Ski resort recommendation?

I'm planning our multi-family get together for President's Day long weekend, and we're looking into renting a house in the Poconos near a ski resort. We have a bunch of 4 to 12-year olds who will take lessons for the first time. Which would you recommend? We've only been to Jiminy, and I'm not familiar with the PA ski resorts. TIA.

Re: Ski resort recommendation?

I've brought my kids to both Camelback and Shawnee....they don't compare to Jiminy Peak, but both are small mountains that are pretty good for beginners. I think Camelback has a bit more to offer, but Shawnee took my kids at 3 into their Skiwee programs, which we liked.

Re: Ski resort recommendation?

I would pass on Shawnee. It is a commuter mountain and I was not impressed with the ski school. Also the lodge stinks.

I would think about going somewhere else that has better snow making ability, like VT. Unless it starts snowing, PA will be a disappointment.

Try Smuglers in VT. Amazing ski program for little ones and great family mountain. If you want something closer then Mt Snow or Stratton. They will not disappoint!

Re: Ski resort recommendation?

Camelback is nice fora varied group since you could do snow tubing too.

Ski resort recommendation?

We went to Jack Frost. My two younger cousins learned how to ski there and my sister learned how to snowboard. They also had tubing which I enjoyed taking the littler cousins.

Ski resort recommendation?

Thanks for the replies. We're taking a vote now if we'll stick to PA or head out to VT. :)

Message edited 12/25/2015 6:22:24 PM.

Re: Ski resort recommendation?

I've been taking my kids skiing for a few years now. Whatever you do don't go to camelback. WE had a very bad experience their with our daughter and I doubt it was limited to that day. Our first signs things were not family oriented was the beer cans lining the ground under the lift. It went down hill from there.

If I was to return to pa for ski, I would choose blue mountain, but I have heard good things about jack frost. We actually love skiing in Vermont, but to save money wew switched to New Hampshire which is also very nice and less crowded. Loon Mountain, Waterville Valley, Bretton Woods, Cannon and a smaller mountain called Pat's Peak are all great places to learn!

We rented a house one year and had an amazing time in Waterville Valley Estates, Campton, New Hampshire. The community had nice recreation area with a pool available for use. They also have their own little ski hill which was cute and cheap to practice on, but we mostly visited the larger near by mountain. I'm sure you can find other communities like that too. Good luck!

This year we are heading to maine, I hope!

Message edited 12/26/2015 9:00:10 AM.

Re: Ski resort recommendation?

Just wanted to add you should look into the ski free programs for kids. You might have a few kids eligible to ski, rent and even get a lesson free.