Big Boulder Ski Resort – Pocono Skiing at It’s Finest

Big Boulder Ski Resort is part of Jack Frost, Big Boulder. With just one lift ticket, riders get access to two mountain that are close by in the Poconos. Both are managed by Vail Resort Management Company so these are very nice resorts to visit. Big Boulder is the smaller of the two resorts but you haven’t done it right unless you check out both.

Find out what all the key information to have the best possible time at Big Boulder this year when skiing or snowboarding in Pennsylvania’s Pocono mountains.

Lift at Big Bear Ski Resort
Lifts at Big Boulder Ski Resort. Photo Credit: Vikram Verma (Flickr CC, contrast adjusted)

Where is Big Boulder Ski Resort?

Big Boulder Ski Resort is located in Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania, which is on the East side of the state. It is 2 hours from New York which makes for a great weekend trip out of the city. Jack Frost is also just one hour from Allentown, PA and one hour forty minutes from Philadelphia, PA. The nearest major city is Scranton at only 45 minutes away.

Being centrally located in the Poconos, it is an easy drive from most major cities on the East Coast.

How Far Apart Is Jack Frost and Big Boulder?

Big Boulder is roughly 5 miles from Jack Frost Ski Resort. The resorts are affiliated and one lift ticket lets riders ride at either resort. It is worth checking them both out and trying the full mix of trails.

Does Big Boulder Ski Resort Have Lodging?

Big Boulder does not have lodging directly at the resort but there are a few good options just nearby. If the entire family is coming then Split Rock Resort has an indoor water park, arcade and bowling alley. It is right in between Jack Frost and Big Boulder. Other options nearby are the Pocono Mountain Comfort Inn and The Inn at Jim Thorpe.

An alternative option is checking out Airbnb for nearby cabins. It can be a great option if you have pets to bring. We recommend booking ahead as the Pocono mountain region can get crowded during ski and snowboard season.

Key Takeaways: The is no on site lodging at Big Boulder Ski Resort. There are a few local hotels and inns but Airbnb is also an option to look into.

Highlights of the Big Boulder Ski Resort

Big Boulder Ski Resort is exciting because the resort ticket provides two Pocono mountains in one ticket. Some of the highlights of the resort include –

  • 15 Trails, 7 ski lifts and 1 magic carpet
  • 65 Skiable Acres
  • 475 foot vertical drop
  • 2,175 foot summit elevation
  • Snow tubing on site
  • Two mountains in one ticket price
Trail map at Big Bear.
Trails at Big Boulder. Photo Credit: Vikram Verma (Flickr CC, contrast adjusted)

Does Big Boulder Ski Resort Have Night Skiing?

Big Boulder Ski Resort is the only resort of the two with night skiing. Remember that the one ticket includes access to Jack Frost and Big Boulder. Big Boulder has night skiing from 3 p.m. to close. Jack Frost does not have night skiing.

When Is the Best Time to Go to Big Boulder Ski Resort?

The best time to go to Big Boulder is in the afternoon or evening since it is the only resort of the two with night skiing. In our opinion, the morning session should be spent at Jack Frost. Take a break for lunch and head over to Big Boulder in the afternoon.

Key Takeaways: Only Big Boulder has night skiing. It is 5 miles away from Big Boulder Ski Resort so head over in the afternoon to Big Boulder for the night riding.

Does The Resort Have a Ski Shop?

Big Boulder has a tune up shop inside the rental store at the resort. They offer quick tunes, waxes, binding adjustments and edging. The resort staff are extremely helpful to get you back on the slopes as soon as possible!

Is Big Boulder Better than Jack Frost Ski Resort?

Big Boulder ski resort is better than Jack Frost when it comes to terrain park features. Also it has night skiing on the trails. Meanwhile Jack Frost is better for trail and mountain riders. Both are included in one ticket price.

Is There a Terrain Park at Big Boulder Ski Resort?

Big Boulder Resort has eight separate areas with freestyle and terrain park features. Out of Jack Frost and Big Boulder, Big Boulder takes the cake and is the clear winner for terrain park riders.

Is Big Boulder Mountain Good for Beginners?

Beginner area at Big Bear.
Beginner area at Big Boulder Ski Resort. Photo Credit: Vikram Verma (Flickr CC, contrast adjusted)

Big Boulder has enough trails for beginners to learn on. Overall the resort isn’t as crowded in the mornings when most people are at Jack Frost therefore it is a good time to learn. You can’t go wrong learning to ski or snowboard at Big Boulder or Jack Frost Resort.

Does The Resort Blow Their Own Snow?

Big Boulder has snow making on 100% of their trails which makes them one of the first ski resorts in Pennsylvania to open up along side with their other resort Jack Frost. It also makes them one of the last resorts to close during the season.

How Many Trails Does Big Boulder Have?

There are 15 trails at Big Boulder with 7 ski lifts servicing them. They have two triple lifts, five double lifts and one magic carpet. Jack Frost is geared more towards to the skiing and snowboarding riders while Big Boulder is more suited for individuals looking for terrain park features. You have to check out both since it is one ticket price.

Does Big Boulder Ski Resort Have Snow Tubing?

The resort has tubing runs on the right side of the mountain. It is a great family activity or one that requires no skill level.

While both Jack Frost and Big Boulder have snow tubing, Big Boulder has a larger facility than Jack Frost.

Tubing hill at Big Bear Ski Resort.
Tubing at Big Boulder Resort. Photo Credit: Vikram Verma (Flickr CC, contrast adjusted)

Is There Summer Mountain Biking at Big Boulder Resort?

There is no mountain biking at Big Boulder Resort in the Summer. Also there is no mountain biking at Jack Frost. Both shut down and go pretty dormant in the Spring and Summer aside from weddings.

Conclusion

Big Boulder Ski Resort is one of the two resorts under the Jack Frost Big Boulder family. Between the two resorts riders can find a bunch of gnarly trails and features to shred up this Winter. Make sure you take at least two days so you can check out both resorts. There is enough riding to keep riders of all skill levels satisfied.

We want to hear your favorite ski and snowboard resort in Pennsylvania. Let us know in the comments below!

Please share this post:

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Send this to a friend