Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Seven Springs Resort, in Somerset County, Penn., has signed a ten-year lease to operate Laurel Mountain Ski  Park, a state -owned area about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh. Laurel Mountain is about 25 miles from Seven Springs.  The mountain will not be open for use this winter.

Seven Springs signed the lease with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and also is working with the State of Pennsylvania to revive skiing at the defunct ski facility.  About a year ago it signed an agreement with Somerset Trust to secure the assets at Laurel.   

"Currently, we are working closely with the DCNR and their design consultant to review the needs, such as infrastructure, to open Laurel," said Anna Weltz, communications manager for Seven Springs. "Our intention is to put a strong heart beat back into Laurel," said Weitz. "We look forward to the reopening of Laurel as a valuable regional ski destination and the jobs it will create and expect it to be a successful venture for Seven Springs, Jenners Township, and the adjoining counties."

Seven Springs has not indicated when the mountain will be open for operations but that it continues discussions with all parties.

"We are thankful for the support we have received from local communities, DCNR and skiers and boarders who are anxious to see the revival of Laurel," added Weltz. 

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has committed $6.5 million to improvements the state and Seven Springs agree are needed.