Experience Double the Thrills at America's Premier Winter Playground

Imagine conquering 39 pristine ski trails by morning, then racing friends down 42 glowing snow tubing lanes as the sun sets—all in a single epic winter day. This isn't a vacation fantasy requiring multiple resorts or elaborate planning. It's everyday reality at Camelback ski and tube, Pennsylvania's only destination where award-winning skiing meets USA Today's #1-ranked snow tubing park under one mountain sky.

Welcome to the Poconos ski resort that revolutionized winter recreation by refusing to make families choose between skiing and tubing. Since pioneering the integrated ski-tube experience, Camelback Resort has earned back-to-back USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards as America's #1 Snow Tubing Destination—validation from millions of voters nationwide who recognize genuine excellence when they experience it.

Located just 90 minutes from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City in scenic Tannersville, this PA ski destination launches its 2025/26 season December 12, 2025, with infrastructure, terrain variety, and comprehensive facilities that transform single-activity day trips into multi-dimensional mountain adventures. Whether you're athletic families seeking maximum activity diversity, friend groups with mixed skill levels, or couples craving action-packed dates, the Camelback snow park delivers everything under one mountain umbrella—including the convenience of single bookings, unified parking, and seamless transitions between winter's two greatest thrills.

Why Camelback Dominates Pennsylvania's Winter Recreation Landscape

The Skiing Infrastructure That Serious Athletes Demand

What makes Camelback the PA ski destination against which all others measure themselves? Start with terrain sophistication matching resorts triple its size. The mountain's 39 meticulously maintained slopes distribute perfectly across the skill spectrum: 17 gentle green circles where nervous beginners build confidence without intimidation, 13 progressing blue squares ideal for intermediates refining technique, 6 challenging black diamonds testing advanced skiers, and 3 expert-only double black diamonds delivering adrenaline that justifies the drive from distant cities.

Modern infrastructure eliminates the frustrations plaguing lesser resorts. Fourteen high-speed lifts—including state-of-the-art quad chairs and efficient surface conveyors—minimize wait times even during peak weekend periods when other mountains create hour-long queues. Advanced snowmaking covering 100% of terrain guarantees consistent conditions regardless of Mother Nature's cooperation, while grooming operations overnight transform tracked-out slopes into pristine corduroy by morning's first chair.

Perhaps most distinctively? Complete 100% nighttime skiing capability extending your mountain access far beyond traditional daylight hours. After sunset, sophisticated lighting systems illuminate the full mountain, transforming evening sessions into magical experiences distinct from daytime skiing. This Pocono mountain skiing night infrastructure proves invaluable for working professionals, students with daytime commitments, and budget-conscious visitors leveraging twilight discount pricing while experiencing arguably superior ambiance.

USA Today's #1 Snow Tubing Park: 42 Lanes of Pure Adrenaline

The winter tubing Poconos experience reaches its absolute apex at Camelback's award-winning snow tubing park—officially recognized by millions of USA Today readers as America's finest tubing destination two years running. With 42 lanes spanning varying lengths, pitch angles, and banked curves, each descent delivers unique thrills impossible to replicate on smaller, simpler tubing hills.

Choose from 40+ lanes, ride up on Magic Carpets, and keep the good times rolling all day and night. These dual Magic Carpet conveyor systems eliminate the exhausting climb back uphill—simply grab your tube, step onto the moving carpet, and you're summiting again within two minutes. The efficiency enables 15-25+ runs during standard two-hour sessions, maximizing tube time while minimizing the physical exertion that leaves lesser tubing parks' guests exhausted after just a handful of descents.

When darkness falls, the Camelback snow park transforms into "Galactic Snow Tubing"—a disco-lit light show that creates an out-of-this-world experience unlike anything available at competing facilities. The glowing lanes, pulsing music, and absence of harsh daytime sun create Instagram-worthy visuals and memories that guests discuss for years. Night tubing isn't just an alternative schedule—it's a premium experience many visitors prefer over daytime sessions.

Geographic Convenience Meeting Pocono Mountain Beauty

Location advantages amplify Camelback's infrastructure superiority. Positioned in the heart of the Pocono Mountains yet accessible via major highways, the resort delivers big-mountain experiences without the travel burden of distant destinations. Two hours from New York City, 90 minutes from Philadelphia, and under two hours from Allentown creates convenient ski + tubing day trip PA opportunities from the Northeast's major population centers.

But accessibility doesn't compromise scenery. Perched at elevations offering sweeping Pocono Mountain panoramas, every lift ride and tubing ascent showcases pristine forest valleys, dramatic mountain ridgelines, and on clear days, visibility extending dozens of miles. Sunrise skiers watch dawn break over endless wilderness, while sunset tubers experience the magic of alpenglow painting snow fields in pink and gold hues. The visual splendor transforms recreation into genuine mountain communion—experiences that feed souls alongside adrenaline cravings.

The Revolutionary Ski & Tube Combo Philosophy

Why Choose When You Can Conquer Both?

Traditional winter resorts force an impossible choice: ski today, tube tomorrow, or split your group between separate activities at different facilities. The Camelback ski and tube approach asks a revolutionary question: Why accept artificial limitations when intelligent infrastructure enables both experiences in single visits?

This dual-activity philosophy emerged from understanding modern recreation patterns. Families include members with vastly different athletic abilities—teenagers crave black diamond challenges while younger siblings need gentler introductions. Friend groups split between skiing enthusiasts and those who've never worn boots. Couples feature one partner who lives for moguls while the other prefers activities requiring less technical mastery.

Rather than forcing compromises that leave someone disappointed, Camelback's integrated ski and tube package model lets everyone maximize their preferred activities, then unite for shared tubing sessions creating collective memories. Teens ski aggressively all morning, parents alternate between moderate skiing and supervising younger children at the learning center, then the entire family convenes at the tubing park for afternoon bonding impossible when scattered across separate activities.

Strategic Activity Sequencing for Maximum Enjoyment

Smart visitors follow proven activity progressions optimizing both energy management and experience quality. The ideal Camelback ski and tube day typically begins with skiing or snowboarding during prime morning hours—fresh legs, groomed slopes, smaller crowds, and optimal snow conditions before afternoon sun creates slush on warmer days.

Break for substantial lunch around noon. This isn't just hunger management—it's strategic recovery allowing muscles to rest before afternoon activities while avoiding the cafeteria chaos of peak lunch rush. Mountain dining venues range from quick grab-and-go options to substantial sit-down meals, accommodating varying time constraints and culinary preferences.

Post-lunch brings the decision point: continue skiing with renewed energy, or transition to winter tubing Poconos action for the afternoon and evening. Many families find alternating between activities throughout the day maintains enthusiasm better than marathon single-activity sessions. Ski 9-12, lunch 12-1, tube 1-3, rest/warm up 3-4, evening skiing or tubing 4-closing creates varied experiences preventing the physical exhaustion and mental boredom that ruins otherwise excellent mountain days.

Galactic Night Tubing: The After-Dark Difference

As impressive as daytime tubing proves, the evening transformation into Galactic Snow Tubing creates experiences many guests rank as trip highlights surpassing even skiing itself. When the sun goes down tubing turns Galactic with a disco-lit light show, featuring colorful LED lighting synchronized with upbeat music creating sensory immersion impossible during daylight hours.

Beyond pure atmosphere, night sessions offer practical advantages. Cooler evening temperatures firm up snow conditions, increasing tube speeds compared to slower afternoon runs on warm days. Weekend evening crowds typically prove lighter than peak afternoon periods—counterintuitive but consistently true as many families depart by dinner time. The magical ambiance, faster runs, shorter waits, and cooler temperatures combine making evening tubing arguably superior to daytime sessions for guests whose schedules permit evening visits.

Camelback Combo Pass: Strategic Package Selection

Understanding Combo Ticket Structure and Value

Can I buy combo tickets? Absolutely—and smart planners do exactly that. The Camelback combo pass approach bundles skiing and tubing access into single transactions delivering both convenience and often meaningful cost advantages compared to purchasing activities separately. Rather than juggling multiple booking systems, confirmation emails, and payment transactions, combo packages streamline everything into unified reservations.

What's included in ski + tube pass? Standard combo packages typically incorporate ski lift access (duration varies by package tier—4-hour, twilight, or full-day options), snow tubing session admission (standard two-hour windows), and in select packages, equipment rental options. The exact inclusions fluctuate based on package level, purchase timing, and seasonal promotions, making careful review during booking essential for understanding precisely what your investment covers.

The ski and tube package value proposition extends beyond simple cost savings. Unified bookings reduce logistical complexity—one confirmation email, one check-in process, one support contact if issues arise. For families coordinating multiple members or groups organizing large parties, this operational simplification often justifies combo packages even when per-activity pricing matches separate bookings.

Strategic Package Tier Selection

The best family ski + tube package balances cost efficiency against realistic activity duration. Well-intentioned planners frequently overestimate family stamina, purchasing full-day ski access plus two-hour tubing sessions expecting 10+ hours of continuous activity. Reality? Most families find 4-6 hours of combined activities perfectly fills a day while avoiding the exhaustion that ruins drives home and creates negative associations with future mountain visits.

Consider your group composition carefully. Young children (under 8) rarely sustain full-day skiing, making 4-Hour Adventure ski tickets more appropriate than Open-to-Close passes. Teenagers and athletic adults might justify full-day access, but honestly assess whether you'll truly ski 6-8 hours before adding two hours of tubing. Overbuying access wastes money on unused time—smarter to purchase appropriate durations then return for additional visits than force exhausted participants through activities they're no longer enjoying.

Online Booking Strategy and Advance Purchase Timing

Camelback combo ticket purchases demand advance online booking both for optimal pricing and guaranteed availability. Tickets are non-transferable, so do not load tickets for anyone other than yourself on your RFID card. Be sure that each member of your party has tickets reloaded on their individual RFID card. This RFID system enables touchless access at lift gates and tubing park entrances, streamlining transitions between activities while maintaining security.

Purchase timing dramatically impacts both pricing and availability. Tickets must be purchased online and prices are subject to change based on demand and availability, meaning last-minute bookings during high-demand periods cost substantially more than advance purchases during promotional windows. The sweet spot typically sits 14-21 days before intended visits—capturing meaningful discounts while maintaining scheduling flexibility accommodating weather uncertainties.

Weekend and holiday bookings require even longer lead times, with prime dates often selling out 3-4 weeks ahead. Midweek availability remains stronger throughout the season, sometimes accepting bookings just days prior. Strategic planners identify preferred dates early, book immediately when promotional pricing appears, and maintain backup weekday options if preferred weekends prove unavailable.

Beyond Skiing & Tubing: Complete Mountain Adventures

Year-Round Mountain Activities Complementing Winter Sports

The snow park activities portfolio extends far beyond traditional skiing and tubing, transforming Camelback from seasonal ski resort into comprehensive four-season mountain recreation destination. The Mountain Coaster—a gravity-powered alpine coaster twisting 4,000 feet through forest terrain—operates year-round including winter, delivering thrills requiring zero athletic skill. Riders control their own speed via hand brakes, making it perfect for all ages and ability levels.

Zipline courses offer aerial forest perspectives most mountain visitors never experience. Multiple lines ranging from introductory to advanced enable progression through increasingly challenging aerial adventures. TreeTops Adventure Park features elevated obstacle courses testing balance, coordination, and courage through suspended bridges, cargo nets, and swinging platforms connected via ziplines—all while harnessed to safety systems ensuring security even during inevitable stumbles.

For those seeking vertical perspective without athletic exertion, scenic lift rides showcase panoramic Pocono vistas during both summer and winter seasons. These chairlift rides—operating lift systems outside ski season—transport guests to summit elevations offering Instagram-worthy views, picnic opportunities, and mountain majesty accessible regardless of physical fitness or technical skill.

Mountain Dining: Fueling Adventure with Quality Cuisine

Winter getaway PA success depends heavily on dining infrastructure supporting full-day mountain occupation. Camelback excels through diverse on-mountain venues serving everything from quick energy snacks to substantial sit-down meals. The Waffle Cabin has become legendary among regulars—grab a sweet treat from the Waffle Cabin and enjoy it by a firepit while warming between activity sessions.

Trails End Pub & Grille delivers casual mountain dining featuring pub favorites, craft beverages, and heated outdoor seating offering that magical winter dining experience impossible to replicate at home. Berrelli's Italian Chophouse provides upscale family dining for those treating ski days as comprehensive culinary adventures rather than pure athletics. Multiple grab-and-go venues scattered across mountain locations serve hot beverages, energy bars, sandwiches, and snacks enabling quick refueling without sacrificing precious slope time.

The dining diversity accommodates varying budgets, dietary preferences, and time constraints—critical infrastructure often overlooked when evaluating resort quality but profoundly impacting overall satisfaction during full-day visits. Families with young children particularly appreciate abundant quick-service options preventing hungry-child meltdowns that derail otherwise excellent days.

Warming Lodges and Rest Facilities

Multiple warming lodges distributed across resort property provide free spaces where guests rest, warm up, adjust equipment, organize scattered family members, and recover between activity sessions. These facilities prove particularly valuable for multi-generational groups where varying stamina levels require different rest frequencies, parents supervising young children who need frequent breaks, or anyone experiencing cold-related discomfort requiring indoor recovery periods.

Premium lodge amenities include comfortable seating, climate-controlled environments, charging stations for electronic devices, restrooms, and often food service or vending machines. The strategic placement across mountain terrain means you're never more than a few minutes from shelter regardless of which slopes or tubing lanes you're enjoying. This infrastructure enables extended mountain stays impossible when limited rest facilities force premature departures.

Planning Your Perfect Ski + Tubing Day Trip

Essential Packing and Clothing Strategy

Ski + tubing day trip PA success begins with proper preparation. Pants: Insulated snow pants and a snug fitting base layer (long underwear) are highly recommended. Snow pants are designed to fit over the tops of your boots. Good waterproof pants are invaluable! Moisture-wicking base layers prove essential—cotton retains sweat creating clammy discomfort and increased cold sensation, while synthetic or wool materials wick moisture away maintaining warmth.

Layering follows the proven three-tier approach: moisture-wicking base layer against skin, insulating mid-layer (fleece or down) providing warmth, and waterproof outer shell blocking wind and precipitation. A long-sleeved shirt with a sweater and medium weight jacket offers variety should temperature change. A winter jacket with armpit vents can be very effective at regulating body temperature. The ability to add or remove layers throughout the day prevents both overheating during intense activity and dangerous cooling during rest periods.

Critical accessories often forgotten include warm hats (you lose 80% of body heat through your head), quality gloves or mittens, neck gaiters or scarves, and most importantly—proper socks. The only things that go inside your boots are your feet and your socks. One pair of mid-weight ski-specific socks per person, never cotton athletic socks which cause blisters and cold feet. Pack backup gloves in your vehicle—wet gloves ruin days, while dry backups transform disasters into minor inconveniences.

Equipment Rental Realities and Expectations

Is equipment provided? Yes—comprehensive rental programs serve both skiing and tubing needs, though understanding what "provided" means prevents disappointment. Ski rental packages include skis, boots, poles, and a helmet; snowboard rental packages include a board, boots, and a helmet. All equipment undergoes professional fitting by experienced staff ensuring appropriate sizing, proper binding settings for your weight and skill level, and safe boot adjustments.

Tubing requires minimal equipment—the mountain offers single and double tubes included with tubing admission. Beyond warm clothing and waterproof gloves, you need nothing except closed-toe shoes or boots and enthusiasm for high-speed descents. The operational simplicity makes tubing perfect for spontaneous participation requiring zero advance equipment planning or personal gear investments.

For skiing and snowboarding, arrive early for equipment fitting avoiding peak morning rush. Weekday rentals often process in 10-15 minutes, while weekend mornings during holiday periods can require 30-45 minutes. The rental investment—while seemingly expensive initially—proves cost-effective compared to purchasing equipment used just a few times annually. High-performance upgrade options cater to advanced skiers seeking premium gear, while standard packages perfectly serve beginners through intermediates.

Optimal Visit Timing for Superior Experiences

When to visit matters as much as how to prepare. Midweek offers the greatest pricing on large suites, giving people more time and room to accomplish everything they like. The cost of skiing, biking, and tubing is significantly reduced for lodge guests. Weekday sessions—particularly Tuesday through Thursday—consistently deliver dramatically better experiences than weekend dates through smaller crowds, shorter lift lines, more available tubing lanes, easier parking, and typically 20-30% lower pricing.

Within individual days, strategic timing optimization continues. Morning arrivals 30-45 minutes before opening capture first-chair access when groomed slopes offer pristine conditions before traffic creates moguls and scraped sections. We chose the perfect time to get there because there were fewer people & the lighting was gorgeous in the pics. We definitely maximized the full 2 hours. Mid-afternoon arrivals (2-4 PM) allow snagging twilight ticket pricing while still capturing 4-6 hours of combined skiing and evening tubing.

For tubing specifically, evening sessions under Galactic lighting create magical experiences many guests rank as trip highlights. Night tubing features cooler temperatures increasing tube speeds, typically lighter crowds compared to peak afternoon periods, and the unforgettable ambiance of glowing lanes under starlit skies. If schedule permits, evening visits often deliver superior experiences compared to midday sessions.

Essential Policies, Parking & Practical Information

Arrival Logistics and Parking Strategy

Premium Parking Lot D2: Mon–Fri starting $40/vehicle | Sat–Sun (plus holidays) starting at $50/vehicle | Handicap Parking $12/vehicle Daily Standard general parking remains free for most visitors, though walking distance from remote lots can extend 5-10 minutes. Premium lots D2 and D3 position within 100 yards of mountain village—meaningful convenience for families transporting children, equipment, and supplies justifying the $40-50 investment.

When you arrive, the snow tubing parking lot will be on your right for $12. There's a tunnel in the parking lot for you to walk under. This dedicated tubing parking offers closer proximity than general lots specifically for tubing-only guests, though combo visitors typically park in main lots accessing both ski and tubing areas. Season passholders receive complimentary general parking—one of many perks justifying annual pass investments for frequent visitors.

Plan to arrive 45-60 minutes before your first scheduled activity accommodating parking, ticket verification (if needed), equipment rental fitting, bathroom visits, and relaxed transition to activity locations. Rush arrivals create stress undermining the positive mindset essential for enjoyable mountain experiences, while early arrival transforms potentially chaotic starts into calm, organized beginnings where focus remains on fun rather than logistics.

Safety Requirements and Age Restrictions

All riders, regardless of height or age are required to have a valid snow tubing ticket. Riders must be 44 inches tall to ride alone. Riders who are 33 inches to 43 inches tall may ride in a double tube or chain with a participating adult age 18+. Children cannot ride on an adult's lap for any reason. These height requirements ensure safety while maximizing participation—even toddlers meeting minimum height can tube when paired with adults in double tubes.

Riders under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a participating adult (age 18+) and each rider must have their own valid snow tubing ticket. The "participating adult" requirement means supervisors must actively tube alongside children rather than simply observing from warming areas—a policy ensuring proper supervision while creating shared family experiences rather than childcare obligations.

Cancellation Policies and Weather Contingencies

Standard tickets follow non-refundable, non-transferable policies common across resort industries. However, Camelback occasionally offers date modification flexibility for fees when legitimate circumstances require rescheduling. Extreme weather forcing resort closures or dramatically limiting available terrain may trigger resort-initiated refund or exchange programs, though these remain discretionary rather than guaranteed entitlements.

The non-refundable nature emphasizes checking detailed weather forecasts, confirming group availability, and reviewing operating schedules before finalizing purchases. Travel insurance products sometimes cover non-refundable recreation costs under trip cancellation provisions—review policy terms carefully if booking high-value multi-day packages where unforeseen circumstances could trigger expensive forfeitures.

Military Discounts and Special Recognition

Experience the thrill of snow tubing at Camelback with exclusive discounted tickets as our way of saying thank you to military members. Verification through GOVX systems unlocks discounted pricing for active duty military, veterans, and up to three dependents. This recognition extends across multiple resort services beyond just tubing, honoring service members' sacrifices through tangible savings making family recreation more accessible.

Insider Strategies for Maximizing Your Investment

Pro Tips from Seasoned Camelback Veterans

Pro tip: Grab some large water bottles because you will be thirsty after snow tubing! Hydration proves more critical than most first-timers anticipate. Cold air dries respiratory passages while physical exertion increases fluid needs—the combination creates substantial thirst despite cool temperatures suggesting otherwise. Insulated bottles maintain liquid temperature preventing frozen water while keeping beverages pleasantly cool rather than ice-cold during activity breaks.

Lodge guests get exclusive pricing for lift & tubing tickets, creating compelling value proposition for anyone considering overnight stays. When you factor discounted activity tickets, included Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark access, free parking, and the convenience of room-to-slope access eliminating hotel-to-resort commutes, overnight packages often cost less than separate hotel and full-price ticket combinations while delivering superior convenience and more activity time.

Energy Management and Activity Pacing

Smart visitors recognize that marathon single-activity sessions often deliver diminishing returns compared to varied, well-paced days incorporating multiple experiences with rest breaks. Rather than skiing until exhausted then forcing yourself through contracted tubing sessions, alternate activities throughout the day: ski 2-3 hours, warm up and refuel, tube 2 hours, rest, evening skiing or tubing as energy permits.

This varied pacing maintains enthusiasm and energy levels impossible when pushing physical limits through extended single-activity sessions. Children particularly benefit from activity alternation—their attention spans and physical stamina rarely sustain full-day commitments to individual sports, but variety keeps them engaged and enthusiastic throughout longer mountain days.

Photography and Memory Documentation

The lighting was gorgeous in the pics that we took during late afternoon sessions when low-angle sunlight creates dramatic shadows and golden tones impossible during harsh midday hours. Early morning and late afternoon provide optimal natural lighting for photography, while Galactic tubing's colorful LED displays create Instagram-worthy nighttime visuals requiring minimal technical skill capturing compelling images.

Designate rest periods for photo documentation rather than trying to capture action shots while actively participating. Having one family member sit out a ski run or tubing session to photograph others ensures quality images while giving that person recovery time. Rotate photography duty throughout the day so everyone gets both active participation and documented memories proving they were actually there beyond just being picture-takers.

Your Award-Winning Pennsylvania Winter Awaits

The Camelback ski and tube experience represents more than recreational activities—it's your gateway to USA Today-validated excellence, family tradition building, friendship strengthening, and the unique satisfaction that comes from maximizing every mountain moment through intelligent activity combination. From the December 12, 2025 season opening through late March 2026, the Poconos ski resort that refuses to make you choose between winter's greatest thrills awaits your arrival.

Whether you're planning spontaneous ski + tubing day trip PA adventures from nearby metro areas, organizing extended winter getaway PA vacations incorporating multiple mountain days, building family traditions around annual visits, or considering season pass investments making Camelback your winter headquarters, the infrastructure, award recognition, and comprehensive facilities ensure every visit exceeds the expectations that brought you here.

The Camelback snow park has earned its accolades through relentless commitment to guest experience, infrastructure investment, and operational excellence—validation from millions of USA Today readers who've experienced winter recreation across the entire nation and declared Camelback #1. Don't spend another season watching others' mountain adventures unfold on social media while you remain sidelined by indecision or logistics.

Visit the official Camelback ski and tube page immediately. Explore available Camelback combo pass options. Secure your preferred dates before the best weekends disappear into sold-out status. Prepare for the Poconos snow adventure that transforms ordinary winter days into extraordinary memories your family discusses for decades.

The mountains are calling with award-winning credentials, the tubing lanes glow with invitation, and your perfect Pennsylvania winter double-dose adventure awaits. This is your moment—book with confidence knowing millions of satisfied guests and professional travel editors have validated the excellence you're about to experience. Your winter getaway PA journey begins with a single click. Make it count.