall
Find local crafts, decor, antiques and more at the Grapevine Antiques & Crafts Mall. Browse crafts…
Hanna's Farm Market
Hanna's Farm Market is a family owned and operated, full-service farm market. Stop by to browse a…
Hawley Antique Exchange
Named the best antique shop in the lake region, stop by the Hawley Antique Exchange and browse the…
Hawley Silk Mill
Explore the shops at the Hawley Silk Mill. The ground floor of the landmark Hawley Silk Mill houses…
The Hofford Mill
From farm-to-table dining, e-bike rentals and more, the Hofford Mill offers a complex to explore…
Homegrown Poconos
The Homegrown Poconos CBD Lounge is your store for the highest quality, all-organic and natural hemp…
The Hub at Split Rock Golf Club
Stop by The Hub at Split Rock Golf Club for a snack, drink, gifts or live entertainment. The Hub is…
ICue Cigar Lounge
ICue Cigar Lounge is an upscale lounge that provides clientele with a unique and personal…
James Diamond Jewelry
James Diamond Jewelry is Northeast Pennsylvania’s Bridal Headquarters. With over 2,000 engagement…
Jim Thorpe Guns & Ammo
Stop by Jim Thorpe Guns and Ammo for all your shooting needs. You'll find that Jim Thorpe Guns &…
Jim Thorpe Olive Oil Co.
Jim Thorpe Olive Oil Co. offers over 100 unique flavors of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to choose…
Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe
The old Victorian town of Jim Thorpe sets the stage for this cozy Christmas shoppe. From ornaments…
Lake Art
Outfitting your Lake Wallenpaupack lifestyle. Lake Art is owned by a local artist who concepts and…
Lake Life Pursuit
Lake Life Pursuit is nestled in the heart of the Lake Wallenpaupack area. This unique boutique…
Local Fair
Local Fair is a boutique shop featuring the highest quality artisan goods. The shop features…
Matador Cigars
Matador Cigars offers the finest selection of premium cigars for retail and consumption on premises…
Maude & Main
They offer a great selection, from vintage-inspired to a clean, contemporary design aesthetic, with…
Milford Wine & Cheese
Located in the heart of historic downtown Milford, Pennsylvania, Milford Wine & Cheese delighted…
Moka Origins
Shop ethically-traded chocolate and coffee that has a positive impact on farmers and the planet. Sip…
Monroe Farmers Market
Monroe Farmers Market has been serving the Stroudsburg-area community since 1979. Offering quality…
North of the Border Fireworks
North of the Border Fireworks is a full-service, consumer-grade fireworks retail outlet that has…
Odd-Lot Outlet - Marshalls Creek Location
Two locations for your shopping convenience. The largest selection of Pocono Mountains' souvenirs…
Indoor Family Fun Parks
9. Indoor Winter Things to Do in the Poconos
Fight the winter blues: gather your friends and family for an outing to a local family fun park! Try the ninja warrior course and boulder climbing wall at Pocono Rocks or find batting cages, turf space, and courts for volleyball, basketball, and pickleball at Narrow Valley Sportsplex. Take a spin around the track at S&S Speedways - Indoor Go-Karts or travel to the past to play your favorite classic games at The Arcade Era. Immerse yourself in incredible VR worlds and try the latest and most popular games at Mudita Gaming Lounge at the Pocono Premium Outlets.
Pocono Rocks!
Family recreation center with a variety of activities for all members of the family! Pocono Rocks…
Narrow Valley Sportsplex
Narrow Valley Sports, located in Nesquehoning, PA, is the premier destination for athletic…
S&S Speedways - Indoor Go-Karts
Have you ever wanted the thrill of driving a real racecar? This is racing at its best! S&S offers…
The Arcade Era
Step into The Arcade Era and travel back to your childhood playing games like Pac-Man, Mario Kart…
Mudita Gaming Lounge
Welcome to the ultimate gaming destination in the Poconos. Mudita Gaming Lounge offers a…
Indoor Waterparks
10. Indoor Waterparks Pocono Mountains Winter
The weather is always a guaranteed tropical 84 degrees at indoor waterpark resorts in the Poconos! Conquer the slides, brave the wave pool or relax by the cabanas. Home to America’s largest indoor waterparks, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions boasts a 220,000 square foot enclosed paradise. H2Oooohh! Indoor Waterpark at Split Rock Resort features three four-story slides and a Flow Rider to get your adrenaline pumping, while the multi-million expansion at Great Wolf Lodge added seven new slides to their already-impressive roster of slides, pools, play areas and dump buckets. After a day on the slopes at Camelback Mountain, spend some time on the slides at Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark. Book a day pass or stay overnight to try all the aquatic adventures these resorts have to offer.
Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark
A thrilling year-round adventure hotel in the Pocono Mountains! With 453 rooms in 16 various suite…
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge is your time-together destination for family water fun where you will always play…
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Get ready, because you’ve never experienced an all-under-one-roof vacation destination like Kalahari…
Split Rock Resort
Splash and stay at Split Rock Resort's H2Oooohh! Indoor Waterpark! Split Rock Resort is a…
Family Winter Vacations Pocono Mountains
Experience the magic of winter in the Pocono Mountains! Check out our ski and snow activities as well as ski specials when planning your trip. For real-time updates, be sure to check snow conditions at our six ski areas. Save on a January stay with special offers and browse more things to do during your stay.
Top
Overnight Ski Offers
Discount for IKON Pass Holders
- Valid: 11/20/2024 - 03/31/2025
Includes: Escape to the heart of the Poconos and make Mountain Springs Lake Resort your winter…
Winter Getaway
- Valid: 12/04/2024 - 03/31/2025
Includes: Book your winter escape now and enjoy double the fun! Stay two nights or more this season…
Ski & Stay Gift Package
- Valid: 12/17/2024 - 03/31/2025
Includes: Do you love to ski or snowboard? Are you looking for a cabin to rest up after a long day…
Ski & Stay at The Swiftwater
- Valid: 12/21/2024 - 03/31/2025
Includes: Elevate your winter escape with their Ski and Stay offer. Stay at The Swiftwater and Ski…
Ski and Stay Package
- Valid: 12/26/2024 - 03/09/2025
Includes: Hit the slopes at Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain and stay at East Shore Lodging in the…
Ski and Stay at Silver Birches Resort
- Valid: 01/01/2025 - 03/02/2025
Includes: Snowy winter days are made for skiing at Ski Big Bear! Book this Ski and Stay offer…
Ski, Stay & Save
- Valid: 01/01/2025 - 03/02/2025
Includes: Snowy winter days are made for skiing at Ski Big Bear! Save 25% off of the daily rate at…
Ski, Stay and Save
- Valid: 01/01/2025 - 03/02/2025
Includes: Snowy winter days are made for skiing at Ski Big Bear! Book now and save 25% off of the…
Locals Night at Shawnee Mountain
- Valid: 01/07/2025 - 03/09/2025
Includes: Enjoy the winter season and hit the slopes. Every Sunday night beginning at 3 p.m. anyone…
Midweek Lift Ticket Package at the Shawnee Inn
- Valid: 01/14/2025 - 03/13/2025
Includes: Imagine yourself speeding down the side of a mountain! This offer includes charming…
Weekend Lift Ticket Package at the Shawnee Inn
- Valid: 01/14/2025 - 03/15/2025
Includes: Imagine yourself speeding down the side of a mountain! This offer includes charming…
Shawnee Ski Rental Offer - Midweek
- Valid: 01/15/2025 - 03/13/2025
Includes: Love to ski but need the equipment? This ski rental offer from the Shawnee Inn and Golf…
Shawnee Ski Rental Offer - Weekend
- Valid: 01/15/2025 - 03/15/2025
Includes: Love to ski but need the equipment? This ski rental offer from the Shawnee Inn and Golf…