5 Breathtaking Alpine Towns In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Alpine escapes, but in winter, its highlands, plateaus, and mountain towns tell a surprisingly different story. This is especially true of places like the Laurel Highlands, the Poconos, and the Allegheny Plateau, where ski resorts transform themselves into winter wonderlands complete with thrilling ski slopes. You will discover timbered lodges, frost-dusted evergreens, and fairytale towns tucked into dramatic mountain scenery. The best part is that some of these towns echo the atmosphere of Europe’s great Alpine villages. Starting with Seven Springs, discover five breathtaking Alpine towns to visit in Pennsylvania.

Seven Springs

One of Pennsylvania’s most popular cold-weather destinations, Seven Springs is set in the scenic Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, about an hour’s drive southeast of Pittsburgh. It is best known for the Seven Springs Mountain Resort, one of Pennsylvania’s largest ski areas, featuring 33 trails and more than 280 acres of skiable terrain. Whether you are looking for something smooth or daunting, you can choose from five terrain parks, whose features travel the whole gamut. You can spend the whole day skiing on the slopes or sliding down the mountain on a snow tube.

If you need a little pampering, the on-site Trillium Salon offers a wide variety of facials to cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish your skin, leaving it looking healthy and well-toned. At the end of the day, a clean, rustic room at the Log Cabin Lodge & Suites will come in handy, especially because many rooms are equipped with whirlpool baths and fireplaces to help you keep warm. The following day, go and sample Hidden Valley Resort and its 26 snow-covered slopes.

Tannersville

Just 90 minutes from the bustle of downtown Manhattan lies a stimulating winter wonderland that can transform a grey season into a thrilling carnival of endless fun and adventure. Camelback Mountain Resort has 33 trails and slopes, 800 feet of vertical, over 150 acres of terrain, and some unbelievable twists to the trails. It's easy to feel like you are in New England, not in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania. A significant portion of the terrain is ego-boosting green circle territory, featuring wide, groomed boulevards that offer fine views into the valley below.

No problem if you are just learning to ski or snowboard. You have almost 11 acres to work with. Although Intermediates may grumble that they have fewer choices, they are exceptionally good. The terrains offer an experience that you wouldn't expect from 800 feet of vertical. After a full day of heart-pounding action, a quiet night at Mountain Springs Lake Resort, whose charming cottages range from tastefully appointed wood frames to authentic log cabins, will feel therapeutic.

The best part is that, besides the cozy cottages and heart-gripping views, you have immediate access to a gorgeous lake that doubles up as an angler's paradise. Back in town, the Big Screen Escape offers an immersive experience with almost everything designed to pull you right into the story.

Jim Thorpe

A small, colorful town speckled with beautiful Victorians, Jim Thorpe is a historic mountain town tastefully positioned on the 109-mile Lehigh River. Jim Thorpe boasts easy access to awesome ski slopes and is routinely compared to Switzerland. With its fine scenery and lively streets, it is a solid contender for “the Most Romantic Town in Pennsylvania” Award.

The immediate scenery features steep ridges, while the town itself is in a narrow Appalachian mountain gorge with all the hallmarks of an Alpine location. Blue Mountain Resort, a revered name in the skiing world, is just 19 miles down the road. It offers 40 ski trails, five terrain parks, 16 lifts, and up to 46 tubing lanes.

Not just that. At more than 1,000 feet, the mountain boasts the state's highest vertical drop, meaning it's the go-to spot for a thrilling downhill experience. If you want to crown the day with a luxurious meal, the on-site Slopeside Pub & Grill is a full-service mountaintop restaurant with heart-stirring views. Lehigh Gorge State Park, just a heartbeat away, offers winter hiking and snowshoeing opportunities. The Annual Jim Thorpe WinterFest, which comes to town in February, features ice carvings, live entertainment, food, and enjoyable carriage rides (weather permitting).

Wellsboro

With gas lamps lining its streets and handsomely preserved storefronts, Wellsboro is another Alpine mountain town with exquisite outdoor elegance. It sits on the Allegheny Plateau, which features expansive hardwood and evergreen forests, and is surrounded by deep valleys and high ridges. Ski Sawmill Resort, a beautiful mountain property with 12 slopes and casual lodging in rustic cabins, is about 20 minutes south of town. It is an awesome ski area with fun and fast trails, many of which have a good pitch. It's particularly perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers.

And if you are spending the night, expect a clean, quiet, and peaceful place where you can unwind and decompress. Just outside town lies Pine Creek Gorge, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.” At its deepest point, Pine Creek Gorge, whose geology is both severe and stunning, is 1,450 feet deep and nearly a mile wide. It is a landmark attraction in the Tioga State Forest, which offers approximately 177 miles of snowmobile trails. At the end of the day, a hot tub or sauna at Penn Wells Lodge can come in handy.

Farmington

People troop to Farmington to see the Laurel Caverns, considered the largest cave in Pennsylvania. Although the natural gem presents an unforgettable underground adventure, especially with all the stunning rock formations to explore, there's more to the Farmington area than the caverns. While Farmington itself doesn’t have slopes within the town, it sits in the Laurel Highlands with easy access to nearby ski areas like Nemacolin Resort and Seven Springs Mountain Resort, making it a convenient base for winter sports and Alpine-style adventures. It's a high-elevation region with Alpine-worthy features.

The cold season here often brings snowy ridges, misty evergreen forests, and numerous frosted landscapes. Nemacolin Resort, a woodsy expanse that has been creating magical moments in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands since 1987, often transforms into a glowing winter wonderland full of festive, family-friendly fun. Start by hitting the slopes at The Peak, then twirl across the outdoor ice rink before indulging in delicious holiday specials featuring a mosaic of festive flavors. (For a more epic experience, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, mentioned above, is just 40 minutes away.)

Another trick is to opt for the Laurel Ridge Cross Country Ski Center, a fantastic place to learn or improve your Nordic or skate skills. Finally, with its peaceful outdoor seating and delicious wraps and sandwiches, including vegetarian options, Bittersweet Cafe is a must-stop.

So, while Pennsylvania is not particularly famous for snowy delights, wait until you explore the expansive slopes of Seven Springs, the trails and verticals at Camelback Mountain, and the romantic, Swiss-like setting of Jim Thorpe. And if you don't have a thing for slopes or rinks, you will still have so much to enjoy, from the fresh, mountain scenery to rustic cabins set on glistening lakes or frozen rivers. That's without mentioning unforgettable cavern adventures, deep gorges, good food on side-street patios, and other epic experiences.