Mid-Atlantic Region Winter 2024 - 2025 Tip Sheet
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A snowboarder enjoys fresh snow and dynamic terrain at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. |
Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh area skiers and snowboarders seeking a close-to-home winter wonderland getaway have eight ski resorts just a short drive away that offer a dynamic array of slopes and trails and unique resort experiences - all accessible on the Epic Pass!
Check out these story ideas and unique resort factoids for your next winter travel story. Of course, this information doesn't cover everything, so please reach out to learn more.
We look forward to working with you!
Kendra Nichols-Eirkson, Communications Manager, Mid-Atlantic Region
Kendra.L.Nichols-Eirkson@vailresorts.com
Anna Weltz, Senior Communications Manager, Midwest & Mid-Atlantic Regions
Unlock Winter Adventure with the Epic Pass
Mid-Atlantic skiers and snowboarders can unlock the ultimate winter adventure with our Epic Pass. Our Epic Pass products continue to reshape the ski industry by making skiing more accessible and by allowing guests to build a pass that fits their needs. Looking for an East Coast adventure? Visit 21 resorts with the Northeast Value Pass. Looking to ski for just a few days or up to a week? The Epic Day Pass is a great fit for occasional skiers, allowing them to choose 1-7 days from three tiers of resort access. No matter which Epic Pass you pick you can skip the ticket window and head straight to the lifts! With the My Epic App, your pass is right on your phone and can be scanned through your pocket using Bluetooth low-energy technology.
The Art and Science of Snowmaking
Ski resorts have been making snow for decades and have become experts in learning how to work with Mother Nature to enhance (and often extend!) the winter experience for our guests. Snowmaking combines art and science, utilizing technology, weather conditions, and a team of dedicated snowmakers and groomers to create a winter wonderland.
Learn to Ski and Snowboard
Pennsylvania is a great place to learn how to ski and snowboard! Each of our region’s eight resorts offers dedicated beginner slopes, ski schools with experienced instructors, and a variety of terrain to help new skiers and riders build their confidence and skills for their next mountain journey.
This season, new and expanded lessons and development programming for adults and children will be launched at five of the region’s resorts. More details below!
Slope Days: An After-School Ski School
This year, bring your school or youth group to the slopes to learn to ski and ride or enhance your skills! Slope Days is designed to welcome new kids into the sport, by giving students the experience of a lifetime in a three or five-week program. This is an all-inclusive program that includes a day-specific lift ticket, rental package, and an hour-long lesson, all at a value rate.
Epic for Everyone – Youth Access and Growing the Sport
The future of winter sports is inclusion. Through investments and partnerships, Vail Resorts is committed to ensuring that all feel welcome, invited, and included. Our Epic for Everyone youth access programs serve more than 11,000 youth annually who may not have had access to the sport. Our programs provide free on-snow sessions including lessons, meals, rentals, mentorship, an introduction to careers in snowsports, and more. This winter, several of our Mid-Atlantic region resorts will be hosting non-profit organizations for a series of visits. More details to come!
Skip the Ticket Line, Download My Epic app with Mobile Pass
Download the new My Epic app to use Mobile Pass this winter. Guests can buy their Pass online, activate and store it in the My Epic app, and scan their phone hands-free at the lifts using low-energy Bluetooth® technology. Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets will be available at Vail Resorts’ 37 North American resorts during the 2024/25 season.
My Epic app will also feature enhanced stats tracking, Find My Friends, and interactive trail maps – and with Buddy and Ski With a Friend Tickets available in the app, your guest can skip the ticket line and head straight to the lift with you.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort | Pittsburgh, PA Metro Area
Pennsylvania’s largest ski resort and the Mid-Atlantic region’s premier ski and snowboard destination, Seven Springs Mountain Resort is home to 33 slopes and trails on 285 skiable acres, an expansive slopeside hotel, numerous dining options, a full-service spa, snow tubing, and an array of family fun like bowling, mini golf, an arcade, and indoor pool. No visit to Seven Springs would be complete without a stop at the Foggy Goggle, voted as the top après ski bar in North America!
New and Coming Soon
Not only does Seven Springs offer an expansive on-site hotel, indoor pool, an arcade, bowling, and snow tubing, the resort will expand its family-friendly amenities to include new full and half-day children’s group lessons, along with previously offered private children’s lessons programs. During their lesson, they will build up their confidence and learn new techniques from professional instructors who are specially trained to work with children.
In addition, the resort will offer two new seasonal development programs - Her Turns Academy for women and Mountain Adventure Team for children ages 8-17.
Planning is underway now to host a full roster of events like the Summon Ullr Party, Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games, holiday celebrations, and Toyota Takeover Weekend, as well as live entertainment at the Foggy Goggle and Main Lodge.
The resort team has been busy preparing for the 2024/25 season with numerous projects such as improving the resort’s expansive snowmaking infrastructure, adding 300 new parking spaces to the East Lot, and adding new ski and snowboard rental equipment.
Après Ski Scene and Dining Experiences
A full day on the slopes at Seven Springs can work up an appetite – for food and fun! At Helen’s Restaurant, authentic culinary creations and a rustic atmosphere will take guests back to a simpler time in the heart of the resort’s original homestead. With its amazing views, Slopeside Restaurant- features a casual family-friendly atmosphere and robust menus that feature a fantastic variety for all palates.
The hottest spot for après ski fun is without a doubt the Foggy Goggle! The legendary ski lounge boasts a variety of vintage arcade games, an outdoor deck with views of the slopes, several stages for multiple entertainment, and a vibe that can’t be beat. No wonder it’s been named the Best Apres Ski Bar in USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards!
Explore Pennsylvania’s Ultimate Winter Getaway
Skiers and riders seeking the ultimate winter getaway, look no further than Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands! The mountainous region is home to three unique resorts – Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Resort, and Laurel Mountain – just a short drive apart and all accessible on the Epic Pass!
Stay overnight at Seven Springs’ expansive slopeside hotel and revel in the sought-after slopes, family activities, nightlife, and events. Continue your winter getaway by experiencing nearby Hidden Valley, where beginners and families can grow together on the slopes. Complete your visit by exploring the away-from-it-all vibe at Laurel Mountain, home to the state’s steepest skiable slope, Lower Wild Cat.
Did You Know?
- Seven Springs has been continually operated since the 1930s, making it the oldest ski resort in Pennsylvania and one of the top 10 oldest in the United States.
- The resort’s founders named the original 13-acre farm “Seven Springs” in honor of the seven natural springs on their property.
Upcoming Special Events at Seven Springs
Summon Ullr Party | Mid-November
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New Year’s Eve Festivities | December 31
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Toyota Take-Over Weekend and Rail Jam| February
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Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games | February
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Pond Skim | March
Hidden Valley Resort | Pittsburgh, PA Metro Area
Just a few miles north of Seven Springs, Hidden Valley Resort welcomes guests with a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere and some of Pennsylvania’s very best terrain for beginner and never-ever skiers and snowboarders. If you have never donned a pair of skis or struggled to learn to snowboard, the passionate, professional, and patient ski and snowboard instructors at Hidden Valley are ready and eager to guide you and help you grow into winter sports.
New This Winter
This season, the resort will launch two new seasonal programs – Valley Adventure Team for youth ages 8-17 and Snow Angels women’s program.
Did You Know?
- The slopes of Hidden Valley are named after different types of vehicles like Thunderbird, Mustang, Charger, and Barracuda.
Laurel Mountain, PA | Pittsburgh Metro Area
Small in size but big in charm and history, Laurel Mountain provides an intimate skiing experience in a natural setting in the heart of Forbes State Forest. Challenging slopes and breathtaking views make this a favorite destination for ski enthusiasts and nature lovers. Lower Wildcat, Laurel’s signature slope and some of the steepest skiable terrain in the state, beckons thrill-seeking skiers and snowboarders from near and far.
New This Winter
Laurel Mountain will host a new seasonal steep terrain program designed to help fine-tune advanced riding skills for local skiing and to prepare for trips to resorts like Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, and Whistler-Blackcomb.
Did You Know?
- Laurel Mountain was originally designed by European skiing legend Johann “Hannes” Schneider, the renowned Austrian ski guide and inventor of the Arlberg Method, the basis of the modern Alpine ski technique.
Roundtop Mountain Resort | Harrisburg, PA Metro Area
The "Fun Mountain" is celebrating 60 years! Roundtop Mountain Resort is ready for its Diamond Anniversary! Since opening in 1964, Roundtop has played a pivotal role in shaping a love for winter sports and has become a beloved destination for generations of families. Roundtop's journey began with our founder, who was a huge skiing fan and would take frequent weekend trips to Vermont. After a while, the excitement of driving all night, skiing all day, and then rushing back home for work on Monday started to lose its charm. He wanted to find a way to enjoy skiing closer to home and introduce more people to the sport. He found a group of like-minded businesspeople from York who were willing to invest in a local ski area and Ski Roundtop was born. Roundtop opened on November 28, 1964, with 4 trails (Minuteman, Fife & Drum, and Upper Recruit) and one lift.
So, grab your” pocket bacon” and get ready to welcome back long-time friends and new faces as we celebrate 60 years of winter fun with special events and celebrations!
Did You Know?
- Roundtop is one of the highest points in York County. On a clear day, you can see the city of Harrisburg from the top of the Minuteman slope.
- The Revolutionary War was the inspiration for trail names at Roundtop.
Upcoming Special Events at Roundtop
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Ullr Fest 60th Anniversary Kickoff Party| Early December
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Friday Night Lights| Fridays in Ski Season
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Winter Carnival & Toyota Rail Jam | February 8
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Spring Fling & 60th Anniversary Time Capsule| March 8
Liberty Mountain Resort | 90 minutes north of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Located south of historic Gettysburg, Liberty Mountain Resort provides a full winter wonderland experience just a 90-minute drive from Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Guests can stay, play, and explore. The resort features comfortable on-site accommodations at the base of the mountain, as well as dining options such as McKees for après-ski and the elegant Eagle & The Owl for dinner. Amenities include convenient access to the slopes, an indoor swimming pool, and a thrilling bubly Snow Tubing Park.
Our renowned Ski and Ride School is staffed by world-class instructors who are committed to ensuring every beginner has a safe and enjoyable experience. Our beginner terrain is easily accessible from both the lodge and parking areas. For more experienced skiers and riders, we provide a variety of progressive and challenging terrain options. For families, we offer Liberty Kids’ Academy, which provides full and half-day lessons for young learners looking to start their skiing or snowboarding journey.
Did You Know?
- First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters learned to ski at Liberty Mountain Resort. She described the experience in her autobiography as a “great and freeing experience”.
- You can see Gettysburg Battlefield from the summit of the mountain.
Upcoming Special Events at Liberty
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Dew After Dark Rock the Mountain | December 28, January 10, 24 February 14,28
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Ryan Grom Jam| January 26
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Unlimited Pride | March 1-2
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Whitetail Resort | 90 minutes north of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Whitetail Resort is the perfect spot for anyone seeking a tranquil escape from the daily grind! Located near Mercersburg, PA, it’s just a short drive from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Whitetail features sought-after intermediate and expert terrain featuring long trails with beautiful mountain views. Our après experience at Solstice provides a relaxed setting to unwind and relax with friends and family. Whether you’re hitting the diverse terrain, enjoying some thrilling snow tubing, or learning the ropes at our fantastic ski school, Whitetail offers a unique outdoor adventure.
New This Winter – Kids' Mountain Camp
Whitetail’s Kids’ Mountain Camp is a fun, safe way to introduce your little ones to skiing and snowboarding. This new program offers full and half-day children's lessons so parents can explore the slopes while the kiddos learn from specially trained instructors. This is the perfect opportunity for kids ages 4-6 and 7-12 of all ability levels to hit the slopes and learn to ski or snowboard!
Did You Know?
- Whitetail is home to the highest vertical drop in Pennsylvania at 935 feet.
- Built in the early 1990s Whitetail is the newest public ski resort on the East Coast.
Upcoming Special Events at Whitetail
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S’more Fun | Sundays in Ski Season
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Whitetail Rocks! | January 3, 17, 31 and February 14, 28
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Whitetail Winterfest| February 8-9
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Women’s Day Series | First Sunday of Each Month
Jack Frost and Big Boulder (JFBB) | Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains
Learn and grow at Jack Frost and Big Boulder! Conveniently located about two hours from both Philadelphia and New York City, these two mountains offer a unique complementary experience for guests! If you're a never-ever or if you’re looking to build your confidence, Big Boulder’s dedicated learning hill and a variety of gentle beginner slopes provide just what you need to master skiing or snowboarding. While you're in Lake Harmony, enjoy the stunning views of Big Boulder Lake as you glide down the slopes. Big Boulder also offers snowtubing at its bubly Tubing Park.
Just under 12 miles away in White Haven, Jack Frost features progressive trails that let skiers start on one side of the mountain and explore more challenging runs as they gain confidence! Guests can also get first tracks twice in one day! Start your day at Jack Frost and then head over to Big Boulder for some night skiing!
Did You Know?
- Jack Frost is an upside-down mountain. The ski lodge is at the mountain's summit with sweeping views of the Pocono Mountains and the Lehigh River below.
- In 1947, Big Boulder was the first resort in the United States to utilize commercial snowmaking.
Upcoming Special Events
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Winterfest at Big Boulder | January 25
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Topsy Turvy Day at Jack Frost | February 1
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Beach Party Pond Skim at Big Boulder | March 8