I hoped to be more active here and tell you all about the culmination of a little project I've had the privilege of helping along. The return from lost, the return of the legend (as the promotional decals say), Laurel Mountain but, life got in the way. So here's a late report. The comeback made possible by a lease agreement with Seven Springs Mountain Resort and the PA State Parks. PA made a $6.5 million investment this state park's ski infrastructure including a new quad, increased snowmaking and extensive trail grading. Seven Springs purchased a previous concessionaire's on mountain assets, including the lodge which they rehabilitated. Seven Springs provided the startup money and staff and on Dec. 21, 2016 skiing returned to PA's oldest purpose built full service ski area, designed by skiing legend Hannes Schneider in 1939. I offer you a few photos of the evening of the open house the weekend before opening day and a few of my two Crazie offspring and long term skiing com padre Marcus on opening day.
New heated courtyard greets guest to the Laurel Lodge . The lodge and parking area is at the summit.
Main floor Laurel Cafe food service and day lodge. Nice views from 2,700 ft. to the historic Ligioner Valley.
The crowd can be found downstairs in the Wildcat Lounge. Shot ski available upon request.
The lodge is decorated with historic photos of Laurel's past dating to 1940 and throw back equipment that would make Phil drool.
Bob Nutting, Seven Springs and Pirates CEO addresses press on opening day. Later led a group down 60% grade Wildcat slope.
Outside the lodge Tame Cat beginners slope leads to blue rated Upper Broadway. Fort Ligioner below.
My son on his very first run on expert pitched Wildcat. He was 4 when Laurel closed in 2005.
Ripping the groomed. Wildcat is groomed with a winch cat but skiers right is left to bump up.
Hey, you let that free heeler get ahead of you
Daughter not to be out done starts to flash her style on the 'cat.
Baby brother got nothing on you
#1 and Marcus with #2 below on Lower Wildcat
Nothing beats family time on the slopes. Mom, you should have called off sick that day.
New heated courtyard greets guest to the Laurel Lodge . The lodge and parking area is at the summit.
Main floor Laurel Cafe food service and day lodge. Nice views from 2,700 ft. to the historic Ligioner Valley.
The crowd can be found downstairs in the Wildcat Lounge. Shot ski available upon request.
The lodge is decorated with historic photos of Laurel's past dating to 1940 and throw back equipment that would make Phil drool.
Bob Nutting, Seven Springs and Pirates CEO addresses press on opening day. Later led a group down 60% grade Wildcat slope.
Outside the lodge Tame Cat beginners slope leads to blue rated Upper Broadway. Fort Ligioner below.
My son on his very first run on expert pitched Wildcat. He was 4 when Laurel closed in 2005.
Ripping the groomed. Wildcat is groomed with a winch cat but skiers right is left to bump up.
Hey, you let that free heeler get ahead of you
Daughter not to be out done starts to flash her style on the 'cat.
Baby brother got nothing on you
#1 and Marcus with #2 below on Lower Wildcat
Nothing beats family time on the slopes. Mom, you should have called off sick that day.
