Tussey Mountain’s plans to expand its lodge and improve facilities for skiers and year-round visitors have cleared a major regulatory hurdle. On October 27, 2026, the Centre Region Council of Governments unanimously approved a request to bring 41.4 acres of the Pennsylvania ski area’s property into the region’s growth boundary and sewer service area.

The decision allows Tussey Mountain to move forward with planning for a substantial renovation and expansion of its existing lodge, which dates to the 1960s. Proposed improvements include a new restaurant and bar, expanded space for weddings, conferences, and other events, additional retail facilities, and upgraded buildings for the ski school, ski patrol, and maintenance operations.

As DCSki reported on October 15, the resort’s owners have been pursuing the redevelopment as part of a broader effort to modernize Tussey Mountain and strengthen its year-round business. The property has been connected to public sewer service since the early 1990s, but restrictions on that connection prevented the proposed expansion without additional regional approvals.

A map of Tussey Mountain shows the 41.4-acre base area approved for inclusion in the regional growth and sewer-service boundaries. The remaining 89.5 acres, encompassing the ski slopes, will remain outside the expanded development area.
A map of Tussey Mountain shows the 41.4-acre base area approved for inclusion in the regional growth and sewer-service boundaries. The remaining 89.5 acres, encompassing the ski slopes, will remain outside the expanded development area. Image from Centre Region Council of Governments.

The application originally sought to include the resort’s entire 134.8-acre property within the regional growth boundary. During the review process, the proposal was reduced to 41.4 acres concentrated around the base area, leaving the mountainside outside the expanded development boundary.

Regional officials supported the revised proposal, citing its focus on reinvestment in an existing recreational facility and its limited anticipated impacts on municipal services and the environment.

The approval follows several months of review by Harris Township and regional planning agencies. Tussey Mountain’s owners, who acquired the resort in 2022, have indicated that improvements would be completed in phases.

Additional steps remain before construction can begin, including a developer agreement with Harris Township and approval of detailed land development plans. Traffic impacts, including conditions at the intersection of Bear Meadows Road and Boal Avenue, will be addressed during that process.

No construction schedule or project budget has been announced.

For Tussey Mountain, a small ski area near State College, the redevelopment would provide updated facilities for winter visitors while expanding opportunities to host events and generate revenue throughout the year.