Ski racing in the Poconos dates to 1946, when the region opened Pennsylvania’s first commercial ski area and pioneered snowmaking technology. PARA has governed sanctioned alpine competition statewide since the 1970s, while Shawnee launched its Bigfoot Snowshoe Race in 2022.

Last season Blue Mountain ran 125 days—November 29 through April 2—marking its 47th consecutive year as first to open and last to close in Pennsylvania. PARA crowned state champions across U12 through U21 divisions at Seven Springs and Blue Mountain, while Shawnee’s Bigfoot Snowshoe Race drew its fourth annual field on March 2. Camelback earned a number-four national ranking from Conde Nast Traveler.

This season runs December 2025 through March 2026. Blue Mountain (1660 Blue Mountain Dr, Palmerton) hosts PARA-sanctioned programs (U10-U21) starting December 13; Camelback (193 Resort Dr, Tannersville) runs PASEF race teams for ages six to twenty-one. Both require season passes, USSA memberships, and tryouts. The Bigfoot Snowshoe Race returns to Shawnee Mountain (401 Hollow Rd, East Stroudsburg) on March 1—$30-40 entry, 9 a.m. start, lift ticket included.

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Event Details

Monroe County

Bigfoot Snowshoe Race at Shawnee Mountain

Date: March 1, 2026

Location: Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, 401 Hollow Rd, East Stroudsburg

Schedule: Check-in 8:15 a.m. at Upper Trepp Lodge, race starts 9:00 a.m.

Cost: $30-40 (lift ticket included), snowshoe rental $15

Prizes: New snowshoes for first place in each age/gender category

Contact: 570-421-7231 or info@shawneemt.com

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PASEF Racing Programs at Camelback Resort

Location: Camelback Resort, 193 Resort Dr, Tannersville

Season: Late December 2025 through March 2026

Programs offered: Ski Development (ages 6-12), Ski Race Team (U8-U21), Snowboard Race Team (ages 6-18)

Training: Weekends throughout season, optional Friday evenings 6-8 p.m.

Requirements: Season pass, USSA membership, $300 volunteer deposit

Registration: pasef.org (opens each fall)

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Carbon County

Blue Mountain Racing Programs

Location: Blue Mountain Resort, 1660 Blue Mountain Dr, Palmerton

Season: December 13, 2025 through February 22, 2026

Programs offered: Mountaineer (ages 6-10), PARA Alpine Racing (U12 through U21), Freestyle Teams

Weekend training: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for advanced programs, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for developmental

Extended training: Tuesdays 4:30-6:30 p.m. (U10-U14), Wednesdays 4:30-6:30 p.m. (U16-U21), Tuesday/Thursday 5-7 p.m. (Freestyle)

Requirements: Season pass, USSA membership, tryout for new participants

Registration: bluemtraceteam.org or jforte@skibluemt.com

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Multi-Resort Access

Peak-to-Peak Poconos Pass

Price: $959 (limited time)

Includes: Unlimited access to both Blue Mountain and Camelback, no blackout dates

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Regional Governance

Pennsylvania Alpine Racing Association oversees all sanctioned competition in the state. Race schedules, rules, and standings available at paracing.org.