Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort is preparing to launch its first season under new ownership. On Wednesday, December 5, Hidden Valley announced that it would open for skiing and boarding on Saturday, December 15, 2007. Newly-installed snowguns are currently firing away at the resort, as it prepares for a festivity-filled opening day.

On opening day, Hidden Valley Resort will offer free group ski lessons at 10:30 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. The Victorian Voices will provide holiday caroling, and children will be entertained with strolling characters, magicians, and a visit from Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty. Activities will include magic shows, holiday face paintaing, a caricature artist and live music.

Stoney and the crew from the Y108 radio station will deliver a live broadcast from the slopes at 11:30 a.m. North of Mason Dixon (NOMaD), a progressive country band based out of Pittsburgh, will perform new songs and holiday classics at 4 p.m.

Installed just weeks ago, Hidden Valley Resort’s new snowguns are busy building up a base of snow in preparation for a December 15 opening. Photo provided by Hidden Valley Resort.

“We want to make our opening day festive, fun and enjoyable for the entire family,” said Hidden Valley’s Bill Doring. “It’s a perfect time of year to celebrate family gatherings and traditions. We’re starting new ones at Hidden Valley.”

The new eateries at the resort will provide complimentary hot cocoa and treats, with John Harvard’s Brew House, John Harvard’s Express, and the Cafe at Hidden Valley also making their debut on December 15.

There will be a grand prize drawing for a family ski makeover, with the lucky winner receiving ski shop merchandise valued up to $1,500.

Opening day will conclude with a fireworks display. Opening day lift ticket proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

From December 15 through December 20, the slopes will be open from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. Beginning on Friday, December 21, Hidden Valley will operate from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., excluding certain holidays.

For more information, please call Hidden Valley Resort at 814-443-8000.

Cold temperatures are providing ideal conditions for snowmaking. Photo provided by Hidden Valley Resort.