The Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is located in the eastern Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. In the winter months, Shawnee Mountain offers 23 ski slopes and trails, 2 terrain parks, and a snow-tubing park. The longest trail on the mountain is just over 5,000 feet long and runs start from a peak of 1,350 feet. Half of the mountain’s trails are marked as intermediate, with 25% beginner friendly, and 25% suitable for expert skiers.

Although there are 50 inches of natural snowfall annually, 100% of the trails have snowmaking capabilities. The mountain offers a ski shop with rentals and a tune and repair center. Known as a family-friendly destination, the mountain offers both full-day or drop-in babysitting service for children over 18 months. There are five separate dining options on the mountain, all offering gluten-free menu items. In the summer months, Shawnee Mountain opens to a wide range of entertainment, festivals, and activities. Popular events include the Autumn Timber Festival, the July Poconos Wurst Festival, and Pocono Puppy Palooza. Most events span 2 days and single or 2-day passes are available. Festival guests may stay at the official Shawnee Festival Host Resort, the Villas at Treetops and Fairway, or choose from a variety of nearby lodging options.

History: The Shawnee Mountain Ski Area was founded in 1975 by husband and wife Karl and Hilda Hope. The resort was sold 4 years later to Shawnee Development Inc. Ms. Hope was active in the community and worked with Eunice Kennedy Shriver to bring the first Special Olympics to the Shawnee Ski area in 1988. Recent updates to the mountain have included new ski lifts, allowing guests to reach the top of the mountain in under 3 minutes.

As a family-friendly ski resort, Shawnee offers extensive programming for young and beginner skiers during the winter, while the summer months offer family-friendly entertainment and festivals.

During ski season, the mountain ski school has an extensive variety of options, including beginner lessons for groups or individuals, for both children and adults. Children’s programs include 3-hour group sessions for new skiers as well as specialized sessions such as Mommy and Me ski groups and SkiBaby lessons for 3 year-olds. Development programs for more advanced skiers include 5 and 10-week weekend programs for teens as well as adult programs. The Shawnee Mountain Race Team is for advanced skiers aged 9 to 18.

Shawnee Mountain is home to a series of weekend events and festivals through the non-skiing months. The summer season kicks off on Memorial Day weekend with the Shawnee Celtic Festival. Celtic music plays all weekend on two stages, and food offerings include traditional Irish and Scottish fare. Irish step dancers and a working sheep dog show rounds out the entertainment.

The Poconos’ Wurst Festival takes place in July. This Polish and German-themed festival offers musical entertainment, traditional dance performances, and the “Bier Stein Olympics,” a new, fun game for those over the age of 21. Children’s activities include magic and juggling shows and face painting. Of course, the highlight of the Wurst Fest is the food and drink. Several vendors offer wursts, wieners, kielbasa, pierogies, and beer.

The Sweet Corn and BBQ Festival takes place in August. Guests to this 2-day festival enjoy live music, delicious food, and family fun. Over 25 vendors offer roasted and sweet corn and there is BBQ from award-winning pit masters from Texas, Memphis, Kansas City, and more. Western-themed music plays all weekend long. Children will enjoy the juggling and magic shows as well as the games in the kids’ picnic area. Guests are encouraged to bring bags to take home some fresh vegetables from the farmers market.

The fall season kicks off with the Autumn Timber Festival. At this event guests enjoy the fall foliage and a full weekend of family-friendly entertainment, food, and music. The Timber Team Ironjack Shows are the highlight of the weekend, as Alaskan lumberjacks dazzle the crowds with pole-climbing, chainsaw competitions, log-rolls, and more. One of the premier canine shows in the country, the Classic K9 Performance Team, offers a high-energy dog show with tricks and stunts set to music. Live music entertainment as well as food and beverage vendors are ongoing throughout the weekend.

Pocono Puppy Palooza takes place in September and entertains with several events for both guests and their dogs. All proceeds go to a local animal rescue.

401 Hollow Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, Phone: 570-421-7231

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