And they could have great tree runs with all the pines planted, but prefers to caterer to the beginner PA and surrounding crowd rather than decent skiers. I guess it is easier than having ski patrol that can do the job needed for gladded runs. And the 'ski patrol' seem to take pride in chasing you out and yelling at you, even though there are no real markings other than their dumb signs that say no skiing recklessly off trails. Nothing challenging at all, and there are some open looking gladded spots that you will be reprimanded for skiing in because their policy is no skiing between the runs. Full Reviewįor PA its good, but that's relative. Maybe is shouldn't change, but even a small number of improvements would go a long way. Few restaurants within a 30 minute drive or decent hotels.Įlk's the best mountain in PA and they have their audience. Its not Elk's fault but the area around it has gone downhill the last 30 years. They have elements like a warming shack (A Covid disaster) for people in the know, but could expand on that in easy ways around the mountain. Elk also needs online ordering and newer ticket systems. Some extra challenging trails in some areas and definately a real patio with chairs and grilling like most of the northeast mountains and particularly during Covid. The problem is Elk has invested very little in the small scale ammenities that make skiing enjoyable multiple times in one place. The scenery has even improved with extensive tree growing which has certainly impacted the appearance over the years (I have pictures from every year and track it) Its a wonderful mountain for intermediate skiiers and snoweboarders and for people who like the great scenery. I love Elk and have been going there for 30 years, but cannot give the highest rating. You'll be able to leave before the crowds show up, have a great time. You can ski every run by noon, and if you find anything you really like then you can ski it over again. Best thing to do is to show up on a weekend and ski the morning. This past week one of the main lifts went out on 2 separate days, for the whole day. Their lifts are in need of some upgrades. They claim to have a policy, but they don't enforce it. They also have zero mask or COVID enforcement of any kind. They have no capacity limits and they take all who come. The place gets crowded on weekends, as bad as Killington. This year they even installed a new RFID system which makes skiing even easier and more fun. Excellent trails, great snow and well maintained.

I actually have a season pass at another resort in PA, so that says a lot. Elk is probably the best mountain in Pennsylvania.

Elk mountain ski resort lodging