Plans to reopen the 20-slope Laurel Mountain Ski Resort are underway, and it could provide a fully restored destination for local skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers.
To increase tourism and job availability in Pennsylvania, the state may release $6.5 million to repair the dormant Laurel Mountain Ski Resort, said Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Press Secretary Chris Novak.
Laurel Mountain Ski Resort, owned by Seven Springs Mountain Resort, has been closed since 2003, according to a press release from Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
Penn State Ski Club President Brett Schrey (senior-agricultural and biological engineering) said he had never heard of the Laurel Mountain Ski Resort, but he is interested in the Seven Springs ownership.
"I think the [Seven Springs] resort is probably one of the best in PA," Schrey said. "I think judging that it is Seven Springs ... they should be able to draw a large number of people, especially from the Pittsburgh area, out to go skiing, and I think it should be pretty successful."
In the past, the Penn State Ski Club has gone on trips to Vermont, Eastern Canada and the typical spring break trip out west, Schrey said.
Seven Springs spokeswoman Anna Weltz said the new plans have not been finalized, but discussion is underway.
"At this point we're not willing to release any details. We're working out the finer details with the agreement with the state," Weltz said.
Laurel Mountain Ski Resort is located in Ligonier, which is about 100 miles southwest of State College.
The resort was the first major ski resort in western Pennsylvania, according to the DCNR.
DCNR operates all state parks in Pennsylvania, which includes the Laurel Mountain Ski Resort.
Novak said the $6.5 million in funds have not yet been released, but Gov. Ed Rendell is committed to the project.
The state has not said when it will approve the funds.
"We're not in the stage where we're spending any money, and [the state] would actually release the money to DCNR to make the improvements," Novak said.
She said the ski area has had difficulties operating, so DCNR, local officials and other partnerships agreed the state needed to invest funds in the infrastructure to reopen the resort.
"It's not really in a condition that's operable or, I guess, safe is the right word. I think it was a combination of local officials who are obviously interested in the tourism aspects of it and how that supports the economy, and then DCNR to offer another outdoor recreational opportunity at that park," Novak said.
She said that while there is no timeline for the improvements, the majority of the funds will be spent to repair the chairlifts and snowmaking machines.
Schrey said that compared to other ski resorts in Pennsylvania, like Tussey Mountain, located in Boalsburg, the greatest advantage Seven Springs has is the quality of chairlifts and snowmaking systems.
Specific construction plans have not yet been released, but Weltz said that once completed, the resort will benefit the area's tourism and economy.
"With the possibility of Laurel Mountain opening, we're going to become a huge destination for people all over the area -- Columbus, Cleveland, Washington D.C., Baltimore," Weltz said.
"It will be a tremendous attraction."
