By Emily Whalen • Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau
Start 2023 off on the right foot: January is the perfect time to get away to the Pocono Mountains! Our region offers an abundance of wonderful winter experiences, from snow activities to indoor fun.
Take to the ski slopes, lace up your skates and glide across a frozen lake, warm up with hearty and delicious fare from unique local restaurants, and so much more: there are lots of fun things to do during the month of January in the Poconos. Check out these ten activities to try during your winter trip in the new year.
1. Skiing
It’s time to gear up and hit the ski slopes! The Poconos has been a top destination for snow sports since the 1940s. With six major ski areas and over 155 trails, this is the perfect place to enjoy a day of skiing, whether you’re brand new or a downhill expert. Local mountains offer equipment rentals and first-time lessons for all ages. Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain is a great place to learn the ropes, from putting on your ski boots to boarding the chairlift. Shawnee Mountain and Ski Area offers ski programs for kids as well as developmental classes for adults. Whether your group wants to learn skiing or snowboarding, everybody can learn together during a Family & Friends Beginner Lesson at Camelback Mountain.
2. Snowboarding
Snowboarders will find some of the best terrain parks on the East Coast in the Pocono Mountains. Big Boulder Ski Area and Jack Frost Mountain both boast sensational terrain parks; 50% of Boulder’s mountain encompasses park features, recently reconfigured to allow for better progression, especially for beginner and intermediate guests. Riders can enjoy five terrain parks at Blue Mountain Resort, including 22 jumps and rails at the Dreamweaver Park.
3. Snow Tubing
Perfect for first timers and thrill seekers alike, snow tubing is an activity the entire family can enjoy together. The two largest snow tubing parks in the country are located in the Poconos! Blue Mountain Resort is home to three magic carpet lifts to whisk you to the top of the hill and 46 lanes to fly down, plus new after-dark sonic tubing. The 42 lanes at Camelback Mountain glow in neon after sunset for an out-of-this world galactic snow tubing experience.
4. Ice Skating
Whether you like to carve up the ice in hockey blades, or you need a toe pick to gracefully execute turns and jumps, the beauty of the Poconos is an idyllic backdrop for ice skating. When the temperature drops and the lakes freeze over, state parks including Gouldsboro, Tobyhanna, Hickory Run and Promised Land are open for outdoor, unmonitored ice skating. The lake ice must be at least four inches thick before skating, so be sure to use your best judgment and stay safe!
5. Snowshoeing
Another way to witness the undisturbed beauty of the Pocono Mountains is by snowshoeing. Journey through pristine and serene; snow-covered woodlands. The Delaware State Forest allows non-groomed snowshoeing in the Bruce Lake Natural Area. Promised Land State Park permits snowshoeing on all trails throughout the entire park. Get in touch with local outfitter Naturfi for snowshoe rentals and guided tours!
6. Winter Paintball
Suit up for paintball! With or without snow, winter is a great time to enjoy a game on the many different battlefields at Skirmish Paintball. Team up with family and friends or challenge other players in an activity that is sure to get the adrenaline running and warm you up on a chilly day. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Skirmish’s special offers and events!
7. Ethnic Dining
The new year is the perfect time to branch out and discover new flavors! Explore ethnic dining in the Poconos: feast on authentic Mexican cuisines at Del Tacos, warm up with Portuguese BBQ at Churrasqueria La Morena BBQ or discover authentic Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban cuisine at Don Pedro’s Cafe and Pizza. Looking for sushi and Hibachi? Experience a scrumptious show at desaki or stop by MYST Restaurant in Jim Thorpe. Spice Route and Tandoor Palace both feature the vibrant flavors of India.
8. Small Town Shopping
Treat yourself to a new year’s gift or two while shopping in the Pocono Mountains! Our small towns are filled with character and charm and one-of-a-kind specialty shops and boutiques. Hunt for treasures in the downtown districts in Milford, Honesdale, Stroudsburg or Jim Thorpe, and don’t forget to stop in a cafe or coffee shop for a pick-me-up!
9. Indoor Family Fun Parks
Fight the winter blues: gather your friends and family for an outing to a local family fun park! Try the ninja warrior course and boulder climbing wall at Pocono Rocks!, or let the kids work off some energy on the bounce houses and trampolines at Pocolandia. Sports enthusiasts can give Dropshots Pickleball a try to experience this trendy blend of tennis, ping pong and badminton, while Wake Zone Indoor Golf & Tap Room allows golfers to get in some time on a virtual course regardless of the weather.
10. Indoor Waterparks
The weather is always guaranteed to be a tropical 84 degrees at indoor waterpark resorts in the Poconos! Conquer the slides, brave the wave pool or relax by the cabanas. Home to America’s largest indoor waterparks, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions boasts a 220,000 square foot enclosed paradise. H2Oooohh! Indoor Waterpark at Split Rock Resort features three four-story slides and a Flow Rider to get your adrenaline pumping, while Great Wolf Lodge offers zero-depth entry pools, play areas and dump buckets with fun for the whole family. After a day on the slopes, spend some time on the slides at Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark Book a day pass, or stay overnight to try all the adventures these resorts have to offer.
Experience the magic of winter in the Pocono Mountains! Check out our ski and snow activities as well as ski specials when planning your trip. For real-time updates, be sure to check snow conditions at our six ski areas. Save on a January stay with special offers, and browse more things to do during your stay.
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