The Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania are about 100 miles (roughly 2 hours) from New York City by I-80, and the ski season usually runs from late November or early December to early or mid March, with January and February the peak (Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau). Five ski areas, tubing, dog sledding, snowshoeing and indoor waterparks make it an easy weekend escape; there is no passenger train, so plan on a bus or a car.
Photo: Gene Samit on Pexels (Pexels)
Key winter 2026–27 dates
| What | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Typical ski season | ✅ Official (Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau) | Late Nov/early Dec to early/mid March |
| Peak months | ✅ Official (Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau) | January–February |
| Passenger rail to the Poconos | ✅ Official (Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau) | No passenger train; use a bus or a car |
What to do in the Poconos in winter
Skiing and snowboarding
- Skiing in the Poconos goes back to 1946, when the first commercial ski area opened; today the main areas are Blue Mountain, Camelback, Jack Frost Big Boulder, Shawnee Mountain and Ski Big Bear (Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau).
- Opening dates change with snow and temperature, so check each resort's own site before you book lift tickets or lodging.
Beyond the slopes
- Snow tubing, dog sledding, snowshoeing and ice skating are on the visitors bureau's winter list, along with indoor waterparks for days when the weather is poor.
- The region covers four counties: Wayne, Pike, Monroe and Carbon (Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau).
Weekend itinerary (example: Fri Jan 15 – Sun Jan 17, 2027)
Fri: Arrive
- Leave New York in the afternoon; Stroudsburg and the Delaware Water Gap are about 65 miles from the city, and the farther resorts take around 2 hours in good conditions.
- Dinner in town and an early night before a day on the snow.
Sat: Ski or ride
- Choose one resort and arrive at opening; beginners can book a lesson on site.
- EveningIndoor waterpark or a quiet cabin night.
Sun: Tubing or dog sledding, then home
- Book a morning of snow tubing or a dog-sledding outing with a local operator; book early and check each operator's season.
- Drive back before the Sunday-evening return traffic.
Getting there
- By car: about 100 miles (around 2 hours) from New York City via I-80; allow more time in snow (Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau).
- By bus: Martz runs buses from Port Authority Bus Terminal to Stroudsburg and Mount Pocono, and Shortline and Trailways also serve the region (Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau).
- By train: there is no passenger train to the Poconos at present.
- By air: nearby airports include Lehigh Valley (ABE) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AVP), or the New York and Philadelphia airports (JFK, LGA, EWR, PHL) with a bus or car for the last leg.
Combine it with other winter trips
For another snow weekend, see Mont-Tremblant in winter, the French Alps in Chamonix in winter or our roundup of winter vacation ideas for 2026–27.
Plan it with Lets2Go
Tell Lets2Go's AI trip planner your dates, group and how much snow time you want, and get a day-by-day weekend plan you can adjust. Also on the App Store and Google Play. Opening hours and dates can change, so confirm them on official sites before you go.
How far are the Poconos from New York City?
About 100 miles, roughly 2 hours by car on I-80, according to the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. Stroudsburg and the Delaware Water Gap are closer, about 65 miles.
When is ski season in the Poconos?
It usually runs from late November or early December to early or mid March, with January and February as the peak, according to the visitors bureau. For the exact 2026–27 opening date of each ski area, check that resort's own website.
Can I get to the Poconos without a car?
Yes, by bus. Martz connects Port Authority with Stroudsburg and Mount Pocono, and Shortline and Trailways also serve the region. There is no passenger train to the Poconos.
What can I do in the Poconos if I don't ski?
Snow tubing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating and indoor waterparks are all on the visitors bureau's winter list.
