Laurel Highlands 7S HV LM (Epic) & BK (Indy) 24 - 25
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Laurel Hill Crazie
one month ago (edited one month ago)
Member since 08/16/2004 🔗
2,052 posts

Seven Springs has new Webcam on North Face summit and North Face base.

7springs.com

As of 6 PM 11/22/24 7 Springs reporting 12 niches.

snowsmith - DCSki Supporter 
one month ago
Member since 03/15/2004 🔗
1,602 posts
Unfortunately, the wet bulb temp is not good for snow making in the Laurels. 
Blue Don 1982
one month ago (edited one month ago)
Member since 01/13/2008 🔗
1,595 posts

I have a few old Duda Mobile websites that are no longer supported. As an Epic Pass holder, I wanted easy access to "my" local ski areas without having to navigate to several different websites.  Here is what I came up with.

Here's the link - Ski The Laurels 

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Laurel Hill Crazie
one month ago
Member since 08/16/2004 🔗
2,052 posts
Nice, Blue Don. I have it bookmarked. That will come in handy. Can I share the link on LM's FB Group?
snowsmith - DCSki Supporter 
one month ago
Member since 03/15/2004 🔗
1,602 posts
Pretty cool….but are we forgetting Blue Knob?
Laurel Hill Crazie
one month ago
Member since 08/16/2004 🔗
2,052 posts

I changed the title to include Blue Knob.

In an interview on KDKA CBS Pittsburgh yesterday 11/22 with Brett Cook, GM of Vail Resorts said that snowmaking could start midweek at 7 Springs.  

Blue Don 1982
one month ago
Member since 01/13/2008 🔗
1,595 posts


 Certainly, please do!

Laurel Hill Crazie wrote:

Nice, Blue Don. I have it bookmarked. That will come in handy. Can I share the link on LM's FB Group?
Laurel Hill Crazie
one month ago
Member since 08/16/2004 🔗
2,052 posts
marzNC - DCSki Supporter 
one month ago
Member since 12/10/2008 🔗
3,368 posts

This interview with Brett Cook is from early 2023, but I only recently listened to it.  Perhaps old news to those of you who pay close attention to skiing in PA.  I didn't realize how many PA resorts he worked in before his current position.

Podcast #116: Seven Springs, Laurel, & Hidden Valley VP & GM Brett Cook

snowsmith - DCSki Supporter 
one month ago
Member since 03/15/2004 🔗
1,602 posts

Looks like "White Friday" at Laurel Mtn .....:-)

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wfyurasko
one month ago
Member since 07/27/2014 🔗
358 posts
Is Blue Knob blowing snow yet?

The forecast for snow-making in Alexandria looks pretty promising this week, so 3000 feet higher up and hundreds of mile northwest, I'd hope they get started...
HokieDave
one month ago
Member since 01/2/2024 🔗
20 posts
Yes Blue Knob is blowing snow. 
DCSki Sponsor: Massanutten Resort
snowsmith - DCSki Supporter 
one month ago
Member since 03/15/2004 🔗
1,602 posts

Monday night, guns off at LM, but plenty of snow stockpiled. And it's only Dec 2.

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oddballstocks
one month ago
Member since 02/11/2017 🔗
128 posts
Guns back on at Laurel Mountain.  I wonder what they're going to try to have open?

My guess is Broadway and Wildcat.  I would love to see Innsbruck get love as well.
Grumpy dad - DCSki Supporter 
one month ago
Member since 11/7/2021 🔗
161 posts
We have some of the best snowmaking conditions ever, and Vail has decided to once again focus on bare minimum as if this was all they could muster.  There's little chance to make snow next week.  Which means heading toward Christmas, there will likely be one slope and two trails open at 7Springs for example. 
This is the greatest example of how it was advertised vs how it's actually going. 

I know Vail pressures their management to keep operating costs down, but geesh at some point you must realize they literally only care about selling passes, counting their money, before the season even gets started.  Then through the season they squeeze every penny they can. All so a bunch of non skiers can get fat bonuses.
oddballstocks
one month ago
Member since 02/11/2017 🔗
128 posts


 Agreed... it's awful.  I think the market is voting with their wallet.  Vail reported in September that pass sales decreased 3% YoY along with walk up ticket's decreasing significantly (I can't remember off hand, it was 15% or 35%).  The problem is the golden goose is dead.  If no one is getting into the sport, and season pass holders are leaving then sales will eventually enter a structural decline.

I've noticed a significant increase in social media presence over the last few months as it seems like Vail is scared they won't have as much money to count.

The company also reported in September they've entered into a two year "scaled efficiency operation" where they hope to save $100m.  Not great news for us Mid-A skiers.

Over/under on whether Giant Boulder opens this year?  Maybe for a few days in March after a freak snow... so sad.

Grumpy dad wrote:

We have some of the best snowmaking conditions ever, and Vail has decided to once again focus on bare minimum as if this was all they could muster.  There's little chance to make snow next week.  Which means heading toward Christmas, there will likely be one slope and two trails open at 7Springs for example. 
This is the greatest example of how it was advertised vs how it's actually going. 

I know Vail pressures their management to keep operating costs down, but geesh at some point you must realize they literally only care about selling passes, counting their money, before the season even gets started.  Then through the season they squeeze every penny they can. All so a bunch of non skiers can get fat bonuses.
snowsmith - DCSki Supporter 
one month ago
Member since 03/15/2004 🔗
1,602 posts
Looks like most of the front side of HV will be open when thy do open. How about we compare to the local competition. 
HVdad
one month ago
Member since 01/9/2018 🔗
99 posts
It's awful. Simply awful. It's all just, well, awful.
snowsmith - DCSki Supporter 
one month ago
Member since 03/15/2004 🔗
1,602 posts
HV opened today with most of the front side open. Beautiful ski weather and very good conditions. Light crowds. Laurel  Mtn opens 12/20 with just about all of the snow making trails including Upper and Lower Wildcat. Impressive snow making effort by Vail and LM staff!
Blue Don 1982
one month ago
Member since 01/13/2008 🔗
1,595 posts


 I was thinking about a quick trip on Sunday until I saw this on that mobile website I built.....

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM SUNDAY TO 4 AM EST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow
accumulations up to two inches and ice accumulations between one
tenth and three tenths of an inch.

* WHERE...Somerset County.

* WHEN...From 7 AM Sunday to 4 AM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice.
Travel will be difficult.



snowsmith wrote:

HV opened today with most of the front side open. Beautiful ski weather and very good conditions. Light crowds. Laurel  Mtn opens 12/20 with just about all of the snow making trails including Upper and Lower Wildcat. Impressive snow making effort by Vail and LM staff!
needawax
one month ago
Member since 04/19/2019 🔗
66 posts
Was at HV both sat and sun.  Sunday unfortunately in the AM was light rain, but it then turned to snow in the afternoon. Conditions were great when the snow squall started, and even less of a crowd...  
Leo
one month ago
Member since 11/15/2005 🔗
368 posts


 Conditions and coverage were good.  It's shocking they prioritize 7S so much, the snow making is miles better at HV.  Though I get it that 7S brings in more revenue via the party crowd.

Sadly we are back in the now standard western PA winter cycle of cold/dry alternating once every so many days with warm/rainy. 

needawax wrote:

Was at HV both sat and sun.  Sunday unfortunately in the AM was light rain, but it then turned to snow in the afternoon. Conditions were great when the snow squall started, and even less of a crowd...  
needawax
one month ago
Member since 04/19/2019 🔗
66 posts

We are in that cycle.  But I got 4 days in already between 7S and HV.  Trying to make that Epic NE pass worth it!  Having been there for a long time, agreed that snow is typically better at HV in general, but 7s has more to cover in general, and the snowmaking there on average isn't as good as what hv can do if so inclined.  That said, HV's makers are getting long in the tooth too.

I'll reiterate that conditions were divine when the "squall" happened mid afternoon yesterday (Sun).  The crunchiness turned to butter.

  

Laurel Highlands
29 days ago
Member since 10/29/2013 🔗
57 posts
A few inches expected this weekend, should make for a nice top coat, buy what is really needed is more open terrain. With cold temps over next several days, this is the time to see who really has the snowmaking goods to prepare for the all important Christmas Week.  
Laurel Hill Crazie
29 days ago
Member since 08/16/2004 🔗
2,052 posts
Laurel opens tomorrow at 10. All of its snowmaking trails, including the best expert terrain in the region, Upper and Lower Wildcat, will be open.
oddballstocks
28 days ago
Member since 02/11/2017 🔗
128 posts


 I want to be there so bad, but have to go out of town this weekend.  Going to try to hit it over the holidays.

Hope you can enjoy!  Snowing now and the weather looks great all weekend.

Laurel Hill Crazie wrote:

Laurel opens tomorrow at 10. All of its snowmaking trails, including the best expert terrain in the region, Upper and Lower Wildcat, will be open.
imp - DCSki Supporter 
28 days ago
Member since 01/11/2007 🔗
302 posts

today was the best skiing on opening day in a long long time

needawax
25 days ago
Member since 04/19/2019 🔗
66 posts

Was at HV Fri nite and Saturday.  Wonderful burst of snow mid-day right on top of that machine snow.  Typical opening of North Summit slopes on Sunday.   Light to moderate crowds. Really enjoying these bonus days before Christmas/New Years.  Next up - get over to Laurel and perhaps Whitetail between the 2 holidays.

snowsmith - DCSki Supporter 
9 days ago
Member since 03/15/2004 🔗
1,602 posts
Conditions in the Laurels are outstanding. It snowed non-stop for 5 days and it's still snowing. Conditions on Monday were powder/packed powder. Yesterday, Laurel opened the natural snow trails including Dream Highway. Unfortunately I had to leave after spending 15 days at my Laurels home. I had a 3 and a half foot drift blocking my front door! I did not make it over to 7Springs yet....awaiting the opening of Gunnar. Enjoy!
needawax
9 days ago
Member since 04/19/2019 🔗
66 posts

Yep, although I haven't been at the place since friday (left during just one of the many storms - or is it just one big one?) - looking forward to this weekend and MLK weekend to follow.  Many in the area have been lamenting the last 2-3 seasons and its good to have snow again.  It was difficult to get 33 days in last season, but should be a piece of cake to beat that this year.

Conditions in the Laurels are outstanding. It snowed non-stop for 5 days and it's still snowing. Conditions on Monday were powder/packed powder. Yesterday, Laurel opened the natural snow trails including Dream Highway. Unfortunately I had to leave after spending 15 days at my Laurels home. I had a 3 and a half foot drift blocking my front door! I did not make it over to 7Springs yet....awaiting the opening of Gunnar. Enjoy!
Blue Don 1982
9 days ago
Member since 01/13/2008 🔗
1,595 posts

We did 7S on Tue and HV today. We spent the night in Somerset to avoid driving back and forth 2ish hours each way.

As mentioned above, it snowed constantly from our arrival Tue AM to our departure this afternoon. It's shaping up to be a real winter so far.

We noticed A LOT of whales. It appears trail expansion is coming soon for both locations. I've not been to HV in a few years so it was nice to revisit. Same for LM, I'm looking forward to a visit in the coming weeks.

I hope to get some good mid-week use on my Epic Pass this season. Weather permitting, a few us can ski 1 or 2 days during the mid week for the foreseeable future.

Pros:
Easy access via Turnpike (for me)
Tons of Snow at 7S
Minimal Crowds at 7S
9 AM start at 7S midweek
Zero Crowds at HV
Excellent snow at HV

Cons:
Icy lift exits at 7S 
Lifts are painfully slow at HV
Noon start at LM (Thus we skipped it this trip)

Wish List:
I'd love to see an earlier opening at LM at least one day mid-week. ( Noon seems like a wasted day) As a day tripper, it would be nice to get there at 9 or 10, ski until lunch, grab a beer / bite at Wildcat (actually spend $$), do a few more runs, and head home just in time for supper.

Forecast looks promising for next week!!


Laurel Hill Crazie
9 days ago
Member since 08/16/2004 🔗
2,052 posts


 Laurel opens at 10 on Fridays.

Blue Don 1982 wrote:

We did 7S on Tue and HV today. We spent the night in Somerset to avoid driving back and forth 2ish hours each way.

As mentioned above, it snowed constantly from our arrival Tue AM to our departure this afternoon. It's shaping up to be a real winter so far.

We noticed A LOT of whales. It appears trail expansion is coming soon for both locations. I've not been to HV in a few years so it was nice to revisit. Same for LM, I'm looking forward to a visit in the coming weeks.

I hope to get some good mid-week use on my Epic Pass this season. Weather permitting, a few us can ski 1 or 2 days during the mid week for the foreseeable future.

Pros:
Easy access via Turnpike (for me)
Tons of Snow at 7S
Minimal Crowds at 7S
9 AM start at 7S midweek
Zero Crowds at HV
Excellent snow at HV

Cons:
Icy lift exits at 7S 
Lifts are painfully slow at HV
Noon start at LM (Thus we skipped it this trip)

Wish List:
I'd love to see an earlier opening at LM at least one day mid-week. ( Noon seems like a wasted day) As a day tripper, it would be nice to get there at 9 or 10, ski until lunch, grab a beer / bite at Wildcat (actually spend $$), do a few more runs, and head home just in time for supper.

Forecast looks promising for next week!!


Blue Don 1982
8 days ago
Member since 01/13/2008 🔗
1,595 posts

Thanks, I missed that.

One buddy is off on Wednesdays so we try to incorporate a Wed to include him.

We are thinking LM at noon on a Tuesday, then meet him on Wednesday at 7S

This was the first week of our "midweek plans" so we need some fine-tuning.

Laurel Hill Crazie wrote:


 Laurel opens at 10 on Fridays.

HokieDave
8 days ago
Member since 01/2/2024 🔗
20 posts

Reports here about Laurel sound encouraging.  I'm trying to decide between Laurel and Wisp this Saturday, but starting to lean towards Laurel to take advantage of the natural snow trails being open.  Seems like conditions are really good.  I've never been to Laurel.

Anyone have advice about whether now is the time to try Laurel, along with any other advice for a first timer?

Laurel Hill Crazie
8 days ago
Member since 08/16/2004 🔗
2,052 posts

I was there on Tuesday for rope drop. I was a little surprised they actually opened Dream given the lack of base but there was no way to keep the crowds off. The last turn on Dream is known as rocky corner for a reason then the run out is rocky road. The best natural snow on the mountain are the upper mountain runs but the way to the bottom is either Lower Wildcat or The Slot down to rocky corner. Lower starts steep like the headwall on North Face then gets steeper. It could get icy by mid-day. 

I'm not sure which way you're coming from but the only way to access Laurel is from Route 30 to Laurel Summit Road at the summit between Laughlintown and Jennestown. The Summit Rd. Is pretty flat, continue until the access road on your right at the stone gatehouse. The lodge is at the summit. Tickets and rentals inside. Boot up in the lodge. People stash their bags on hooks or against the walls, under/on tables so be prepared to share tables, move stuff to the side, etc.

Food service upstairs weekends only. Food service downstairs in the Wildcat Lounge all week.

Have fun.

HokieDave
8 days ago
Member since 01/2/2024 🔗
20 posts
Thanks for the info and advice. 

I’m coming from Northern Virginia. 

Looking forward to checking it out. 
HVdad
6 days ago
Member since 01/9/2018 🔗
99 posts
Laurel is “Epic” today. Loads of fresh snow and no irritating crowds or parking lot lines!
wfyurasko
6 days ago
Member since 07/27/2014 🔗
358 posts
I checked out Blue Knob's site and it looking pretty grim there. It's a shame, I really want to get back there some day and introduce my college buddy in Hershey to it, but I don't see it happening.
abeski
5 days ago (edited 5 days ago)
Member since 12/8/2021 🔗
39 posts

Awesome conditions at Laurel Mountain today.  We were out for the weekend XC at Laurel Ridge Saturday and I was between BK, HV, or LM for Sunday.  As always waiting for the miracle snow dump or equally as miraculous snowmaking effort down to the lower lifts at BK.  LM was closer than Blue Knob, advertising natural trails open, and less expensive than the others.

I was annoyed in the morning to find all of the natural trails roped off despite them being open on the snow report, however, they did drop the rope on it all (except lower Dream Highway and upper Lincoln Highway which were both getting snowmaking - Dream on the rocky runout) around noon to my immense relief, which extended the day considerably.  Definitely would have poached those end of the day had they not dropped the rope.

Best runs of the day were the snow bowl lift line to Laurel run area.  Absolutely dreamy.  Still plenty of snow in that area as well as Docs forest.  Some of the other areas pretty scraped off.  Lots of people stuck shuffling uphill to last chance to avoid lower Wildcat (or the woods to Hegans...)

Wildcat was skiing fantastic in the morning, a blast to set a nice soft edge in there.  Left side got a bit scraped off later.  Probably the only hardpack on the entire hill.

Parking lot and lodge were full, maybe a couple minutes wait at the lift tops for groups immediately before and after lunch but not really any wait for singles all day.  They were doing a good job pairing up groups.  Everyone saying they've never seen it so busy but 7S photos looked entirely mobbed.  They were giving out hot chocolate and smores in the lodge I think and seemed to be managing the skier (and snowmobiler!) crowds at the bar.

I hate Vail but credit where it is due, whoever is managing Laurel Mountain is doing a great job.  You would not even think it based on the complaints against Attitash/Wildcat/Hunter/Park City etc.  The Penn. areas seem to be doing comparatively OK.  Especially when the general sentiment on Laurel Mountain is "at least its open"
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abeski
5 days ago (edited 5 days ago)
Member since 12/8/2021 🔗
39 posts

It should also be noted that the XC skiing at Laurel ridge is phenomenal right now as well.  Best in years and they have enough snow that they have groomed and tracked the major trails quite nicely.  That lot was also full and I was ecstatic to see a lot of people renting gear and giving it a go.

1736732998_sgsdilosohft.jpg1736733023_vysbtyafoqmn.jpg

Really wish the old Crystal Lake ski bowl was still in play

Ski and Tell

Snowcat got your tongue?

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