We’ve been eager to get our kids on skis, and with winter having a snowy moment, it was as good a time as any to try it. So after a recent snowfall, we packed our warmest ski gear and headed to Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, known as one of the best ski resorts for beginners near New Jersey and New York City, with family-friendly terrain and a strong ski school. While our daughter has had a few experiences, this was our 3-year-old’s very first ski day, and we were confident that the beginner learning areas and expert instructors would help our kids learn the basics and then some. While they were in ski school, my husband and I took the opportunity to spend some time alone skiing and snowboarding on the more challenging terrain. Read on how our kids did skiing at Blue Mountain (spoiler alert: we can’t wait to go back) and why it’s a go-to when you’re planning a first-time ski trip or looking for beginner-friendly mountains close to home. (featured photo credit: Blue Mountain)

Blue Mountain: A Family-Friendly Poconos Ski Resort

Get ready for a day on Blue Mountain

When we pulled into the parking lot, skiers and snowboarders were carving down the slopes, and the energy felt upbeat and welcoming. The mountain is roughly 1.5–2 hours from North Jersey and NYC, making Blue Mountain a great weekend or day-trip option for families looking for skiing in the Poconos without a long drive, too. Before heading out, we checked the mountain’s snow report online to see which trails were open, lift status, and weather conditions, which helped with layering and gear. Once parked, everything was walkable, and we loved how the parking lot was directly in front of the main building so we could quickly get inside, get our gear on, grab a warm drink, and head to the ski school– a huge plus when you’re carrying equipment and managing kids in puffy layers. Straight ahead, we could see the main mountain and lifts, and to the right was the dedicated beginner learning area, where instructors were working with first-time skiers and a magic carpet.

Gear up with rentals for adults and kids

Since our kids are newer to skiing, we headed to the rental area to get set up with boots and skis (we purchased their helmets back at home). Staff were friendly and patient (a must when fitting a 3-year-old), and the rental process moved very quickly. My husband and I had our own gear, and planned to ski while the kids were in their lessons. For first-time families, rentals are available for toddlers, children, and adults, and ski school packages include the essentials for a complete experience. Blue Mountain’s organization made getting on the mountain easy without chaos.

Learning to turn and move for first-time skiers

Blue Mountain’s Learning Area is designed specifically for beginners, which was ideal for our kids (ages 3 and 6). When we arrived, we were greeted by a large group of smiling instructors. Before our lesson began, the pros brought the kids to an area off the mountain and taught them how to lock and unlock their boots to their skis, how to stand and move on their skis, and some beginner techniques before they ever hit the bunny hill.  Our son began that morning learning how to stand and shuffle on the skis. By lunchtime, he was doing “pizza” and French fries down the bunny hill, and by the end of the day, he was independently riding the magic carpet and skiing down the bunny hill alone (and begging to go again). For families looking for kids ski lessons near NJ & NYC, we were blown away by Blue Mountain’s ski lessons, because it felt like exactly what a ski lesson for a beginner should look like, beginning with the off-slope lesson of how to stand and lock into skis and carry them properly, to getting on the hill and just having fun moving around. It was almost comical to watch my kids beg their instructors to take them higher up the bunny hill each time, which meant their instructors had really made them feel comfortable, were kind, engaging, and attuned to young skiers’ needs, and, most importantly, created an environment where our kids were excited to learn.

Choose your own adventure 

With the kids comfortably settled into their lessons, it was time for us to get out on the slopes. Blue Mountain has the highest vertical drop in the state at 1,082 feet, so advanced skiers and boarders, like my husband, could find challenging runs. My husband and I hopped on the chairlift and took quite a few runs before meeting up with the kids for lunch. On our way to pick them up, we noticed the snowtubing area, and took a mental note to try it out next time, since it is an activity the whole family can do without worrying about skill level. 

Warm up and refuel in the Lodge

Midday, we headed to the main lodge at the summit of the mountain to take a lunch break and sip on hot cocoa (our kids’ favorite post-run treat). The whole area felt magical with string lights, fire pits, indoor and outdoor seating, and an overall non-chaotic, well-run vibe. Blue Mountain offers several family-friendly food options, including cafeteria-style dining inside with grab-and-go items, food trucks, snacks, and warm beverages. We had tacos from the Taco Truck, which were delicious. The Lodge made it easier for us to relax and take breaks between lessons and kept everyone in good spirits for the afternoon session. Of course, we had to end our meal with a delicious, warm, slope-side waffle from the onsite Waffle Hut.

FAQs

Where is Blue Mountain?

Blue Mountain Resort is located in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, in the Pocono Mountains, and sits about 1.5–2 hours from many parts of New Jersey and New York City, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway for families.

What is skiing like at Blue Mountain?

With 40 trails, 16 lifts, freestyle parks, and full snowmaking across the mountain, there’s plenty to explore so families can easily pick runs that match everyone’s skill level.

What are the food options at Blue Mountain?

From sit-down restaurants to fun bars to food trucks, there are lots of options at Blue Mountain. The Slopeside Pub & Grill is open for lunch and dinner, while on-mountain dining includes eateries offering wood-fired pizzas, tacos, noodle dishes, waffles, and ice cream. The Last Run Lounge has a lively après-ski scene, with bar bites and bands that play long after the last run. 

How can I plan ahead for a trip to the mountain?

If you’re planning a weekend visit or holiday trip, it’s smart to book lift tickets, rentals, and lessons in advance, since those time slots can fill up quickly. Packing layers, waterproof gloves, extra socks, hand warmers, snacks, and a change of clothes for the ride home can make the day more comfortable for kids. Before heading out, always check Blue Mountain’s snow report, hours, and ticket information online, as conditions, pricing, and availability can vary throughout the season. Always check the Blue Mountain snow report, hours, and ticket info on their website before you go, since conditions, pricing, and availability can change throughout the season.

Blue Mountain
1660 Blue Mountain Drive
Palmerton, PA 18071

Learn more about Blue Mountain through its website, Instagram, and Facebook.

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