Pennsylvania Invites Beginner Skiers to Experience the “Best Winter Ever” with Bunny Hill Weekends

Since day one, it’s been a priority of Governor Josh Shapiro to invest in the Commonwealth’s $76 billion tourism industry to support good-paying jobs, boost the economy, and attract more visitors to Pennsylvania.  

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan announced the launch of “Bunny Hill Weekends” to encourage beginner skiers and their families to experience Pennsylvania’s slopes as part of the Shapiro Administration’s invitation for visitors to have the “Best Winter Ever.”

The Visit PA Best Winter Ever campaign aims to attract more visitors during the winter months, especially families and snowbirds who may otherwise have traveled south. This campaign is part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s ongoing strategy to create a positive economic impact by investing in tourism across the Commonwealth.

“In 2025, we want visitors to experience what locals already know — that Pennsylvania has some of the most picturesque and family-friendly winter getaways in this part of the country,” said Deputy Secretary Ryan. “We want everyone to feel welcome to ski our slopes and immerse themselves in our Commonwealth’s scenic landscapes and winter attractions.”

Through the Bunny Hill Weekends initiative, resorts are highlighting accessible and welcoming skiing possibilities for beginner skiers and families from both in and outside the state. With more than 20 ski resorts, Pennsylvania offers endless opportunities for people of all levels to ski, tube, and snowboard from the Poconos in the east to the Allegheny Mountains in the west.

Bunny Hill Weekends are February 8-9 and March 1-2 with the following resorts offering exclusive promotions:

• Blue Mountain Resort in the Poconos: Save $50 on the first person in a Family & Friends Beginner Ski or Snowboard lesson, including rental and a beginner lift ticket. Use code PORA50 at checkout.
• Mount Pleasant of Edinboro in northwestern Pennsylvania: Guests who purchase a beginner ski package online during Bunny Hill Weekends will receive an upgraded full slope lift ticket. Walk-ins who mention Bunny Hill Weekends can receive the lift ticket upgrade for the beginner ski package. Subject to availability.
• Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain in northeast Pennsylvania: Take $10 off a Learn to Package with promo code BUNNY25 at checkout. Walk-ins can receive $10 off the in-person price, subject to availability.
• Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in northeast Pennsylvania: The first 50 guests each Sunday get 20 percent off a First Time Ski or Snowboard Package with lift ticket, rentals, and a lesson at 12:00 or 1:30 PM. Use code VISITSHAWNEE at checkout. This deal is only available online.

Additionally, through March 2, Visit PA will sponsor the Winterfest ice rink, a major attraction in Philadelphia managed by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation and sponsored by Independence Blue Cross welcoming more than 350,000 visitors each season. For 31 years Winterfest has provided visitors the chance to skate on the Delaware River while enjoying tastes of local Philadelphia cuisine, heated cabins, and fire pits.

The Best Winter Ever in Pennsylvania includes exploring dazzling ice festivals, attending the iconic PA Farm Show, stargazing in one of many Dark Sky Parks, and celebrating Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. From snow adventures to cabin escapes, PA is where winter shines brightest.

Learn more about the Bunny Hill Weekend promotions and experiencing winter in PA online.

Need inspiration for your next Great American Getaway? Head to visitpa.com to find travel inspiration, and stay up-to-date with Visit PA on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube.

Governor Shapiro is Delivering for the Tourism Industry, Economic Development

Tourism is a key part of Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy, generating $76 billion and supporting more than 486,000 jobs a year in Pennsylvania.

The 2024-25 bipartisan budget delivers on the Governor’s key priorities to make Pennsylvania more competitive economically, including $15 million for tourism marketing to boost our economy, attract more visitors, and support good-paying jobs — building on the Governor’s launch of the Great American Getaway brand to encourage tens of millions within a few hours’ drive to visit Pennsylvania.

Governor Shapiro: Two Years of G-S-D

As Governor Shapiro marks two years in office, he is focused on getting even more stuff done in the next two years to make Pennsylvania a national leader in innovation and economic development and continue to create real opportunities for Pennsylvanians.

Visit Governor Shapiro’s Accomplishments website to explore the Administration’s interactive midterm report and download a detailed PDF overview of accomplishments.

For more information about the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Governor’s Office, ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov, 717.783.1116
Justin Backover, DCED, dcedpress@pa.gov, 717.418.4014

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