Seven Springs Mountain Resort Is a Destination for an Epic Snow Year
Wax up! The forecasts are calling for plenty of snow across the Northeast this winter. This news has us skiers and snowboarders giddy for a fabled epic season on the slopes. Best of all, southwestern Pennsylvania is front and center in the snow band this season. This means lots of deep snow, and après ski snow globe-worthy experiences by night.
Snow lovers are eager to escape to Seven Springs Mountain Resort for all things Nordic, from over 30 named runs across 285 acres to sleigh rides and snowshoe and snowmobile tours. Located just over one hour from Pittsburgh (and only three hours from Baltimore and DC), weekday, weekend, and long-term visitors revel in Seven Springs’ 135+ inches of snow as well as its diverse dining and easy access to a heated pool, hot tubs, and of course, ski-in, ski-out access to 10 chairlifts.
Ski and snowboard enthusiasts from green beginners to black-diamond daredevils can find exactly the terrain and program they need to become a snow sport convert or spend an outrageous day zipping down between the NASTAR Course gates. Terrain Park hounds get plenty of air for their efforts, TransWorld SNOWboarding’s 2016 Resort Poll lauded Seven Springs innovative designs and progressions with Top Ten (#6) North American honors and #1 Terrain Parks on the entire East Coast.
Anyone can benefit from a lesson, whether you’re looking for an opportunity to make your first turns as a beginner or to hone your inside edges as a seasoned skier. Beginners can sign up for the Triple Play Card to get three beginner group lessons or schedule a private half-day or day-long lesson. The Fun-Based Learning program emphasizes doing and going, not standing and listening, with great results.
The Group Workshops allow intermediate skiers and snowboarders to transition to the next level. Leave your twigs at home because Seven Springs stocks the latest rental equipment, including Burton snowboards and Rossignol skis.
Today’s ski vacations are about much more than just carving turns. Fortunately, the entire Laurel Highlands paints a vivid winter wonderland canvas. The Seven Springs Stables convey guests behind a team of elegant Belgian draft horses on horse-drawn sleigh rides. You can also saddle up a horse of your own and take to the trails with Rich Jones’ professional riding staff. “Jonesy” is a local legends who will always add color to your vacation memories.
The Adventurous types love to hop on a snowmobile tour and wind through the gorgeous deciduous forest. Others can rent snowshoes and take to the trails to explore the sublime landscape. Seven Springs also offers a rare look into one of the most mythical jobs at any ski resort: the snowcat groomer. Guests can jump into the heated cab and hit the slopes after hours to see a perspective few have seen. You’ll never look at the day’s groomers the same way after laying down tracks the night before.
All this adventure will surely build up your appetite. Seven Springs Mountain Resort’s dining options guarantee satisfaction, whether you prefer casual alpine fare at the Bavarian Lounge or an evening of rustic fine dining and an award-winning wine list inside Helen’s. What’s rustic fine dining? Think grilled Waygu Strip served with herbed mac and cheese or roasted pheasant pot pie. The Slopeside restaurant offers weekend buffets, which are a hungry teen’s (and what teen isn’t hungry?) dream. Every day at Slopeside begins with a breakfast buffet, providing a perfect fuel stop in a family-friendly setting.
Seven Springs Resort’s dedication to family satisfaction resonates throughout the area, including dining for every possible palate. Timbers is where burger lovers go for almost a dozen perfect patties, from shaved prime rib to the Monster Burger for Two. The Grille at Sporting Clays continues the comfort food theme, and the Pizza Place gives those who are passionate about their pizza New York-style pies.
Adults on romantic getaways, buddy trips, girlfriend getaways, or parents’ night out (yes, Seven Springs has a babysitting service) can enjoy plenty of frothy options. Seven Ten Bistro and Foggy Brews are two great evening spots. Seven Ten offers a cool alcove, and Foggy Brews features 50 taps of craft brew. Live music and DJs play nightly in the Matterhorn Lounge for those with a little more dance in their step.
Adults can also get their soothe on at Trillium Spa, a luxurious setting that offers an array of treatments such as massages, facials, and scrubs. Trillium’s signature blends come in all sorts of flavors. Experience the Sensational Synergy, a 50-minute milk-and-honey wrap followed by a 50-minute signature massage. Every pro racer cherishes his massage therapist, and even though you may be off the circuit, you’ll carve like never before after your Invigorating Men’s Renewal.
One of the best virtues of a destination resort is the opportunity to put the car keys away and revel in an adventurous lifestyle. Like the ski runs, which are evenly divided between beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain, Seven Springs Mountain Resort’s lodging offers every possible configuration for a perfect holiday.
The Main Lodge Hotel features rooms and suites at the base of the mountain. The Winter Family Memories package takes “kids stay free” to a different altitude. Two kids under age 11 receive free lodging, and the resort also throws in their lift tickets and an inclusion package. They even give the kids lift access after 4 pm on the day of arrival!
The Winter Family Memories packages also includes a dining card, pizza, and a ton of off-slope activities such as tubing, miniature golf, bowling, roller skating, and full swimming pool access.
Condo and townhouse rentals offer self-sufficiency, family privacy, and a home-away-from-home ambience. The cottages, ranging from the expansive Forest Lodge to the intimate Robin’s Nest, are sprinkled throughout the resort. The new high-end, 4–6 bedroom Tyrol Chalets are within easy walk of the chairlifts, exclusive slope-side decks, and all the comforts of home. Finally, the Fin n’ Feather estate offers an exceptional opportunity to stay in a trio of residences, including the Main Lodge, Guest House, and Carriage House. These residences host up to 16 people, and travel to the resort village is available via a prearranged shuttle service.
Winter is coming, and we can’t be happier about it. Along with its sister resorts, Hidden Valley and the richly historical Laurel Mountain ski area, Seven Springs Mountain Resort creates an outstanding snow-sport destination. One can now experience 79 slopes and trails on the very same vacation.
Soon it will be time to strap on our skis or snowboards, put bells on the sleigh team’s halters, and rev up the snowmobiles. Chili has replaced spring salads on the menus, the firewood is stacked, and hot tubs are firing up. With numerous stay-and-play packages for a winter fantasy in the Laurel Highlands, Seven Springs Mountain Resort is ready for all of us during what just might be a historic snowfall year. Bring it on!