Industry News
Laurel Mountain, Pennsylvania, will open Saturday, December 13, at 9:00 a.m., with a banner break outside Wildcat Lounge, DJ entertainment, S’more-el Mountain Cart, and cookies while supplies last. Thanks to extensive snowmaking efforts, Lower Wildcat, Pennsylvania’s steepest skiable slope, will be open for opening weekend for the second year in a row, giving guests the ultimate thrill to start the season. This is the earliest opening Laurel Mountain has had on record since its revival in 2016, when it opened on December 20.
The mountain is planning to have Ski Top, Tame Cat, Upper & Lower Broadway, Deer Path, Upper & Lower Wildcat, Lynx Trail, Woodland Trail, and Last Chance Trail open, serviced by Laurel Lift and Handle Tow.
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“This weekend marks Laurel Mountain’s earliest opening on record since its revival in 2016, and we couldn’t be more excited. Thanks to incredible snowmaking and favorable weather, we’re opening with Lower Wildcat—our iconic double-black diamond and the steepest skiable slope in Pennsylvania—along with potentially all of our snowmaking-serviced terrain. Lower Wildcat, with its nearly 60% slope, is a must-ride for avid skiers and riders, and having it open on Opening Day for the second year in a row is something our guests truly love,” Brett Cook, Vice President and General Manager, Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel Mountain, told SnowBrains in an email.
In preparation for this season, Laurel Mountain replaced piping for snowmaking water recovery to improve sustainability and system performance. It added a Winch Cat to the grooming fleet for better snow quality and terrain maintenance. Laurel Mountain also continued glade clearing and trail work to improve access and flow.
Vail Resorts purchased Seven Springs Mountain Resort in 2022. As a part of the acquisition, Vail Resorts also acquired Hidden Valley Resort and the operations of Laurel Mountain Ski Area. The purchase price for the ski areas, plus a hotel, conference center, and other related operations, was $118 million.
Quick Facts and History:
- First Opened: January 11, 1941
- Elevation: 2,766 feet
- Base Elevation: 2,005 feet
- Lodges: 1
- Skiable Terrain: 70 Acres
- Lifts: 1
- Trails: 19
- Beginner Terrain: 52%
- Intermediate Terrain: 36%
- Advanced Terrain: 16%
