I haven't heard or seen much with regards to changes at 7 Springs, Hidden Valley, or Laurel Mountain this offseason. Just wondering if there is anything going on. Right now it looks like the volunteer gang clearing tress at Laurel was the biggest improvement this offseason (S/O to all who showed up to volunteer, mad respect)
Only thing I have seen at HV is construction at the snow making lake intake.
dredging out the upper lake, Lake Helen, to increase water capacity.
not sure if George is getting dregged but the increase in water capacity is signfiicant
I seem to remember that Laurel Mtn had some snow making equipment problems last winter that hindered snow making. I assume that 7S is addressing or has addressed this issue? I also understand that 7S lost money last winter (no surprises there) and perhaps then, the capital for new improvements is just not there? We need a good winter to fatten the calf.
snowsmith wrote:
I also understand that 7S lost money last winter (no surprises there) and perhaps then, the capital for new improvements is just not there? We need a good winter to fatten the calf.
Thats no excuse, Whitetail has dropped 1+ million, Snowshoe has dropped 3+ million, Liberty has spent $$$ on snowmaking and other thing, and expenses of this magnitude should have been budgeted and planned before the season.
That being said.... many of the updates that Snowshoe and Whitetail have made would only be known if you were there regularly over the summer or read an article like the one Scott posted about Whitetail. So hopefully 7 Springs has spent some money on some snowmaking improvements or other small things around the resort. I don't think anyone was expecting a shiny new lift or new trails. Keep in mind things like replacing haul lines on lifts, increasing snowmaking, painting, etc don't always go noticed but still cost money.
Maybe I'm giving them too much credit... but I really can't believe a resort that size had no capital improvements.
Usually, the resorts are all to willing to tout their investments and upgrades, especialy this time of year to create some excitment for the upcoming season. So either not much has taken place, or else their marketing department isn't doing it. With the exception of the opening of Laurel Last year, which to a great degree was agreed and driven by the investment from the state, imho investments at 7S and HV seem to been modest recently, especially in comparison to the projects noted at Whitetail, Liberty, Snoeshow, etc.
On a broader scale, there was lots of talk by Nutting and Co.at the time of the HV acquisition, as well as with Laurel, that they wanted to market these combined resorts as a destination, especially for the Balt/Washington crowd. Can't say that I have seen any noticable outreach: Most skiiers here in the MD suburbs continue to be more focused on Whitetail./Liberty and WISP, with relatively little awareness of the combined Laurel Highlands Resorts. Obvious things that would tie it together such as shuttle bus between resorts (especially 7S and HV) were unfortunately rejected early in the process.
All one has to do is look at the current state of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Basically, the Pirates GM stated that, and I'm paraphrasing, "We will improve the product if you come". I'm sure that can be extrapolated to the resorts also.
LM had issues with snowmaking pipes last year... no clue if they have been addressed.
The best thing that could happen to the Pirates and the Laurel resorts is for Bobby to sale everything and head straight back to Mountain Mama. Don't expect that anytime soon as long as MLB is putting $$$ in his pockets.
hockeydave wrote:
All one has to do is look at the current state of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Basically, the Pirates GM stated that, and I'm paraphrasing, "We will improve the product if you come". I'm sure that can be extrapolated to the resorts also.
LM had issues with snowmaking pipes last year... no clue if they have been addressed.
The best thing that could happen to the Pirates and the Laurel resorts is for Bobby to sale everything and head straight back to Mountain Mama. Don't expect that anytime soon as long as MLB is putting $$$ in his pockets.
Amen, hockeydave, Amen.
Other than a report on Whitetail it seems that we have no resorts reporting in on improvements. I guess they either don't provide reports to Scott anymore or they haven't made any improvements. Wouldn't it make sense to advertise your proposed improvements when you put the season passes up for sale?
snowsmith wrote:
Other than a report on Whitetail it seems that we have no resorts reporting in on improvements. I guess they either don't provide reports to Scott anymore or they haven't made any improvements. Wouldn't it make sense to advertise your proposed improvements when you put the season passes up for sale?
You thinking about western PA ski areas or in general? SkiPA only has news about Whitetail and Montage so maybe not much has changed.
https://www.skipa.com/plan-a-trip/media-center-press-room/ski-area-press-releases
Massanutten has been telling their timeshare owners for a while about the new pipeline that greatly increases the amount of water available for snowmaking.
Laurel will have one restored historic glade found skiers left of Broadway at Old Innsbruck. The chair unload area and ramp has been reworked for safer exit. Note the latter close on Wednesday but latter open weekdays. Rates and Schedules are posted for this coming season: http://www.laurelmountainski.com/ski-ride/schedule-rates/. Friday through Sunday opening at 9AM Monday through Thursday 10AM. Closing Wednesday through Saturday at 9PM Sunday at 7PM. Monday and Tuesday at 5 PM. At $55 adult or $45 child for an all day pass, Laurel has the least expensive walk up weekend ticket around.
Straight from an emial sent out to 7 Springs Pass Holders:
Many improvements have been made or are underway for the arrival of the winter season!
Fairly significant. Has a similar email been sent for HV and LM? Anyone aware of any changes at the sister resorts?
Larry Walsh lists improvements at Western PA resorts:
