Things to Do in the Poconos in the Winter
While visiting the Poconos in the winter, you may not think that there are many activities to do. In addition to skiing, you can also go on a train ride through Jim Thorpe, try out winter paintball, and even take up ice skating! Camelback Mountain is home to the largest snow tubing park in the U.S., which is perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of the big game.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides
The winter seasons offer more than just cold and snow. You can experience a winter wonderland during a horse-drawn sleigh ride. You can enjoy the sights of the Poconos while huddled beneath blankets and listen to the horses’ singing. You can also plan an unforgettable romantic getaway in the Poconos by sleighing with your loved one or enjoying a dinner at Mountain Creek Riding restaurant.
Snow-covered Mt. Pocono in Pennsylvania is a winter wonderland. The mountain offers the perfect weather for children to play in the snow, create snowmen with carrot noses and engage in snowball fights with their friends. A trip on a horse-drawn sleigh is a delightful way to spend a winter day. Near the Skytop Lodge, Pocono Country Carriages offers horse-drawn sleigh tours.
Sleigh rides on a private farm can make your vacation a memorable one. On the farm, you can see resident white-tailed deer and red-bellied woodpeckers. You can even request a hot dog roast on the farm after your ride. It’s the perfect way to end the day with an unforgettable winter vacation. And, if you don’t have time to go on a sleigh ride, you can take a relaxing hot dog roast.
If you don’t want to drive to the mountains, you can always opt to take a train tour. The Poconos is close to two major cities. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania transforms into a bustling hub of holiday cheer in winter. Visit Dilworth Park in Philadelphia and enjoy seasonal attractions. During your stay, you can also ice-skate on the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, warm up in the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin, and take a walk in Wintergarden.
Skiing
The winters in the Poconos are colder than in most places, with the average high temperature hovering around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures can dip to a chilly 15 degrees during the day. It is best to heat up with a roaring fire, as it can get a bit chilly in the middle of the day. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go skiing.
The Poconos are conveniently located just two hours from New York City and Philadelphia. The area is home to over 185 ski slopes and 185 trails. If you’re new to the sport, the Poconos are a great place to start. The average snowfall in the region is 50 inches, making this a perfect location for a beginner’s first skiing experience. The snow report for the area gives you an idea of the conditions before heading to the mountains.
If you’re not quite ready for the slopes, you can take lessons. The Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge offers skiing lessons for beginners. You can also take a sleigh ride in the snow-covered hills. If you’d rather learn on your own, Daisy Field Farm offers group lessons and private instruction. No matter what level you’re at, your instructors are always available to help you learn the ropes.
In the spring, temperatures remain in the low 40s. Early travelers can take advantage of the wintertime weather by arriving earlier than the snow season. During the mid to upper-60s, temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities such as biking or horseback riding. Visitors can also participate in indoor water parks and adventure courses. For those who aren’t interested in skiing, there are several indoor water parks available to enjoy the winter months.
Ice fishing
Most ponds and lakes in the area have fishable ice, but there are still a few areas where the ice is too thin to fish safely. In such areas, it’s best to sound holes before heading out. Ice fishing in the Poconos requires extreme caution and safety gear. To ensure your safety, you should carry throw ropes, PFDs, and flotation jackets.
If you’re looking for some excellent ice-fishing locations, head to the Poconos. Most lakes form safe ice by early January. Tiny teardrop jigs tipped with maggots will quickly fill a bucket. Live minnows are another great bait for big walleye and pickerel. A few tips for success: Be sure to wear proper clothing and gear, especially if you plan on taking photos!
Before venturing onto the ice, make sure you’re prepared. Wear a float coat and ice cleats. Carry ice picks and a life jacket if you are going to be in a pond with a small hole. Also, carry ice awls with you to pull yourself out if you slip. To prevent hypothermia, watch a Coast Guard video called Coldwater Boot Camp.
Before heading out onto the ice, test the thickness of the ice. You’ll want to ensure the ice is four to seven inches thick before setting off on an ice fishing trip. A thicker ice is better for solo fishermen or small groups, but make sure to check the ice thickness before you go out. Remember that too much weight can make you fall through the ice. And always remember to wear a life jacket – it’s always safer than too little.
Indoor waterpark resorts
Indoor waterpark resorts in the Poconi Mountains offer something for everyone. From large, family slides to kiddie pools, the Poconos Kalahari Resort has it all. From kids slides to an uphill water coaster, there’s something for everyone. There’s even a swim-up bar! The resort offers a variety of activities for adults and families, and children can play on the water slides while parents relax in the hot tub.
The H20ooohh! Indoor Waterpark at Split Rock Resort offers three four-story slides, a wave pool, Flow Rider attraction, activity pool, and snack shack. The water park is open year-round, and children can enjoy all of the waterpark’s attractions. There’s even a water-based obstacle course, arcade games, and a hot springs-style pool, perfect for families.
If you’re traveling with small children, be sure to bring a stroller or wagon. You’ll want to keep them entertained while you relax in the adult-only areas. At the Wild WaterDome, you can rent indoor cabanas and enjoy the water park’s heated pool for just $149 per night. This water park is only open during the daytime when area schools are in recess, but you can stay at the resort all day long for a great price.
In addition to the indoor waterpark at Nelson, the Poconos resort is planning to expand its convention center, add an indoor theme park, and extend its outdoor water park. Nelson is also considering developing the hill next to the hotel. A new Kalahari location is set to open in Round Rock, Texas, in 2020. The resort will have roller coasters and an exhibit on Nelson Mandela.
Holiday shopping
If you love the holidays, but don’t want to go to the mall, holiday shopping in the Poconos is an excellent option. The winter months bring a relaxed holiday atmosphere with many unique stores that are perfect for gifts. Plus, you can enjoy the gorgeous winter views while shopping. Here are a few ideas for holiday shopping in the Poconos. You can browse the following stores and find unique holiday gifts.
The Christmas Factory: This giant store boasts 60+ fully decorated holiday trees! You can purchase ornaments, miniature holiday villages, snowbabies, and more! You can even shop for unique holiday crafts and gifts at The Christmas Factory, just 30 minutes away from Skytop Lodge. It’s hard to go wrong at this holiday shopping destination. There’s something for everyone in your list at this store! And don’t forget to check out the Hawley Winterfest in Hawley!
The Christkindlmarket in Bethlehem is another great place for holiday shopping in the Poconos. Originally a German arts and crafts festival, the Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem draws over 100 vendors each weekend. Guests can browse the handmade gifts of more than 100 artisans, and enjoy a Christmas breakfast with Santa. The Christkindlmarket is open from mid-November to the weekend before Christmas, and is guaranteed to make you smile.https://www.youtube.com/embed/kANkczfEKn8
