The Laurel Highlands is Pennsylvania’s premier skiing, snowboarding and winter sports destination. With the state’s largest average snowfall and highest point, you’ll find great skiing conditions and plenty of opportunities to get into the snow at four resorts, whether you’re looking for some serious downhill thrills or fun activities with no skills required.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
The Laurel Highlands boasts four great ski areas where you can explore winding trails and challenging slopes. Whether it’s on ski or a snowboard, you’ll find the perfect conditions for shredding the slopes in the Laurel Highlands. Three Laurel Highlands resorts also feature a unique snow tubing park that provides a fun night for the entire family full of laughs and unforgettable memories.
Start planning your winter getaway to the luxurious Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, family-friendly Hidden Valley resort, local favorite Laurel Mountain and the state’s largest four season resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
Terrain Parks
Extreme skiers and snowboarders travel to Laurel Highlands ski resorts year after year to get their mountain thrills at the terrain parks. Across three resorts, there is a variety of terrain parks for all skill levels featuring every size and shape of jumps, rails and pipes. Beginners can grow their skills on easier courses, advance to the more difficult features then finally conquer the expert jumps and rails.
Snowmobiling
If you have your own snowmobile, explore scenic trails open for riders in Laurel Highlands’ state parks. Forbes State Forest has more than 115 miles of groomed road calling your name!
Cross-Country Skiing
With miles upon miles of picturesque trails, cross-country skiing is an extremely popular winter sport in the Laurel Highlands. Skiers of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, can find a trail to take a crisp winter hike and enjoy the natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands.
Snowshoeing
Grab your snowshoes (or rent a pair) and head to the trails in Laurel Highlands’ local and state parks to enjoy the crisp mountain air and incredible views. The 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, which runs north to south along Laurel Mountain and links Ohiopyle State Park with Laurel Ridge State Park, makes for a great snowshoeing trail. If you’re in it for the long haul to conquer all 70 miles, overnight Adirondack-style sleeping shelters are found every 8-10 miles along the trail. Reserve your stay in advance.
Trail Tips and Etiquette
- Avoid walking in the ski tracks.
- Dress in layers! Waterproof gloves, breathable pants, an insulated jacket, tall wool socks, a hat and waterproof boots are necessary.
- If you are skiing with pets, keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
- Synthetic, water-wicking clothing is best. Do not wear cotton, it will hold water and make you colder.
- Bring a dry change of clothes and comfy shoes to wear for the rest of your adventurous day in the Laurel Highlands.
- To keep toasty, hand and feet warmers are recommended.
- Pack a snack and water bottle to hydrate and refuel during a break.
- Be sure to bring your trail map along to help you navigate.
- Charge your cell phone before heading out on the trails and be prepared for limited service.
- Yield to faster skiers.
- Leave no trace! Be the best outdoor enthusiast that you can be and leave nothing behind but your tracks in the snow.
