Ski Big Bear – Hit the Slopes in NEPA

Spend a winter day carving turns at Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain in Lackawaxen. Since 1976, this Pocono Mountains ski area has been part of the region’s winter outdoor activities, drawing families, first-timers and longtime skiers back season after season.

The mountain features 18 trails across 26 skiable acres, covering beginner through expert terrain. Gentle learning slopes give first-timers room to get comfortable, while longer cruisers and steeper runs keep things interesting for more experienced riders.

With 650 feet of vertical drop and full snowmaking coverage across the entire mountain, conditions hold strong throughout the season. When the sun goes down, 16 trails stay lit, and the terrain park and snow tubing hill add even more ways to stretch the day.

Ski Big Bear’s 18 trails are spread across beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain, so beginners, cruisers and more confident skiers can find the right fit. The mountain features 6 beginner trails, 6 intermediate runs, 5 advanced trails and 1 expert slope.

If you’re just getting started, Snowbird and Whispering Run are good places to begin, with Magic Carpet lifts and wide, forgiving terrain. Intermediate skiers can cruise runs like Upper Jamboree and Grizzly, while more experienced riders can head for steeper stretches like Devil’s Bowl and Lower Thundercloud. And if you’re looking for a true test, Screamin’ Demon is the mountain’s most challenging run.

Freestyle skiers and snowboarders can mix things up in the terrain park, which features a rotating setup of jumps, rails and features spread across several trails. Seven lifts — including four double chairs and three surface carpets — keep things moving without a lot of downtime between runs.

When the sun goes down, the mountain doesn’t. Night skiing lights up 16 of the 18 trails, making Ski Big Bear a solid choice for after-school laps or evening sessions under the lights.

Lift tickets can be purchased online in advance along with season passes. Ski Big Bear uses reloadable RFID cards, so once you’re set up, you can head straight to the lifts on future visits.

Snow tubing is also part of the winter lineup at Ski Big Bear. The mountain features two tubing lanes served by a Magic Carpet lift, so once you make it to the bottom, you can ride back up without the uphill climb. It’s a great way for families and groups to spend time on the snow together — no lessons or equipment required.

Tubing sessions are offered on weekends and during holiday periods, weather permitting. Double tubes are available for adults riding alongside kids. Participants must meet the posted minimum height requirements. Like skiing and snowboarding, tubing tickets are best purchased online in advance, especially during busy winter weekends.

Ski Big Bear offers ski and snowboard lessons all season long. The beginner area is set up with surface lifts and dedicated learning terrain, so new skiers and riders can take their time getting comfortable before heading higher up the mountain.

Private ski and snowboard lessons are available any day the mountain is open and are especially popular for one-on-one instruction. First time beginner group lessons are offered on weekends and holiday periods for guests ages 6 and up. “Learn To” packages bundle beginner lift access, rental equipment and a group lesson, making it easy to get started.

Families with 4th and 5th graders can also take advantage of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Adventure Pass. With the purchase of the annual pass, students receive a free lift ticket when accompanied by a paying adult, making it an affordable way to introduce kids to skiing and snowboarding.

The on-site rental shop offers skis, snowboards, boots, poles and helmets, along with multi-day and season rental options. A retail shop inside the lodge carries winter essentials like gloves, goggles and snow pants for those last-minute needs.

When it’s time to warm up, Ski Big Bear offers three on-site dining options inside and around the Summit Lodge.

The Summit Restaurant and Sports Bar provides full-service dining with mountain views, American-style favorites and a welcoming après-ski atmosphere year-round. Just steps away, The Scramble Cafeteria serves quick and easy grab-and-go options like burgers, pizza, soups and snacks — perfect for refueling between runs. Across from the lodge, the Marketplace at Masthope features coffee, hot chocolate, fresh soups, salads and made-to-order deli sandwiches.

Whether you’re settling in for a relaxed meal or grabbing something quick before heading back out, there’s a convenient option for every appetite.

With dependable snow and terrain that spans beginner through expert, Ski Big Bear delivers an exciting Pocono Mountains ski day with plenty of ways to mix it up. Spend the morning on the slopes, take a break in the lodge and head back out for night skiing or a few tubing runs before calling it a day.

Located in Lackawaxen near Lake Wallenpaupack and Hawley, Ski Big Bear is surrounded by local lodging options and welcoming small towns, making it a great choice for a weekend stay or a day on the slopes.

Whether you’re clicking into skis for the first time or heading out for a few final laps under the lights, Ski Big Bear is all about making the most of a winter day on the snowy mountain.