Things to do / Travel Guide
Winter on the East Coast, especially in Pennsylvania, can be hit or miss, with a season that generally runs from November to, at the latest, early to mid-March. To make up for the sometimes finicky snowfall, many resorts have bulked up their snow making efforts in an attempt to aid Mother Nature. Thanks to that, while there may only be a few real powder days, skiing in Pennsylvania is great for a getaway ski vacation.
Skiing in and around Pittsburg
Pittsburgh, once known as the “City of Steel,” does not seem as if it would be high on a skier's or snowboarder's destination list, but you'd be surprised to discover how much is available just 2 hours from the city interior. There are plenty of options in the area to wear down the wax and catch some huge air at the area's premier ski areas.
Wisp Ski Resort, while not actually in Pennsylvania but rather in Deep Creek, Maryland, has an impressive 32 slopes that range in difficulty from a beginner's area with level, flatter terrain, all the way up to challenging mogul fields that will leave even the most advanced riders breathless. There is even night skiing available so that the fun on this 3,115 foot summit mountain can continue after dark. Watch for all of the riders grabbing and twisting off the 40 foot walled superpipe of Wisp's terrain park, one of 3 in total. From progressive to pro, Wisp is popular with the snowboarding crowd. Also offering ski in and out convenience, Wisp Mountain is an all inclusive get away for family and singles alike.
Notably, the 5th largest ski resort in Pennsylvania, Hidden Valley Ski Mountain, has 28 trails spread out over 100 acres snaking their way down from its 3,000 foot summit; a height which in Pennsylvania is impressive in its own right. Night skiing is available, as is 30km of cross-country skiing, so that no one gets left out in the cold. A standard terrain park with halfpipe provides the adrenaline for snowboard junkies. The park is equipped with jibs, spines, and various box features. If you're coming with little ones, be sure to check out the Outback Park; a fun filled snow playground with its own small set of slopes, snowtubing chutes, and a snow igloo to explore!
Finally, for beginners, or those just looking for an extremely affordable few hours on the slopes, right inside Pittsburgh is Boyce Park, locally run by the Park and Recreation Department. Stressing that this area is oriented to beginners, there are 9 trails stemming from the modest 1,232 foot summit. Don't let that stop you, though, from enjoying what snow is available, and enjoying the family atmosphere. There is also a terrain park here with 2 quarterpipes and a halfpipe, in addition to some jump sets. Warm up in their day lodge with a roaring fire and a cup of coffee to give the legs a rest, or to end off the day just right.
Lodging and eating options in the area are virtually endless. Give the Doubletree Hotel a serious look as they have affordable rates, comfortable rooms, and the Bigelow Grill; a newly renovated restaurant. For a different ambience, drive out to Armstrong Farms Bed and Breakfast in Saxonburg where the main house dates back to 1816, and there are guest houses and cottages situated amongst snow covered walkways while the horses whinny in the background for a very pastoral setting. There are over 100 lodging facilities available in the vicinity, from rustic camping to upscale hotels. Choose from among them as suits your taste. Food lovers, including even the most picky of eaters, will find something to suit their palate. Choose from Ethiopian, fresh seafood, kosher delis, and down home cooking. One only has to take a stroll in the center of Pittsburgh for your nose to be tempted by the eclectic mixture of cooking smells. You can then decide which of the 150 different eateries to frequent. Most, if not all, ski mountains and resorts in the area also have restaurants and bars on site as well, making food and good drinks never that far away.
Skiing in and around the Laurel Highland's
Home to the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his stunning Fallingwater house, as well as numerous lakes, rivers, and lush natural surroundings, the Laurel Highlands is one of southwestern Pennsylvania's top tourist destinations, in all seasons. When the snow flies, these sometimes sleepy mountains come awake with the sounds of snow being torn up, families learning how to ski together for the first time, and that audible silence one only ever truly experiences in a forest.
Blue Knob Ski Area, known as Pennsylvania's “skiers mountain,” is not just for those novice skiers seeking a fun way to spend the day. A large percentage of Blue Knob's 34 trails are dedicated to intermediate and advanced riders. With an abundance of deep bowls and off-piste tree runs, Blue Knob is the place to go where the snow is deep and you want more than just a standard “up and down in 2 seconds” experience. There is a terrain park located here for those on snowboards, but don't expect it to be built up as much as the rest of the mountain is for two planked riders.
Mystic Mountain, at the AAA 5 diamond resort Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, is the place to go for large beginner friendly areas. This small, 25 acre mountain has 7 trails designed especially for families, small children, and novices, while the remaining 3 trails are billed as expert trails, though they would likely only rank at an intermediate level at many of the much larger mountains. This is a popular place for resort guest gatherings and small family outings, so expect friendly vibes even when it's crowded. There are also cross-country trails traversing the golf course on site, for those seeking a leisurely way to spend the wintry days. Don't miss out on a visit to the Resort and Spa itself for an exquisite massage and fine dining. You may even decide to spend the whole night, or trip, in their suite style hotel rooms.
Famous within the Laurel Highlands, and rated as the #1 ski resort in the Mid-Atlantic by SKI Magazine in 2007, as well as the 5th most visited ski resort in the entire USA, Seven Springs Resort and Ski Area's most outstanding feature is the diversity of the terrain distributed among the 31 trails on their 2,990 foot summit. Two high-speed, 6 person chairlifts make waiting in line a thing of the past; a good thing, considering riders prefer to spend their time on the trails rather than in queues. This is especially the case for the 3 terrain parks with their awesome halfpipes, and the 18 foot high walls of their superpipe. There's the “Santa's Beard” for rookies, “North Park” for riders looking to show off their skills and challenge themselves further, and “The Spot” which is the holy grail for snowboarders at Seven Springs Resort.
From B&Bs to boutique hotels, and large scale resorts to entire conference centers, Laurel Highlands has a staggering 100 plus lodging options, not counting the on site lodging available at both Mystic Mountain and Seven Springs. For a unique eating experience, visit the Big Mac Museum and McDonald's, where you'll learn exactly where those all beef patties, special sauce, pickles and sesame seeds on a bun actually come from...
So while the rest of the East Coast may have colder temperatures, higher summits, and larger acreage, Southwestern Pennsylvania certainly has plenty to bring to the table when it comes to ski vacations. Besides, it's less crowded here, Why spend all that time in line when you could be skiing or riding?
Ski Resorts in Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania
Skiing
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