With a 700-foot vertical drop and 50 inches of snow each year, Shawnee Mountain's numbers don't exactly designate this resort as the beast of the east. But don't let its modest stats mislead; Shawnee's reputation for quality snowmaking, some of the nation's best children's programs, and affordable lift tickets make this 125-acre mountain the ideal family bargain.

Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Shawnee Mountain's long-standing traditions include 100 percent snowmaking coverage, dependable grooming, and a selection of outstanding teaching programs from PreSKIwee to Young Riders. Shawnee is usually the first Mid-Atlantic resort to open and the last to close. Two terrain parks, Bushkill Park and the Incubator Park, feature boxes, spines, table tops, rails, rollers, stairs, wall ride, and a sound system.

As for lodging and dining options, Shawnee Inn is just five minutes from the ski area, with an indoor pool and Jacuzzi. The Hickory Licks Family Restaurant offers on-mountain dining and a full-service bar, or take your pick from five other restaurants located within a five-mile radius of the mountain. Tubing, night skiing, and snowboarding are permitted, while ice fishing, ice skating, indoor tennis, and swimming are located nearby. Oh, and Shawnee offers complimentary wireless Internet access in both base lodges, but really ... who has time for that?