Shawnee Mountain celebrates 50 years with retro anniversary bash

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is hitting a major milestone this winter and celebrating by bringing the community together for a day packed with music, memories and a little retro flair.

The family-operated ski area marked its 50th anniversary in 2025, and this January will be honoring five decades of skiers, riders and staff who’ve helped shape Shawnee into a Pocono staple since opening in 1975.

“Fifty years is huge for us,” said Rachel Wyckoff, marketing director for Shawnee Mountain, located in Middle Smithfield and Smithfield townships. “It really means a lot that people keep coming back year after year and choose to spend their time and their money with us.”

To celebrate the golden anniversary, Shawnee is hosting a ’70s-themed anniversary extravaganza, a nod to the decade when the resort first opened its slopes. Wyckoff said the theme was a natural fit.

“We opened in 1975, so what better way to celebrate than going back in time,” she said. “It’s just a fun way to recognize where it all started and put a little retro spin on things for people.”

Guests can expect a full day of family-friendly activities, live music and giveaways throughout the resort’s base area. A live DJ will be spinning tunes all day, while food trucks and s’mores stations will be set up for guests to enjoy.

One of the highlights of the celebration is a hidden golden ticket, a prize tucked somewhere along the trails. Anyone who spots it can bring it to guest services to claim a reward.

“The ticket will be on the trail, so you won’t have to leave the slopes,” Wyckoff said. “Whoever finds it will receive a free season pass, which they can use this season or redeem for next year if they already have one.”

The festivities won’t be limited to skiers and snowboarders. Wyckoff said the celebration is open to everyone, even those who don’t plan to hit the slopes.

“It’s all happening around the base area of the resort,” she said. “Even if you’re not skiing or snowboarding, you can still come out, enjoy the live music, walk across the bridge and see what’s going on. And that part is absolutely free.”

While the anniversary marks a half-century of operations, Wyckoff said it also represents the growth and evolution of Shawnee Mountain over the years.

“When we first opened, we only had a few trails, and the mountain was set up very differently,” she said. “Now we have 23 trails, snow tubing, a fantastic children’s program and so much more. We’ve continued to grow with the years.”

For Wyckoff, who is in her sixth season in her current role, the milestone is also personal, especially when it comes to the people behind the scenes.

“We have a lot of returning visitors and longtime passholders, but we also have staff who’ve been here for decades,” she said. “Some started working here as kids, and now their grandkids work here. It’s really a celebration for both our guests and our staff.”

The 50th anniversary celebration will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a rain date set for Jan. 31. Shawnee Mountain’s address is 401 Hollow Road, East Stroudsburg.