Big Boulder

Night skiing, terrain parks and tubing on the lake.

One of Pennsylvania’s oldest ski areas (1947), where early snowmaking was developed in the 1950s. Today it is a small 475 ft hill on Big Boulder Lake known for its terrain parks, skiing under the lights and the resort’s tubing park. Same Epic Pass as Jack Frost, 15 minutes away.

The mountain

Vertical drop

475 ft

Summit

2,175 ft

Skiable terrain

55 acres

Trails

19

Lifts

7

Average snowfall

35″ a year

Snowmaking

100% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 37%
• Intermediate 19%
• Advanced 44%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasSelect days Nov 27–Dec 24, 10:30 am, 1 pm and 3:30 pm

  Lehigh Gorge Santa Claus trains

  Santa and his elves ride along on an 80-minute round trip from Jim Thorpe. Adults from $25.

• Pond skimSpring, near closing (date TBA)Usually

  Beach Party Pond Skim

  Tropical costumes and two skim ponds at Big Boulder to close out the season.

Where to stay

• hotelKalahari Resorts Poconos

  Big Africa-themed resort built around a huge indoor waterpark.

  20 min drive
• innLake Harmony Inn

  Small waterfront inn about half a mile from Big Boulder, with simple rooms and a three-bedroom suite.

  2 min drive
• innThe Inn at Jim Thorpe

  Built in 1849 in the middle of Jim Thorpe’s historic district, steps from restaurants and shops.

  30 min drive
• b&bThe Harry Packer Mansion Inn

  Victorian mansion inn above Jim Thorpe, with antique-filled rooms in the main house and carriage house.

  30 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Big Boulder snow tubing · On site

  Tubing lanes served by carpet lifts. Riders must be at least 4 years old and 42 in tall.

• Hickory Run State Park · 20 min drive

  Walk out to Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark, on a park with more than 40 miles of trails.

• Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway · 30 min drive

  Train rides from Jim Thorpe along the Lehigh River. Santa trains run late November to Christmas Eve.

• Kalahari indoor waterpark · 20 min drive

  Huge indoor waterpark, easiest to use as a Kalahari hotel guest.

Après and nightlife

• Boulder View Tavern

  Right by the hill, with an outdoor bar and patio over Big Boulder Lake, local taps and cocktails.

• Molly Maguire’s Irish Pub

  Pub food and pints on the square in Jim Thorpe.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP) · about 35 min drive
• New York City · about 2 hr
• Philadelphia · about 2 hr

Directions in Google Maps