Vail Resorts Mid-Atlantic Region Season Update

Vail Resorts’ Mid-Atlantic Ski Resorts Prepare for the Upcoming Winter Season:
Now is the time for skiers and riders to secure their Epic Passes and make plans for the season

Seven Springs, PA (Nov. 8, 2023) — Vail Resorts’ eight Mid-Atlantic ski resorts are looking ahead to another fun-filled winter season, with scenic and welcoming ski and ride terrain for all levels, from beginner to advanced. The winter wonderlands are preparing for the season with a robust lineup of events, activities from snow tubing to live entertainment, new technology to elevate the guest experience, expanded ski and ride school programs, family-friendly dining, investments in snowmaking, and much more. Epic Pass holders will also enjoy exclusive benefits, including discounts on rentals, ski lessons, fine dining, and comfortable lodging.

“If you live in Philly, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Baltimore, or anywhere in between, get ready for a great winter season on the slopes,” said Tim Baker, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Eastern Region at Vail Resorts. “Across our network of resorts in the Mid-Atlantic, we take great pride in our commitment to enhancing the overall guest experience and we look forward to welcoming guests back this winter.”

Vail Resorts’ eight Mid-Atlantic ski resorts in Pennsylvania include Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel Mountain in the Laurel Highlands; Jack Frost and Big Boulder in the Pocono Mountains; Liberty Mountain Resort outside of Gettysburg; Roundtop Mountain Resort near the capital, Harrisburg; and Whitetail Resort in the Tuscarora Mountains. There’s quite literally something for everyone! Keep reading to find out what’s new and what to look forward to at all of the resorts this winter.

Now is the Time to Lock in Your Epic Pass

Epic Pass prices will increase on Nov. 19, so guests are encouraged to get their pass now for the best prices to ski and ride all season long at their local and regional resorts, and to plan their bucket list trip out West.

The Epic Local Pass, which is $719 for adults before Nov. 19, allows Mid-Atlantic guests to ski or ride all season long at nearly all the company’s resorts across the East Coast, and take a trip out West. The Northeast Value Pass offers incredible value to those who only plan to ski or ride on the East Coast, with access to many of the same destinations, including 21 resorts across the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Midwest – such as Seven Springs, Roundtop, Liberty, Stowe, Mount Snow, Okemo, and Hunter – for $591. The Northeast Value College pass is $415.

Vail Resorts also continues to offer the Epic Day Pass, which allows guests access to world-class resorts at pre-season pricing for up to 60 percent off when compared to a lift ticket. Starting at as low as $43 for one day of skiing at Pennsylvania resorts, the Epic Day Pass is perfect for those who plan to ski and ride between one and seven days throughout the winter season.

The Epic Military Pass, $172 for Active and Retired Military and their dependents, provides unlimited, unrestricted access to all of Vail Resorts’ owned and operated mountains – including those in the Mid Atlantic as well as Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb, and Andermatt-Sedrun (Switzerland) for the 2023/24 season. Veterans and their dependents can purchase an Epic Military Pass for $552.

Compare all Epic Pass offerings on the Epic Pass website. Guests are encouraged to purchase their passes by Nov. 18; prices go up Nov. 19.

The New My Epic App

New this season, the My Epic app with Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets is now available to download, allowing guests to use their phone as their ticket to the slopes.

Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets is a hands-free option for skiers and riders to use at all 36 of Vail Resorts’ owned and operated U.S. resorts for the 2023/24 season. It allows guests to buy their pass or lift ticket online, activate it in the new My Epic app, put their phone in their pocket, and get scanned, hands-free in the lift line using Bluetooth® technology designed for low energy usage to minimize the impact on a phone’s battery life. This season, to ensure a smooth transition, the company will continue to provide physical cards for passes and lift tickets to all guests. For guests choosing to use Mobile Pass this season, watch this video for some tips.

The My Epic app also offers a range of guest-favorite features, including interactive trail maps with GPS location tracking, and mountain and resort alerts, including operational information like grooming updates, terrain status, snow reports, and conditions.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Resort, and Laurel Mountain

In the Words of GM Brett Cook: “In our second year on the Epic Pass, we’re eagerly anticipating the return of our guests to our network of resorts. Whether it’s the thrill of conquering the steep slopes at Laurel Mountain, unwinding at the Foggy Goggle at Seven Springs, or enjoying family lessons at Hidden Valley, we’re dedicated to providing the exceptional experiences our guests have come to cherish .”

Events: Seven Springs is planning a full roster of events this year, from Ullr Party and New Year’s Eve festivities to the return of the Toyota Takeover Weekend, as well as après events and entertainment at the Main Lodge and Foggy Goggle, which is a nominee for Best Apres-Ski Bar in USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards.

Dining: The resort also continues to offer year-round dining. With its amazing views, Slopeside Restaurant at Seven Springs features a casual, relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere to dine and enjoy the mountains, in addition to robust menus that feature a fantastic variety for all palates.

With distinct, authentic culinary creations and a rustic atmosphere that will take you back to a simpler time, Helen’s Restaurant pairs an upscale dining experience with a truly unique atmosphere. Helen’s Restaurant is located in the historic original homestead of Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

For those looking to plan a winter getaway at Seven Springs this winter, don’t forget that an Epic Pass unlocks 20% off select dining outlets, lodging, and more as part of Epic Mountain Rewards. Learn more about Epic Mountain Rewards here.

Snowmaking and Safety Enhancements: At Seven Springs, the resort invested in energy-efficient snowmaking to help open more terrain earlier in the season and maintain high-quality terrain throughout the season. Projects included new snowmaking pipe, seven new snowmaking stations, and 15 new HKD Viper snowmaking guns on Village Trail to help enable earlier opening of this terrain, 12 new energy-efficient HKD Impulse R5 snow gun towers on Tyrol Slope, and two new Pisten Bully 400snowcats to enhance the resort’s grooming fleet.

Hidden Valley also invested in a new snowcat for improved grooming and new energy-efficient and strategic snowmaking improvements with the installation of four new Techno Alpin TR8 fan guns and new snowmaking valves. These enhancements will help the snowmaking team quickly and easily shift their snowmaking strategies based on weather patterns and needs.

In addition, all three Western Pennsylvania resorts have upgraded their safety equipment including new state-of-the-art AEDs that feature versatile pads suitable for both adults and children, and user-friendly bilingual instructions through audio and visual cues.

Jack Frost and Big Boulder (JFBB)

In the Words of Mountain Ops Sr. Manager Jared Klepacki: “Our five new lifts at Jack Frost Big Boulder are primed and ready to get people on the slopes and in the parks here faster than ever. We’ll also have our snowmaking system firing and our bubly Tube Park open and ready to welcome guests of all ages.”

Epic Lift Upgrades: Skiers and snowboarders at Jack Frost and Big Boulder (JFBB) resorts in the Pocono Mountains will continue to enjoy improved terrain accessibility, reduced wait times, and more reliable lift service thanks to last year’s Epic Lift Upgrades at JFBB and throughout the Vail Resorts network. The replacement and consolidation of five lifts between Jack Frost and Big Boulder with fixed-grip four-person chairs greatly increased uphill capacity and access to multiple slopes throughout the mountains. At Jack Frost, the Pocono, the Tobyhanna, and the Paradise replaced the B & C lifts, the E & F lifts, and the East 1 and 2 doubles. At Big Boulder, the Blue Heron and the Harmony replaced the Merry Widow 1 and 2 doubles and the Edelweiss Triple.

Snowmaking and Other Enhancements: Additional improvements include a new snowmaking waterline to service Jack Frost’s East Mountain and new rental equipment and new trail signage at both resorts. New this year is an updated bubly Tubing Park at Big Boulder! Bring your family out for a day of snow tubing fun – just sit back and enjoy the conveyor carpet or tow-rope lift and then the wild ride downhill.

Liberty Mountain Resort

In the Words of GM Chris Blackwell: “Liberty is the ideal weekend getaway for those seeking a breath of fresh air, a taste of history, and the chance to try something new or rekindle their skills. After a day of exploration, our guests can relax and unwind in the comfort of our lodging, followed by a cocktail and a sumptuous meal at the Eagle and the Owl. Or skip the cocktail and go straight into our legendary night skiing.”

The Ultimate Winter Wonderland: Located outside of historic Gettysburg, Liberty Mountain Resort provides a full winter wonderland experience just a 90-minute drive from Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Here, guests will find on-site lodging, indoor pool and hot tub, seven dining locations, and a renowned Ski and Ride School. As an added incentive, guests with an Epic Pass receive 20 percent off their lessons as part of Epic Mountain Rewards.

Snow Tubing: In addition to skiing and riding, guests looking for good old-fashioned wintertime fun can head straight to snow tubing at Liberty’s bubly Tube Park. Tubing is fun for family and friends and best of all, no experience is necessary.

Events: This winter, Liberty Mountain will host a variety of fun events for guests of all ages including snow tubing parties, live entertainment, and more. Stay tuned to the resort’s website and social media channels for more details.

Roundtop Mountain Resort

In the Words of GM Ted McDowell: “At Roundtop, we’ve earned our reputation as the ‘Fun Mountain’ for a reason. Join us, hang out, and hit the slopes with friends. We can’t wait to welcome all of you back for another incredible season!”

Snowmaking and Other Enhancements: While the paintball course at Roundtop Mountain Resort is open through November 19, ski and ride season preparation is already underway! This summer and fall, Roundtop installed four new HKD Impulse snowmaking guns on Exhibition Slope, replaced the snowmaking pipeline on Fife and Drum, and expanded its upper parking lot.

Events: Get ready for plenty of family fun and “pocket bacon” appearances. The team is finalizing plans around Ullr Fest, Winter Carnival, Friday Night Lights, and more popular events, with details to be announced soon.

Whitetail Resort

In the Words of GM Tim Koons: “At Whitetail, we take pride in offering some of the finest snow conditions and state-of-the-art snowmaking in the region, all while providing breathtaking panoramic views. Our diverse range of trails caters to every skill level, and our dining options ensure a complete mountain experience for our guests.”

Golf Season Winding Down: At Whitetail Resort, winter is always on our minds, but with the fall foliage in full bloom, golf enthusiasts can now secure their 2023-2024 Epic Pass and receive a 20% golf discount through Epic Mountain Rewards. Guests can easily purchase their Epic Pass and book a tee time online.

Snowmaking and Other Enhancements: With diverse terrain and stunning natural beauty, Whitetail is a beloved escape for skiers and snowboarders looking to break free from daily life. This summer, the resort underwent multiple upgrades, including enhanced snowmaking infrastructure, energy-efficient LED lighting, and new seasonal lease ski equipment.

Snow Tubing and Dining: For those not hitting the slopes, enjoy the downhill thrill of snow tubing, a perfect winter activity near Shippensburg and Hagerstown. Afterward, warm up by the outdoor firepits or enjoy the best views of the mountain – and a delectable menu – from a table at Solstice Restaurant.

Events: Stay tuned for exciting upcoming events, including Whitetail Winterfest, with details coming soon to our website and social media channels.