The Lehigh Valley averages around 32 inches of snowfall annually, according to the National Weather Service. With high winds and chilly winter temperatures that turn quickly to 50+ degrees, thermometers fluctuate from one week to the next. Whether you’re looking to head out on the slopes as snow blankets the area, unwinding at one of the many local breweries, wineries and distilleries, or relaxing with a health and wellness retreat, whatever the temperature, plenty of winter adventure awaits in the Lehigh Valley.
Blue Mountain Resort
From beginner to novice, Blue Mountain Resort offers incredible winter sports options on 164 acres of skiable terrain. Boasting the highest vertical drop in Pennsylvania at 1,082 feet, the resort features 39 ski trails, 16 lifts and 39 tubing lanes with solo and family-sized snow tubes.
Bear Creek Mountain Resort
The resort offers over 86 acres of ski slopes, wide open runs, three progressive freestyle terrain parks and ski-in/ski-out tree lined cross country trails. Bear Creek Mountain Resort is ideal for families or groups with beginners, as well as powder-hungry snowsport enthusiasts. There’s something for every level of skier, snowboarder or tube rider.
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center
Explore 18.5 miles of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, all-terrain biking and hiking while connecting with nature at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center. Check out the Snowshoe Learner Program offered during winter months. All guests are encouraged to review the website and visit the center’s guest services office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m prior to exploring the grounds for up-to-date winter reports on snow and ice conditions and information regarding what to wear while hiking during hunting season. Maps and informational brochures are available at a variety of parking areas as well as the Center’s office.
Enjoy an Afternoon On Ice
Home to ice hockey, figure, speed and recreational skating, Steel Ice Center features programs and private lessons suited to every age. The Center’s two NHL sized ice surfaces are centrally located in Bethlehem, on the site of the historic Bethlehem Steel Company.
PPL Center is a state-of-the-art multipurpose arena located in downtown Allentown. Home to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms professional hockey team, the arena also offers a variety of live concerts and family friendly events.
The Rink at Lehigh Valley in Whitehall provides tournament ready rinks and hosts three hockey leagues. The Rink runs multiple hockey leagues and tournaments to accommodate all player levels. Public skating sessions as well as youth development programs in figure skating are also offered.
Unwind at a Local Winery, Distillery or Brewery
Eight wineries make up the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. Taste and purchase varieties like Chambourcin, Chardonnay and Vidal Blanc or sweeter blends like cotton candy-infused white wine or bubbly peach mist. Located in a former Mack Truck factory in Allentown, the unique Colony Meadery honey-based signature spirit pays tribute to Arnold Palmer.
Warm up with a stand out spiced rum made with vanilla, cinnamon, orange peel, anise and cardamom at Social Still MicroDistillery & Kitchen in Bethlehem, or enjoy Authentic Applejack at Eight Oaks Craft Distillers in New Tripoli, made with apple cider from Scholl Orchards in Kempton.
Lehigh Valley microbreweries attract guests interested in brewery tours, IPA tastings, great food and interesting board games. Two Rivers Brewing in Easton, HiJinx Brewing in Allentown and Brew Works in Bethlehem are just a few stops to check out for a frothy pint.
Warm Up and Relax at a Health & Wellness Spa
Visit the Bear Creek Mountain Resort Day Spa for body wraps, skin treatments, facials, massages, nail treatments, featuring a full-service kids and teen spa and hair salon. Located on the ground floor at The Hotel at Bear Creek, in the South tower, the spa is open to both resort and non-resort guests and prides itself on spa services available to individuals, couples and groups.
Whether you escape to warm up, or head out to hit the slopes, the Lehigh Valley offers excellent winter adventures. Learn more about everything there is to enjoy living in the Lehigh Valley by visiting the Discover Lehigh Valley website.
