LAUREL HIGHLANDS, PA., (January 5, 2016) – From snow tubing and snowshoe tours to skiing and snowboarding to horse-drawn sleigh rides and more, the whole family will surely love a winter wonderland getaway to Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands.
“In the Laurel Highlands, winter brings a wonderland of fun and excitement,” said Anna Weltz, Director of Public Relations, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau. “Snow means more than just shoveling. The crisp winter months are full of activities that the entire family can enjoy. Plan a ski trip or find tons of outdoor activities to keep you busy this season.
“The Laurel Highlands, home to Pennsylvania’s largest cumulative snowfall, is the perfect destination for downhill winter fun, whether you’re looking for somewhere to practice your sport or just searching for some skill-free winter activities,” added Weltz.
Skiing and Snowboarding
No matter how you choose to tackle the mountain, on a board or skis, you will find wonderful ski conditions in the Laurel Highlands. Discover winding trails, challenging slopes, glades, terrain parks, and more at three distinct ski resorts – Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Resort and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
Pennsylvania’s largest ski resort and home of the East Coast’s only Olympic-size halfpipe, Seven Springs Mountain Resort is the heart of the largest cumulative snowfall in the state. The resort offers 33 slopes and trails, seven terrain parks and tons of winter fun. Whether a winding trail is more your speed or you’re prepared for a more intense incline, you’ll find it all right here in the Laurel Highlands, with a 2,994’ elevation, a 750’ vertical drop, 285 acres of skiable terrain, 10 chairlifts and four surface lifts. The first resort in Pennsylvania to host a major international snowboarding competition, the Burton U.S. Open Qualifiers, Seven Springs is on the cutting edge of terrain park design, making it a “must-do” for snowboarders and frees-style skiers. New for 2015 – Seven Springs becomes first in state to offer uphill skiing access!
With slopes and trails for every ski level, explore gradual meandering trails, and work your way up to a more difficult descent at Hidden Valley Resort, the ideal winter destination for families. With 26 slopes and trails, two terrain parks, and a comfortable learning environment, Hidden Valley is the perfect place to develop skiing and snowboarding skills. Hidden Valley has a 470’ vertical drop, 110 skiable acres, nine chairlifts and two surface lifts to get you all over the mountain for a fun-filled day.
Consistently rated as a top luxury destination, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort offers a bevy of winter activities including skiing and snowboarding at Mystic Mountain. With seven slopes, three lifts and a terrain park, Mystic Mountain offers a great learning environment for first-time skiers and boarders. Beginners will appreciate the terrain park as they learn the skills needed to tackle more advanced terrain parks.
Snow Tubing
Quite possibly the easiest winter activity, snow tubing in the Laurel Highlands takes the days of childhood sled riding to a whole new level of excitement and ease. Simply pick up a tube and hop on a surface lift ride from the base of the park to the top. No need to hike uphill! Then tuck yourself into your tube, hold onto the handles and feel the crisp winter air on your cheeks and nose as gravity sends you sliding down hill. Look no further than Seven Springs, Hidden Valley and Nemacolin resorts for your snow tubing adventure!
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoe Tours
With miles upon miles of trails, snowshoers and cross-country and telemark skiers flock to the Laurel Highlands each winter. Here visitors can find five Pennsylvania Cross Country Skiers Association ski areas – Forbes State Forest and Kooser, Laurel Ridge, Laurel Mountain and Ohiopyle state parks. Not to mention, the Great Allegheny Passage, open to traditional cross country skiing; Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, and Savage River Lodge.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
Oh, what fun it is to ride! A classic winter experience, horse-drawn sleigh rides are fantastic fun for couples and families. Sit back and relax as a pair of horses winds through a winter wonderland of snow-laden evergreens, snow-covered branches, and soaring mountainsides at the beautiful Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
Unique Winter Experiences
Dog-Sledding at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
If you've ever wanted to lead a team of dogs across a white sweep of open territory, here's your chance. Book your reservation in advance to experience dog sledding at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. A team of seasoned sled dogs from the nearby Wildlife Academy will lead the way. All you have to do is hold on and enjoy the cool rush of wind in your face. It's an experience you won't soon forget.
Snowcat Tours at Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Every night after the skiers and snowboarders have cleared the slopes, the resort’s on-mountain team uses snowcat or groomers to create smooth and impeccable conditions for the next day. Climb aboard a specially-designed snowcat for a late night ride you won’t soon forget! On this tour, visitors will take in remarkable nighttime views from the top of the mountains and even descend down the steepest slopes.
About the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau:
The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau is a destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties in Pennsylvania. Established in 1958, the LHVB implements year-round seasonal marketing campaigns throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to enhance awareness of the Laurel Highlands as a travel destination, which increases overnight stays, generates jobs and contributes to the economic growth and quality of life for the region.
The visitors bureau and its partners influence thousands of decision-makers and millions of visitors to choose the Laurel Highlands through direct sales, marketing, public relations, branding and visitor services. Destinations within the area include three architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright – Fallingwater ®, Kentuck Knob and Duncan House; Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, the Flight 93 National Memorial, Idlewild and Soak Zone, whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle State Park and so much more.
Located within 200 miles of the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland and Washington D.C., the Laurel Highlands can be easily accessed from exits 67, 75, 91 and 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
To discover all that the Laurel Highlands has to offer, please call (724) 238-5661 or visit www.laurelhighlands.org, www.facebook.com/laurelhighlandsPA and www.twitter.com/laurelhighlands.
