What Does Independently Owned Mean?

We talk about our independence all of the time, but what does that mean?

In an industry that’s quickly becoming consumed by resort consolidation, Shawnee Mountain remains proudly independent. Independent ownership can vary in meaning from mountain to mountain, but for us, it means we’re not owned by a large corporation. In fact, we’re family-owned and have been since 1975.

Perks of Independent Ownership

Here at Shawnee Mountain, we pride ourselves on being a small, close-knit mountain with a focus on our community and providing a family-friendly atmosphere. Here are just a few ways that our independence makes the guest experience here an enjoyable one.

Pricing – Because we’re not controlled by a larger entity, we are able to set up our pricing to be both competitive and inclusive. While snowsports are not an inherently affordable activity, we strive to make sure that our prices are low enough to reach as many participants as possible, and we don’t pad them with any absorbent fees. Things like parking and use of the lodge are free, and we often offer deals and discounts to help guests save on their trip.

Atmosphere – We focus on fostering a family-friendly atmosphere that focuses on teaching first-timers and encouraging generations of snowsports lovers. We have a very cozy community here at Shawnee, from returning guests to our dedicated staff. On any given weekend during the season, you can walk across the footbridge and interact with our Operations Manager, our Marketing Director, and even our CEO without even knowing it, because all of our staff are open and accessible to our guests.

The Customer Experience

A positive customer experience and quality service are our bottom line here at Shawnee Mountain. We strive to make sure every decision we make will benefit our guests in some way and our independent ownership allows us to efficiently evaluate and meet the needs of our customers.

Some pros of our smaller resort are less crowds and shorter lift lines (even on weekends). We don’t participate in large passes like Ikon or Epic, which reduces the volume of skiers here on any given day versus resorts that give access to those passholders. We do participate in the Indy Pass, a great program for those who love to visit independent resorts around the country. The benefit of the Indy Pass for us is that it does not significantly increase our daily skier count, meaning we still have the capacity to accommodate our season passholders and one-day visitors.

Ski & Ride Independently!

Shawnee Mountain stands as a beacon of family values and community spirit here in the Poconos. As a family-owned and family-focused establishment, we take pride in our independence, which allows us to prioritize the needs of our guests above all else. Through our tight-knit community and unwavering commitment to accessibility, we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where families and first-timers can feel right at home on the slopes.

Thank you for being a part of our Shawnee family—we look forward to continuing this journey together, making memories and spreading the joy of skiing and riding for years to come.

Written on: March 15, 2024  |  Written by: Michaela K., Marketing Asst.