Mountain View at Edinboro Ski Area (also known as Mount Pleasant at Edinboro) has a vertical drop of 320 feet with 3 lifts taking skiers to 9 trails spread over 25 skiable acres. There are 4 beginner trails, 4 intermediate and 1 advanced level trail. All are open for night skiing. This is a blessing to those in the far northwestern part of Pennsylvania or visiting there because it is the only Alpine ski area for them to use. It is about an hour and a half drive from Cleveland, Ohio and Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. It is only about 20 miles from Erie, Pennsylvania.
It is also about 20 miles from Lake Erie and because of that it benefits from lots of snow and powder from the “lake effect”. In fact, its claim to fame is the great snow it gets. On top of all that snow they have snow making capability.
The small hill vibe is appealing. Families love it. First time snowboarders have a great time learning how to snowboard. Because it is non-profit and membership owned and operated, you feel as if they care about their ski area and that you are a welcome guest. And you are nestled into rolling hills and gentle scenery that is so conducive to first time skiers feeling happy and safe. Most trails are nice and flat although steep enough to keep a forward momentum going.
Snow tubing, snow boarding, and snowmobiling are all on offer here. It's a great place to learn how to ski and very affordable with excellent instructors. The snow tube park is fun for kids and easy for parents to keep track of all their little skiers.
There is a tuning shop to wax and sharpen skis in the small lodge as well as refreshments. There's also a small warming hut at the top of the hill.
The town of Edinboro is home to a small university and the closest hotel for lodging would be the Comfort Suites in Edinboro. It is a new hotel and the rooms have flat screen TVs, pillow top beds, refrigerator and microwave. You could also stay at the Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs, a lovely country inn with Victorian charm and homey food for breakfast and dinner.
Since Erie, Pennsylvania is so close it also could be an excellent base to find accommodations in. Being the 4 th largest city in Pennsylvania it offers a good choice of lodging. Take a look at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. It has an indoor pool with a view of Lake Erie, sits right on the waterfront, many of the rooms also have a view of the waterfront, and wonderful food in the hotel restaurant and bar. If you are more in the mood for a B&B, take a look at Boothbay Inn. It has really pretty rooms, serve a big hearty breakfast, is also close to Lake Erie, and has a “guest galley” which is self-serve for snacks, wine and beer.
If you have time, visit the Erie Maritime Museum, the Presque Isle Casino, and the really fun Jr's Last Laugh Comedy Club where you are sure to have a good time!
