Blue Knob Improvements
6 posts
3 users
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Laurel Hill Crazie
6 days ago
Member since 08/16/2004 🔗
2,063 posts

Blue Knob is replacing sections of snowmaking pipes on several of their trails including Sno Drop beginner area, Lower Mambo Alley, Expressway, Deer Run, Jack Rabbit and Run Out. Photos are posted on their Facebook page. I haven't been to Blue Knob in years because of the lack of reliable coverage. I wonder what the status of snowmaking on Extrovert and Stembogen? I'm pleased and impressed that they found the money to invest. I'll definitely check them out this winter. 

superguy
6 days ago
Member since 03/8/2018 🔗
538 posts

Patrol told me a few years ago that Extrovert has leaky pipes that reduces the pressure, so snowmaking capacity was dropped to about a third of what it should be.  With limited capacity, fewer people skiing it due to the difficulty, and steeper trails requiring more snow (see the limited capacity issue again), expect it to the last to get the love, if it does at all.

If they have a good enough cold snap, they've been able to get Stembogen open as that snowmaking still seems to work fairly well. I don't know it needs pipe replacement either though.

66 doesn't have any hydrants and is all natural. Lower High Hopes does, but I don't know what kind of shape they're in.  This will be one of last to see snowmaking.  

I'm glad to see them put some money into it.  It's long overdue.  It's going to take a few years of effort with finishing the rest of the pipe and getting more guns/fans.  Maybe these owners will pull it off.  Who knows.

needawax
17 hours ago
Member since 04/19/2019 🔗
104 posts

I have never skied at Blue Knob, although I have been in and around the place kind of off-season while I was in the area at Bedford Springs. Would like to try it out. I'm kind of centralized at HV, so I never seem to make the time to make the quick jaunt.  Same with Wisp, although I've skied there a bit. 

There were a lot of regulars at HV who started changing over to Blue Knob right around the time ownership changed from Buncher to Nutting. Sounds like under good conditions and maintenance it's a fun area.

superguy
14 hours ago
Member since 03/8/2018 🔗
538 posts

You'll be hard pressed to find better in the area when they have the snow.  Unfortunately, it's been lean the last several years and they just don't have the snowmaking capabilities to let it shine.  Hopefully the new pipe will help with that and allow them to get things open sooner with better coverage.

That said, if it's actually gets to be as snowy and cold as expected, this could be their year.  As long as you don't go expecting anything more than barebones amenities with great terrain, you'll have a great time.  The vibe is more Laurel and Roundtop, but much more run down.

needawax
14 hours ago
Member since 04/19/2019 🔗
104 posts
We are all hoping for a snowblast this season.  If so, I will make time to check it out. I love the Laurel vibe and I sorta figured that when I was checking it out.  Been used to barebones amenities honestly (at least in w. PA) - and would be more just there for the slopes...
superguy
13 hours ago
Member since 03/8/2018 🔗
538 posts
Then you'll have a great time.  Hopefully you can get up there after a good storm.

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