Skiing and Snowboarding in Western Pennsylvania

Many people in Western Pennsylvania, when they think of skiing or snowboarding, immediately think of Colorado or Vermont. Most don't realize the treasure of ski areas we have in our own backyard. Within 100 miles of Pittsburgh, there are 8 ski resorts, all of which are usually open by January 1 with an excellent base of snow ready for your skis or snowboard. These ski areas range from small inexpensive slopes such as Boyce Park (with it's 150 foot vertical and $8 lift ticket) which are great for learning (or relearning) to ski, to Blue Knob ski resort with the largest vertical drop and most challenging skiing in the area, to Seven Springs, one of the top-rated ski resorts in the East. Nearby West Virginia and New York offer even more skiing opportunities within a few hours drive.

Pittsburgh Area Ski Resorts
(including nearby West Virginia and Western New York ski resorts)

Blue Knob (Pennsylvania)
Blue Knob An All Seasons Resort is nestled among the highest peaks in the Allegheny Mountains at the northwestern tip of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, about 2 hours from Washington D.C., Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

Boyce Park (Pennsylvania)
This small ski slope located in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, doesn't have the charm or vertical feet of some of the larger area ski resorts, but it is cheap and very close to Pittsburgh. A great place to get away for a few hours of skiing.

Canaan Valley (West Virginia)
A winter wonderland of skiing and snowboarding awaits you at this ski resort located in the beautiful West Virginia mountains.

Cockaigne (New York)
This family ski area is located in western New York’s snow belt with lake effect helping to provide an annual 275 inches of snowfall.

Hidden Valley (Pennsylvania)
A good mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain plus a great kids ski school program make it easy to see why Hidden Valley is one of the Mid-Atlantic's most popular family ski resorts.

Holiday Valley (New York)
52 slopes and 13 lifts, coupled with the fun of the Village of Ellicottville make Holiday Valley a great place for some winter fun. Located just across the border in western New York.

Kissing Bridge (New York)
Located in Western New York's famous snowbelt, this ski resort offers 36 snow-covered slopes served by nine lifts, two base lodges, and lots of night skiing.

Laurel Mountain (Pennsylvania)
The home of the famous Lower Wildcat slope, Laurel Mountain is located within 493 acres of Laurel Mountain State Park in south central Pennsylvania.

Mountain View (Pennsylvania)
Located in Edinboro, Erie County, this small Pennsylvania ski area offers snow tubing and eight slopes and trails for downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Mystic Mountain (Pennsylvania)
The world-famous Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa ensured its place as a year-round destination when it opened Mystic Mountain. And there is nothing better after a day of skiing than being pampered in a spa!

Peek 'N Peak (New York)
Set amid a backdrop of rustic beauty, the grounds of Peek'n Peak are suggestive of a quaint European village. They have 27 downhill trails and miles of cross-country terrain to challenge every level of skier.

Seven Springs (Pennsylvania)
Pennsylvania's largest ski area, Seven Springs, was named for an old property deed describing the land as a "piece of property with seven springs on it." Located in Pennsylvania's Laurel Mountains, this popular Pennsylvania mountain resort is much more than just a skiing destination.

Snowshoe (West Virginia)
Best known for their great snow, this popular resort is boasting new terrain, new lifts, new outdoor adventure programs and a new Village.

Timberline (West Virginia)
Nestled in a picturesque Alpine valley, high in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, Timberline is well known for its abundant natural snowfall (over 150' each season). All 35 trails are open to both skiiers and riders.

Willowbrook (Pennsylvania)
The small Willowbrook Ski area near Belle Vernon makes a wonderful day trip for Pittsburgh area residents. Inexpensive skiing close to home!

Wisp (Maryland)
Ski Magazine rated the Wisp Ski Area,in Garrett County, MD, among the top 80 ski resorts in the nation.

Skiing Steals & Deals
If you really like to ski, then the Pennsylvania Ski Area Association offers the "Snow Pass" program for Pennsylvania fourth graders, allowing them to enjoy up to 64 days of skiing or snowboarding at 21 participating Pennsylvania ski resorts for just $10.00! For more winter money-savers:
Ski Savings, Coupons & Special Promotions

Pittsburgh Area Ski Shops
Looking for new ski equipment, rentals, ski swaps, classes, etc.? Then check out these Pittsburgh area ski stores and shops.
Pittsburgh Area Ski Shops