A Family-Friendly Winter Adventure in the Poconos


For more than 50 seasons, families have been learning to ski, making memories, and spending winter days together at Shawnee Mountain. As the independently owned and operated Pocono ski area heads into the 2026/27 season, that family tradition remains at the heart of the Shawnee experience.

Located just off Route 80 and the closest Pennsylvania ski mountain to New Jersey, Shawnee makes a day on the slopes an easy winter getaway for New Jersey families and groups. Its approachable size and welcoming atmosphere have helped generations of guests feel at home on the mountain. Many of today's parents first learned to ski at Shawnee themselves and are now returning with their own children.

For families and young adventurers new to skiing and snowboarding, learning can start as young as age three. Shawnee's Children's Programs serve young skiers and riders through age 15, while the Snowsports School offers instruction for kids, teens, and adults. Dedicated learning terrain includes the SKIwee Bowl, a magic carpet surface lift, and a beginner hill with its own chairlift.

There's plenty waiting beyond the beginner hill, too. Shawnee offers 23 trails and up to seven lifts, along with two terrain parks, weekend NASTAR racing, and night skiing Wednesday through Sunday.

⭐ Why Groups Love It

Shawnee makes it easy for groups with different ages and experience levels to enjoy a winter day together. Beginners can learn in dedicated areas, experienced skiers and snowboarders can explore the mountain, and those who aren't ready to hit the slopes can still join the fun with snowtubing and other snow activities.

Quick Trip Planner

📍 Location: Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, Shawnee on Delaware, PA

🌐 Website: ShawneeMt.com

👧 Recommended Ages: Ages 3+ • Kids • Teens • Adults • Families

🎒 Perfect For

  • School & Youth Groups Ski & Snowboard Clubs
  • Recreation Departments
  • Scouts Family Groups
  • Winter Youth Programs
  • First-Time Skiers & Snowboarders
  • Experienced Skiers & Riders

👥 Group Experience
Options are available for beginners through experienced skiers and snowboarders, making Shawnee a versatile destination for groups with mixed ability levels.

🏫 Learning & Enrichment Connections

  • Physical Education
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Health & Wellness
  • Confidence Building
  • Perseverance
  • Winter Sports
  • Personal Achievement

⛷️ Featured Mountain Experiences

  • 23 Ski & Snowboard Trails
  • Up to 7 Lifts
  • Children's Programs for ages 3–15
  • Snowsports School for kids, teens & adults
  • SKIwee Bowl learning area
  • Magic carpet surface lift
  • Dedicated beginner hill and chairlift
  • Two terrain parks
  • Weekend NASTAR racing
  • Night skiing Wednesday–Sunday
  • Snowtubing
  • Mini Monster Mountain
  • Seasonal special events

❄️ More Than Skiing
No skiing experience is required to enjoy a winter day at Shawnee. Snowtubing offers an easy way to get outside and play in the snow, while Mini Monster Mountain gives the littlest winter adventurers a place to enjoy sleds, gliders, a snowball wall, and other snow activities.

Guests who would rather stay cozy can enjoy the lodge or relax outside by the firepit and take in the mountain atmosphere.

🍽️ Make a Full Day of It
Groups and families can make a full day of their visit with dining available throughout the mountain, including two cafeterias, a full-service restaurant, summit grab-and-go options, and a snack and coffee bar.

💡 Planning Tips
For first-time skiers and snowboarders, consider adding a lesson to your visit so students can build skills and confidence before exploring more of the mountain. Groups with younger children can also look into Shawnee's dedicated children's programs and beginner terrain.

For the 2026/27 season, Shawnee is offering several options designed to make repeat visits more affordable, including Season Passes, a new discounted Junior Season Pass, the 3rd & 4th Grade Snowpass, Children's Program three-lesson bundles, and the flexible 3 Pack Pass, which includes three anytime lift tickets that can be shared among family members.

🎿 Did You Know?

Shawnee has been welcoming families for more than five decades. For many New Jersey parents, a visit isn't just another ski trip—it's an opportunity to introduce their children to the same mountain where they first learned to ski.

🎶 Special Events

Throughout the winter, special events give groups and families even more reasons to return, including:

  • Rail Jams
  • Snowshoe Racing
  • Demo Days
  • Live Music
  • Seasonal Mountain Events

Great For

✔ Winter Field Trips
✔ Ski & Snowboard Groups
✔ First-Time Skiers
✔ Youth Recreation Programs
✔ Physical Education
✔ Snowtubing Adventures
✔ Scouts & Youth Organizations
✔ Winter Family Outings
✔ Confidence Building
✔ Active Outdoor Experiences