Beer & Après Prices in Camelback Mountain Resort
What you'll actually pay for drinks and food in Camelback Mountain Resort, United States. Prices verified for 2025/26 seaso
The Drinking Culture in Camelback Mountain Resort
Camelback Mountain Resort, Located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, has developed its own distinct après-ski culture over decades of operation. The resort opened in 1963 and has been a staple of East Coast skiing ever since. Unlike the raucous party scenes of Colorado or Utah resorts, Camelback cultivates a more family-friendly, approachable drinking atmosphere that reflects the broader Pocono region hospitality. The après-ski culture here emphasizes relaxation after a day on the slopes rather than wild partying, though the energy picks up considerably on weekend nights. What makes Camelback unique is its accessibility—being just a two-hour drive from New York City and Philadelphia means the crowd tends to be a mix of suburban day-trippers, weekend warriors from the city, and families vacationing in the Pocono cabin retreats. The resort has invested in improving its on-mountain bar options over the years, creating more authentic après-ski experiences at the base lodge area. The drinking culture tends to revolve around comfort drinks—hot toddies, craft beers, and classic cocktails—perfect for warming up after cold runs. The peak season runs from late December through March, with the busiest and most lively nightlife occurring during January's MLK weekend and February's Presidents Week school vacation period.
Complete Bar Guide
Located right at the base of the main lodge at Camelback, Elements Bar & Grill is the resort's premier on-slope après-ski destination. The atmosphere strikes a balance between ski lodge coziness and modern mountain pub vibes, with exposed wooden beams, a large stone fireplace, and big windows overlooking the slopes. After a day of skiing, this place fills up quickly with skiers still in their gear, creating an authentic mountain-bar experience. The crowd tends to be a mix of families, groups of friends, and couples enjoying a weekend getaway. Live acoustic music on weekend afternoons adds to the festive atmosphere. The service can get slow when crowded, so patience is required during peak times.
Signature
Camelback Mule (vodka, ginger beer, lime), Hot Toddies, Yuengling Lager
Best Time
Weekday afternoons (2-5pm) for a relaxed vibe; weekend afternoons after 3pm for energy
Insider Tip
Grab a table near the fireplace for the best people-watching, but arrive before 2pm on weekends to secure a spot. Ask about their secret 'ski crew' discount if you show your lift ticket.
Located in the resort's main village area, The Grille offers a more refined dining and drinking experience compared to the base lodge options. This is where you'll find a better cocktail selection and more sophisticated bar fare. The interior features upscale mountain lodge décor—think antler chandeliers, leather booths, and a well-stocked bar with dozens of bourbon options. It's popular with slightly older crowds and those looking for a more adult evening experience. The kitchen stays open late, making this a good option for dinner with drinks. The bar staff are knowledgeable about mixology and can craft proper cocktails rather than just pour drafts.
Signature
Old Fashioned (bourbon, bitters, orange), PA Craft Beer Flight, Loaded Buffalo Tots
Best Time
Evening hours (6-10pm) for dinner and cocktails; happy hour (4-6pm) for deals
Insider Tip
Ask your server about the 'locals menu' which features off-menu items and regional specialties. Tuesdays are half-price wine bottles.
Just down the road from Camelback in the nearby village of Tannerville, Sullivan's brings authentic Irish pub atmosphere to the Pocono mountains. Owned by a family from County Cork, this pub feels transplanted from Ireland with its dark wood interiors, Guinness signage, and traditional pub fare. It's a favorite among local regulars and serves as the unofficial 'locals bar' for the ski community. The crowd is older and more rowdy on weekend nights, with ski instructors and resort employees mixing with regular patrons. Karaoke on Saturday nights draws a dedicated following. The prices are notably cheaper than resort bars, making it popular with budget-conscious skiers.
Signature
Guinness Pint, Irish Car Bomb, Fish and Chips
Best Time
Late afternoon on weekdays for quiet pints; Saturday nights for karaoke and locals crowd
Insider Tip
Tell them 'Mick sent you' for a free appetizer. The pub trivia night on Wednesdays offers free drinks to winning teams.
The Red Lion is the closest thing the Camelback area has to a late-night dance club. Located about 10 minutes from the resort in Stroudsburg, it draws a younger crowd looking to extend their weekend night's entertainment. The space features a main dance floor, DJ nights on Fridays and Saturdays, and a more nightclub-oriented vibe than typical ski resort bars. The crowd tends to be 21-35, dressed in their weekend best after a day on the slopes. Cover charges apply on busy nights, and lines can form before midnight on popular evenings. It's not a traditional ski bar by any means, but serves the role of 'late-night option' well for those seeking more action.
Signature
Well Drinks, Jäger Bombs, Domestic Beer Specials
Best Time
Friday and Saturday nights, typically 10pm-2am
Insider Tip
Skip the cover by arriving before 10pm or getting on the guest list via their Facebook page. Dress code is enforced—no ski boots or workout wear.
For a more sophisticated and relaxed drinking experience, Blue Ridge Vineyard offers wine tastings in a beautiful Pocono mountain setting about 15 minutes from Camelback. This winery and tasting room provides a completely different vibe from the ski lodge bars—imagine warm wood interiors, comfortable seating, and a peaceful mountain view. They produce their own wines on-site and offer tastings, glass pours, and bottle purchases. It's an ideal option for couples looking for a romantic evening or groups seeking a more subdued alternative to typical bar scenes. The tasting flights are educational and the staff knowledgeable. Food pairings are available.
Signature
Estate Red, Vidal Blanc, Chocolate Wine Pairing
Best Time
Weekday afternoons for quiet tastings; weekend evenings for a romantic date night
Insider Tip
Ask about the 'wine club' membership for discounts on tastes and bottle purchases. They host themed wine and paint nights regularly.
A classic Pocono dive bar located minutes from the resort, Shaggy's has been serving the ski community for decades. Don't expect fancy décor or mixology—this is a no-frills local establishment where the focus is on cold beer, good company, and cheap drinks. The walls are covered with ski memorabilia and old photos from Camelback's history. It's the kind of place where staff know regulars by name and conversations flow easily between strangers at the bar. The food is solid bar grub, and the price-to-drink ratio is excellent. Perfect for those seeking an authentic, unpretentious local experience away from resort tourist traps.
Signature
Budget Beers, Well Drinks, Wings Basket
Best Time
Weeknights for laid-back atmosphere; any time for cheap drinks
Insider Tip
Cash is preferred. Ask about the 'ski buddy' special if you're alone—Shaggy's has a tradition of pairing solo skiers with groups.
Prices & Value
Camelback offers moderate pricing that sits between budget-oriented Midwest resorts and premium destinations like Aspen or Park City. Being in Pennsylvania means lower taxes and generally cheaper costs than mountain states. The on-resort bars (Elements, The Grille) run 10-20% more expensive than off-mountain options in the surrounding villages.
Beer
$6-9 (domestic draft), $7-12 (craft/canned)
Wine
$8-14 (glass), $28-50 (bottle)
Cocktail
$12-18 (well drinks), $15-22 (premium)
How it compares: Compared to similar drive-to resorts like Hunter Mountain or Windham in New York, Camelback pricing is comparable—slightly cheaper on beer and significantly cheaper on cocktails than Vermont destinations like Stowe or Killington. You're saving substantially compared to Colorado Utah destinations where drinks often run $15-20 for basics.
Where locals drink: Skip the resort bars and drive 5-10 minutes to Sullivan Irish Pub or Shaggy's for the best value—drinks run $2-4 cheaper with larger pours. The liquor store on Route 611 allows you to pre-game before heading to bars, saving significant money.
Perfect Après Itineraries
🎉 The Classic Route
Start at Elements Bar at 3pm for your first post-slope drink—grab a Camelback Mule and find a spot by the fireplace. Head to The Grille around 6pm for dinner and better cocktails. Finish the night at Sullivan's Irish Pub for live music and cheap pints around 8pm, closing time around 10pm for an early night.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Pre-game with a six-pack from the liquor store (~$10). Hit Elements during happy hour (2-4pm) for deals. Move to Sullivan's for the cheapest pints in the area (~$5 Guinness). End at Shaggy's for late-night cheap well drinks. Total tab: around $30-40 for the night.
✨ Upscale Evening
Start with a tasting at Blue Ridge Vineyard (~$25 per person). Drive to The Grille for a proper dinner with wine pairings (~$40 per person). Cap the night with cocktails and jazz at The Grille's lounge area. Expect to spend $80-120 but enjoy a sophisticated evening.
Local Secrets
- The ski instructors have their own secret bar in the employee housing—mention 'Eddie sent you' at the bottom of the bunny hill after 4pm and you might get access to the exclusive staff party spot.
- The hot chocolate at Elements is spiked with peppermint schnapps if you ask nicely—just don't overdo it in front of families.
- Sullivan's offers 'ski school reunion' discounts on school district teacher nights—call ahead to check the local schedule.
- Wednesday is wing night at Shaggy's—$0.50 wings with any drink purchase makes this the cheapest night in the area.
- The 2-for-1 happy hour at The Grille (4-6pm) also applies to their premium cocktails if you order food—local secret that saves you $10+ per round.
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