Blue Mountain Resort Overview
Blue Mountain Resort sits in the stunning Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, standing out as one of the region's premier winter destinations. With a top elevation of 487.68m and a base at 140.21m, it may not match the Alpine giants but offers respectable terrain for the Mid-Atlantic area.
This accessible resort features 40 varied runs serviced by 6 chairlifts, creating an efficient system that keeps queues moving even during peak times. Our Snomad community gives Blue Mountain an overall rating of 3.90/5, with particularly strong scores for family friendliness (4.63/5) and ski school quality (4.20/5).
John, an advanced skier from the United States, notes that while prices have increased over the years, it's "probably the best mid Atlantic ski area." Meanwhile, Shawnee, an advanced snowboarder, enthusiastically describes it as "a fantastic mountain! We love skiing with big groups here."
Our partners
The Skiing in Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain's terrain is nicely balanced across ability levels, featuring 16 beginner runs, 6 intermediate trails, and 14 advanced runs. This distribution has earned the resort solid ratings for beginners (4.00/5), advanced skiers (4.11/5), and snowboarders (4.00/5).
The resort scores well for groomed runs (3.85/5) with regular maintenance keeping the slopes in good condition. Robert, an advanced skier, explains: "There are 40+ runs and depending on the time of day/day of week you go, you can have some parts of the mountain to yourself." He does caution that there "are not a ton of hard black/double black runs and only one/two true tree runs but they are short-lived."
The terrain parks (3.67/5) receive positive feedback from riders like Krystian, an advanced snowboarder, who comments: "I mostly go on the terrain parks which are pretty good."
Eating Out in Blue Mountain Resort
The dining options at Blue Mountain Resort earn a solid eating out rating of 3.79/5 from our users. The resort offers several restaurants and cafeterias serving typical American fare – perfect for refuelling between runs.
While specific restaurants aren't frequently mentioned in reviews, the overall impression is positive. Austin, an intermediate skier, notes the "modern facilities" that contribute to the resort experience, while Noah, an expert snowboarder, mentions the presence of "restaurants and bars" as part of what makes Blue Mountain "a nice resort."
Food service areas can get busy during peak periods, so timing your breaks strategically might help avoid the crowds.
The Après-Ski in Blue Mountain Resort
The après-ski scene at Blue Mountain scores a respectable 3.31/5 rating, offering a relaxed atmosphere after a day on the slopes. While not renowned for wild parties, the resort provides comfortable spots to unwind.
Noah mentions the resort has bars that complement the overall experience. The atmosphere tends to be family-friendly rather than rowdy, with several users noting the pleasant social environment.
The resort features fire pits that Robert highlights as part of what makes Blue Mountain special, creating cosy gathering spots for skiers and riders to share stories from their day on the mountain.
Blue Mountain Resort for Families
Blue Mountain shines when it comes to families, earning an impressive family friendliness rating of 4.63/5. The resort caters wonderfully to those with children of all ages.
Alicia, a beginner skier, enthusiastically shares: "I love Blue Mountain. I think it's one of the best places to go skiing – safe lifts, family friendly and ski school is fun, good food inside and warm, helpful staff to help you get skis, boots, poles."
The ski school quality (4.20/5) receives consistent praise, with dedicated learning areas for children. Carm, a non-skier visitor, adds: "Perfectly sized hills with many options for beginners-pros. Great place to have fun." Alexandria, an intermediate skier, sums it up: "We took the whole family and had a blast!"
Accommodation Options in Blue Mountain Resort
The resort scores well for accommodation options (3.89/5), offering a range of places to stay that suit different budgets and preferences. While our users don't mention specific hotels, they do highlight the convenience factor.
The accommodation is well-positioned relative to the slopes, making access to the mountain straightforward. Austin praises the "modern facilities" that enhance the overall experience, contributing to what he calls a "captivating winter escape."
Several users note that the resort's layout makes for a seamless transition between lodging and skiing, with minimal faffing about required to get on the slopes.
Environment and Sustainability in Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain Resort has made moderate efforts towards environmental stewardship, though specific sustainability initiatives aren't prominently featured in user reviews. The resort handles artificial snowmaking during periods of insufficient natural snow, balancing the need to maintain conditions with resource management.
The proximity to population centres means many visitors can reach the resort with relatively short travel distances, potentially reducing carbon footprints compared to more remote destinations. However, there's limited information available about renewable energy usage, waste reduction programmes, or conservation efforts specific to Blue Mountain.
As sustainability becomes increasingly important in the ski industry, visitors would likely welcome more transparent communication about the resort's environmental commitments and future green initiatives.
Blue Mountain Resort Pros: Why the Snomad Community Loves It
Based on our Snomad user reviews, here are the top 5 things skiers and snowboarders love about Blue Mountain:
-
Family-friendly atmosphere - The resort scores an impressive 4.63 for family friendliness, with Alicia specifically mentioning "family friendly ski school" and "helpful staff" that make it ideal for groups with children.
-
Trail variety - Robert points out the "40+ runs" that cater to different skill levels, while Shawnee loves that there are "great runs for all levels" making it perfect for mixed-ability groups.
-
Friendly staff - Multiple users highlight this, with Ellen saying "the people here are so kind and helpful" and Me-Ryong Shin mentioning that "the staff are friendly."
-
Well-maintained facilities - Several reviewers comment on the quality of the resort's upkeep, with Me-Ryong noting it's "well maintained" and Carm appreciating that "everything was clean and maintained."
-
Fast lift system - Despite occasional crowding, Jace mentions "fast lifts and no lines," while Noah describes the lifts as "high speed," contributing to an efficient on-mountain experience.
Blue Mountain Resort Cons: What Snomad Skiers Say Could Be Better
Based on the Snomad user reviews, these are the top 5 least favourite aspects of Blue Mountain Resort:
-
Overcrowding - Multiple users mention this issue, with Alexandria specifically noting that "the only con is it was extremely crowded." Another user, Jace, describes it as "extremely packed, busy to nearly a dangerous point."
-
Pricing - Several reviewers feel the resort is overpriced. Aidan states it's "overpriced, overcrowded" and believes it "should not be over $100 for barely any runs open." Mikayla mentions that "tickets are a bit overly expensive for what I am receiving," citing roughly $70 for four-hour lift tickets.
-
Ice conditions - Mikayla points out that "sometimes slopes do get very icy which can be dangerous" despite the mountain being generally well-maintained.
-
Limited challenging terrain - Robert, an advanced skier, notes that "there are not a ton of hard black / x2 black runs and only one / two true tree runs but they are short lived."
-
Declining quality - A couple of users suggest the resort isn't what it used to be. John, an advanced skier from the United States, comments that "much has changed" since it was Little Gap Ski Area, and Aidan explicitly states "it has gone downhill over the years."
Recent Reviews
Blue Mountain Resort Resort Stats
Blue Mountain Resort Travel Information
FAQs Skiers' Most Asked Questions
Blue Mountain Resort FAQs: Skiers' Most Asked Questions
Is Blue Mountain Resort snow-sure?
Blue Mountain isn't snow-sure by natural standards, being located in Pennsylvania where snowfall is variable. However, they compensate with extensive snowmaking capabilities. Several users mention the resort's good maintenance, though some note that conditions can get icy at times. One Snomad community member mentioned that "even when there is no snow, the snow that they create is great and perfectly usable." The resort's overall rating is 3.90/5.
What mountain range is Blue Mountain Resort part of?
Blue Mountain Resort is located in the Pocono Mountains, a section of the larger Appalachian Mountain Range in eastern Pennsylvania. The Poconos are known for their gentle, rolling terrain and numerous ski resorts that cater to the Mid-Atlantic region, offering a convenient mountain getaway for visitors from Philadelphia, New York City, and other nearby metropolitan areas.
When does the ski season start and end in Blue Mountain Resort?
The ski season at Blue Mountain Resort typically runs from mid-December to mid-March, weather permitting. Some Snomad users mention that early season conditions can be variable - Jace notes going "early in the season and snow was rough." The resort uses snowmaking to extend the season when natural snowfall is limited, with Carm commenting that "even when there is no snow, the snow that they create is great and perfectly usable."
Is Blue Mountain Resort good for beginners?
Yes, Blue Mountain Resort is excellent for beginners with a strong beginners rating of 4.00/5 and 16 dedicated beginner runs. Multiple Snomad users praise the resort's learning environment. Alicia, a beginner skier, mentions "it's one of the best places to go skiing" with "family friendly and fun ski school." The resort also scores highly for family friendliness (4.63/5) and features dedicated learning areas that make first-timers feel comfortable.
Is Blue Mountain Resort good for intermediate skiers?
Blue Mountain is decent for intermediates, scoring 3.25/5 for intermediate terrain. While the resort offers 40 runs, users note there aren't many challenging options. One Snomad community member liked that "depending on the time of day/day of week you go, you can have some parts of the mountain to yourself." Fast lifts are a plus, though crowds can be an issue, especially early season when conditions might be rough. Several intermediate skiers mention it's a friendly place with good facilities.
Is Blue Mountain Resort good for advanced skiers?
Blue Mountain Resort scores well for advanced skiers (4.11/5), though several users note limitations. Robert, an advanced skier, mentions it's better for beginners to intermediates with limited black/double black runs and few tree runs. John calls it "probably the best mid-Atlantic ski area," while Noah (expert snowboarder) appreciates the high-speed lifts. However, Aidan warns it can be overcrowded and overpriced. With 14 advanced runs, it offers decent options despite regional constraints.
Is Blue Mountain Resort good for expert skiers?
Blue Mountain offers decent challenges for experts with a 4.00/5 rating for expert skiers. According to Snomad users, there aren't many true double black runs, and the limited tree skiing opportunities are quite short. Doug, an expert skier, fondly recalls skiing here with friends, while another user notes it's "probably the best mid-Atlantic ski area" despite its limitations. For serious experts, it might feel somewhat restrictive compared to larger mountain resorts.
Is Blue Mountain Resort good for non-skiers?
Blue Mountain offers decent options for non-skiers with snow tubing being the main alternative activity. Carm, a non-skier visitor, noted that "the resort was great" with "a variety of options like snow tubing." The resort scores well for family friendliness (4.63/5), making it suitable for mixed groups. While primarily focused on skiing and snowboarding, the resort's facilities and warm gathering areas provide comfortable spaces for those who prefer to watch rather than participate.
Is there snow at Christmas in Blue Mountain Resort?
Blue Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania typically has artificial snow for Christmas skiing, though natural snowfall can vary. The resort invests heavily in snowmaking to maintain good coverage during the holiday period. Our reviewers mention that even when there's no natural snow, "the snow that they create is great and perfectly usable," making it a reliable Christmas skiing option with an overall rating of 3.90/5 and high marks for family friendliness (4.63/5).
Where should I stay in Blue Mountain Resort and what type of accommodation is available?
Blue Mountain Resort offers a range of accommodation options both on-site and in surrounding areas. The Summit Lodge provides convenient ski-in/ski-out access right at the base of the mountain, perfect for those wanting to maximise slope time. Our users note the well-maintained facilities and friendly staff that make staying here pleasant despite the sometimes crowded conditions.
For more space, the Village at Blue Mountain features condo-style accommodations with kitchen facilities and multiple bedrooms, ideal for families or groups. According to Snomad users like Alexandria, these are great for bringing "the whole family" for a blast, with everything being "clean and maintained."
Nearby Palmerton offers more budget-friendly hotels and B&Bs just a short drive away. For longer stays, rental homes in the surrounding Pocono Mountains provide a peaceful retreat with beautiful scenery while still keeping you close to the slopes that score highly for family friendliness (4.63/5).
What's the best way to get to Blue Mountain Resort?
For international travellers, the most convenient route to Blue Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania is flying into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), both about 90 minutes away by car. From either airport, rent a vehicle or arrange shuttle services that run to the Pocono Mountains area. The resort is easily accessible via Interstate 476, with clear signage directing you to the slopes.