Laurel Mountain Ski Resort

Laurel Mountain occupies a distinctive place in Pennsylvania skiing history. Developed beginning in 1939 for members of the Rolling Rock Club, the ski area opened in 1941 with trails laid out under the direction of Austrian skiing pioneer Hannes Schneider. The mountain later welcomed the public and became part of Pennsylvania’s state park system in the 1960s.

The ski area has endured several lengthy closures, beginning in 1989, followed by unsuccessful attempts to revive operations. After a major state-supported rehabilitation that included expanded snowmaking, lodge improvements, and a new quad chairlift, Laurel Mountain reopened in December 2016. It is operated alongside nearby Seven Springs and Hidden Valley as part of Vail Resorts.

Laurel Mountain has 761 feet of vertical drop and 19 trails spread across 70 skiable acres. The lodge and parking are near the summit, with a single quad chairlift carrying skiers back uphill from the base. Lower Wildcat, a steep, narrow expert run, is the mountain’s best-known challenge, while wooded beginner and intermediate trails provide easier ways down the mountain.

The ski area retains a traditional feel, with long views across the Laurel Highlands and a relatively simple layout. Snowmaking and some night skiing supplement natural snowfall. Lodging is available in surrounding communities and at Seven Springs, roughly a half-hour drive away.

Photo provided by Laurel Mountain.