SAM Magazine—Boswell, Pa., Oct. 14, 2016—For the first time in 11 years, Laurel Mountain in Pennsylvania will open for skiing and riding this winter. Thanks to a $6.5 million grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in 2010, several necessary upgrades to the resort's infrastructure are nearing completion.

The upgrades include a new Sky Trac fixed grip quad chairlift, significant improvements to the trails, and the base lodge is getting a full interior renovation. The snowmaking system was completely overhauled with all new water and air pipe on the mountain, 52 new snow guns, rebuilt pumps, and a new 27-million-gallon pond nearly doubles the previous capacity. These improvements have been led by Seven Springs, which signed a 10-year lease with the state in 2008 to operate Laurel Mountain.

Seven Springs also operates Hidden Valley Resort, which it acquired in 2013. The three resorts are going to be part of one season pass product starting this winter. “We now have three beautiful ski resorts in our family, and we hope the public enjoys them. It will be a new chapter for us,” said Katie Buchan, Seven Springs communications manager.

The ski area has a long history, starting in 1939 when it first opened to members of the Rolling Rock Club. The slopes were originally designed by Johann "Hannes" Schneider, the renowned Austrian ski instructor. In 1964, the property was gifted to the state with the stipulation that no summer activities would occur there and no lodging would be constructed. It closed from 1989 to 1999, then reopened and closed several times between 1999 and 2005 because of mild winters and financial problems.

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