My son and I went to Shawnee on 3/12/08 and we wanted to learn how to snowboard. Last time I was on any mountain was over 20years ago and I have to say I was a bit scared. We were able to get some discount coupons and ended up paying 59.00 per person for a complete snowboarding beginner package which included rentals/lessons and lift ticket. From the rentals to the lesson the Shawnee staff was excellent. Jesse our instructor was the best - he knew we had never done this before and helped us without making me feel like I was crazy in attempting this. There was about 10 people total on the learning slope which was great as I was not scared to fall and get hurt by someone coming down the slope. We had snacks at the lodge and it wasn't that bad considering I had heard that food at the mountain can be expensive. My son had a ball and picked up snowboarding well. Kudos to Jesse and all the staff we will be back next year during the off peak season to do it again!

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Please be aware I am reviewing Shawnee based on PA skiing. It is obvious this mountain and many others in the Poconos do not compare to West Coast or VT skiing...

That being said:

I did not like Shawnee. I went Sunday Feb 17, and thought it would be less crowded because of the forecast for rain later on that day. I was wrong--it was PACKED. The green trails were littered with people and many snowboarders rammed into skiers and vice versa. The easy trails were filled with inexperienced skiers and we spent most our day trying to dodge people on the ground and ski around others. This especially sucks considering how TINY this hill is. Some blue trails (lower Delaware especially) were nothing but a sheet of ice towards the bottom.

The rental process was a joke. The skis I had were horrible and chunks were missing and the locker area/room smelled disgusting. I had my own boots but still paid full rental price. The bathrooms in the lodge were also filthy and messy. The food-- not good either but most lodge food isn't to die for.

It is worth it to drive a little further to Camelback or my favorite--Blue Mountain (if you want to stay in PA).

Shawnee has a good ski school and may be good place to take your children-- but if you are looking to get some fun skiing in with friends--skip this place.

I was there Sunday Feb 3, the directions to get there are really easy, the food is better than Camelback, prices are a lot better (talking about the food), the trails are really wide, a lot of room to go from side to side and pick up some speed, friendly atmosphere all the employees know what are doing and they and they are really nice too. If you leave in Jersey or NYC, is worth it, all trials are great, if you are a beginner or an adrenaline junkie Shawnee is the place… overall for me was an great experience, you and your kids will love it… did I mention that I was watching the super bowl…. I will come back soon.

Shawnee is a great Mt.! They have lots of slopes and a lot a room for a newbie or even a pro to grow in. Their lodges are awesome and HUGE. The staff is so nice and food is pretty good too. I go to Shawnee with my family one weekend every season and we rent the lodge at the top of the mountain. It is so great! If you live in New Jersey or somewhere pretty far from there dont think its not worth driving 2+ hours. It is and I sure you will have a great time! i know I do...