Each winter, an old Pavilion on this mountaintop estate turns into an ice skating rink with daily sessions. And if the big lake freezes over, guests can even try ice fishing.
The property covers 5,500 acres of woods, meadows, streams, and waterfalls. That is a lot of room for snow to pile up quietly.
A stone lodge with steep roofs has welcomed guests here since June 1928.
I like how this place feels built for slow winter days. There’s a snow tubing hill, snowshoe trails, and a library lounge with fireplaces waiting afterward.
I can’t imagine a better reward for cold cheeks than a seat by the fire.
This corner of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains seems made for a getaway that feels like your own. So what does a snowy weekend up here actually look like?
A Stone Lodge From 1928 Still Rules The Ridge
Skytop Lodge opened its doors in June 1928, and the main building still looks ready for a century more. Its fieldstone face and steep roofs follow the Dutch Colonial Revival style.
Snow suits that look perfectly. Steep roofs, gray stone, and white drifts feel like a scene from an old holiday card.
The lodge sits high on a wooded plateau in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. That height gives the whole place a tucked-away, above-it-all mood.
You’re not cut off from the world, but it sure feels that way after a snowfall.
History runs deep here too. Skytop Lodge is a member of Historic Hotels of America, a group that honors places keeping their original character alive.
That matters when you want charm instead of a cookie-cutter chain hotel.
The grounds got expert help early on. The famous Olmsted Brothers firm helped shape the estate, including its terraces and gardens.
In winter those spaces rest under snow, but their careful lines still show through.
So when you pull up, you’re arriving at a place with nearly a hundred years of stories. Not bad for a weekend escape, right?
Bring a camera and some patience for all those photo stops.
Grab A Tube Because That Hill Is Calling Your Name
Snow tubing kicks off in December, and the dedicated hill welcomes guests ages four and up. That age rule means little siblings can join the fun instead of watching from the sidelines.
Tubing is the rare winter sport that needs zero skill. You sit, you slide, and gravity handles the rest.
The hardest part is deciding who gets to go first.
Want more speed? Skytop Lodge also offers skiing and snowboarding on an on-site ski hill.
Transport to the top saves your legs for the ride down.
Having all this on the property changes the whole trip. There’s no packing up the car, finding parking, or driving icy roads to a big ski area.
You can head out after breakfast and be back by the fire before lunch.
A few tips help the day go smoother. Dress in layers, pack waterproof gloves, and bring an extra pair of socks.
Wet feet can end a sledding streak faster than any parent can.
Check the winter schedule when you arrive, since snow conditions decide what’s open. Mother Nature runs this show.
Once the hill is ready, though, expect plenty of happy shrieking all afternoon long.
Strap On Snowshoes And Let The Quiet Woods Take Over
Over 30 miles of private trails wind across the 5,500-acre estate. In summer they lead hikers past lakes, overlooks, and waterfalls.
In winter, they turn into hushed, snowy paths.
Snowshoes are available to rent, so you don’t need to haul your own gear from home. Walking on snowshoes takes about five minutes to learn.
After that, it feels like hiking with oversized, very helpful feet.
Prefer a guide? Skytop Lodge offers guided snowshoe tours through the woods.
A guide can point out tracks and help you spot winter wildlife you might miss alone.
The land holds more than trees. Streams, waterfalls, and glacial bogs are part of the landscape here.
Seeing a waterfall framed by ice is a pretty great payoff for a little effort.
Start with a shorter loop if you’re new to snowshoeing. Your thighs will remind you about it the next morning.
Pack water and a small snack, since cold air can sneak up on your energy.
The best part might be the silence. Snow soaks up sound, so the forest feels extra calm.
It’s the kind of quiet that makes your phone seem very far away.
Lace Up For Laps Inside The Pavilion Rink
Some winter traditions never go out of style, and skating is one of them. Each winter, the Pavilion at Skytop Lodge turns into an ice skating rink with daily sessions.
That daily schedule is great news for planners. You can work skating into any day of your stay without guessing.
Check the session times at the start of your trip and build around them.
Skating is wonderful for mixed groups. Confident skaters can glide in circles while beginners hug the wall and wobble proudly.
Everyone ends up laughing, usually at themselves.
Then there’s the lake. Skytop’s 72-acre lake was enlarged back in 1930.
When it freezes over solid, guests can try ice fishing, which is something most people never get to do.
Ice fishing is a lesson in patience and warm clothing. You sit, you wait, and you learn to love the quiet.
Any fish is a bonus story for the drive home.
Freezing depends on the weather, so treat it as a possible treat rather than a promise. Either way, cold weather here offers more choices than most places manage.
Your mittens will earn their keep this trip.
Thaw Out By The Fire With A Good Book
Hundreds of historic photographs line the walls of the Library Lounge. Add fireplaces, bookshelves, and comfy chairs, and you have the coziest room in the building.
After a cold afternoon outside, this is where you’ll want to land. Grab a book, find a chair near the flames, and let your fingers slowly come back to life.
Those photos are worth a slow stroll too. They give you a peek at the lodge’s long story, which stretches back to 1928.
Old snapshots make a stay feel connected to every guest who came before.
Skytop Lodge also has The Taproom, which features English pub decor. Its warm, casual feel makes it a relaxed spot to gather with your group after dark.
The main lodge mixes old charm with modern comfort throughout. Timber accents and classic rooms keep the historic feel going.
It doesn’t feel like a museum, though, since everything is meant to be used and enjoyed.
Here’s a winter tip. Plan one evening with no activities at all.
Sitting by a fire while snow falls outside counts as a full itinerary in my book, and nobody can argue otherwise.
Your Room Choice Shapes The Whole Getaway
Three kinds of stays wait on this estate, and each one changes the vibe. The original Lodge holds 125 guestrooms and suites with a refined, traditional style.
Staying in the main building puts you close to everything. Dining, the lounge, and activities are just a short walk away.
That’s a real perk when it’s snowing sideways.
The Inn was reimagined in 2020 and offers 20 rooms right on the golf course. Many have private balconies and gas fireplaces.
Views look out over the course or Skytop Lake, and snow makes both even prettier.
Families and groups might prefer the Cottages, including the Streamside Cottages. They sit a short distance from the main lodge and offer more space.
Stream or golf course views come with the deal.
No matter where you sleep, the basics are covered. Rooms include free WiFi, a flat-screen smart TV, a refrigerator, and an in-room safe.
Bring snacks for that fridge, since winter appetites run big.
Here’s my pick for a true hideaway feel. A fireplace room at The Inn sounds hard to beat on a snowy night.
Still, a cottage full of family might be just as magical.
Breakfast, Dinner, And Sundaes Without Leaving The Estate
Nobody wants to scrape ice off a windshield just to find dinner. Luckily, Skytop Lodge keeps plenty of meals on site.
The Windsor Dining Room is the classic choice. It serves breakfast and dinner with traditional cuisine and a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
The setting feels polished, which makes it great for a special night out.
For something more laid-back, head to The Taproom. Its bistro-style menu pairs with that cozy English pub look.
It’s an easy pick after a long day outdoors.
The Market feels like an old-fashioned corner drugstore. You’ll find sandwiches, hot dogs, snacks, ice cream sundaes, and milkshakes.
Yes, ice cream in winter totally counts as a good idea.
Coffee lovers can stop by Corner Roast for a fresh cup. That warm mug pairs nicely with a snowy morning walk.
It also helps sleepy kids find their energy.
The Lakeview Restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes, but it opens seasonally. Check what’s running during your winter stay before you plan around it.
With this many choices, though, no one goes hungry. Making reservations ahead for dinner is a smart move on busy weekends.
Swimsuits In Winter Make Total Sense Here
Packing a swimsuit for a snowy trip sounds silly until you see the Aquatic Center. The indoor pool and splash pad are open daily all year long.
That splash pad is a big win for little ones. Younger kids can splash safely while older swimmers do laps nearby.
Everyone stays warm, even with snow piled outside.
Adults get their own treats. An indoor hydro spa, an outdoor upper hot tub, and a sauna are open to guests 16 and older.
Soaking in hot water while cold air nips your nose is a classic winter thrill.
The outdoor pool runs from Memorial Day through September. So in winter, the indoor pool is your go-to.
Plan a swim after tubing or skating to loosen up tired muscles.
Skytop Lodge also has a fitness center for anyone keeping up a workout routine. Honestly, snowshoeing might cover your exercise quota already.
Still, it’s nice to have options when the weather turns rough.
One smart move is packing a quick-dry towel bag and flip-flops. Walking between spaces is easier with dry feet.
Your future self will thank you for that tiny bit of planning.
December Brings Santa, Carolers, And Plenty Of Sparkle
Santa makes appearances here, and the holiday lineup goes well beyond a single visit. Skytop’s Magic Wonderland and Tree Lighting Ceremonies bring carolers and festive cheer to the mountaintop.
The December at Skytop program adds Breakfast with Santa. That’s a big deal for kids who have been practicing their wish lists for weeks.
Book early, since popular events can fill up fast.
Christmas Week brings extended programming too. Family Fun Weekends also pop up during the year.
Check the calendar before you book so you can line up dates with the fun.
Getting here is fairly simple. The lodge sits at 1 Skytop Dr, Skytop, PA 18357, about 12 miles from I-84.
Promised Land State Park is roughly 7 miles away for more Pennsylvania scenery.
Winter roads in the mountains deserve respect. Leave extra time, keep your gas tank full, and check the forecast before you go.
Arriving calm beats arriving rushed.
Skytop Lodge does holidays the old-fashioned way, and that’s the charm. Snow, stone walls, carols, and twinkling trees all come together.
If that doesn’t spark some holiday spirit, nothing will.
