Like many veterans of Liberty Mountain (aka Ski Liberty), during some of our past warmer ski days, I have found myself looking to the right of the Alpine Quad and noticing golfers across the street finishing up on the 18th green. I have even found the occasional errant golf ball while standing in line! Such is the proximity of Carroll Valley Golf Course to the lifts at Ski Liberty. Despite the proximity to Liberty, the Carroll Valley Resort is a separately owned entity, currently owned and operated by Carroll Valley Resort Company, LLP. “Currently,” that is, until January 2009 when Liberty Mountain Resort takes over ownership of the resort and expands its corporate footprint in Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania.

As announced in a press release issued by Liberty Mountain on November 3, 2008, the corporation running Ski Liberty will soon be in the golfing business. What does this mean for the many devoted fans of Liberty’s wintertime recreational offerings? Potentially, more hotel space, restaurants and parking. Built in 1988, Carroll Valley Resort’s hotel has 58 guest rooms, several conference meeting rooms, a ballroom capable of seating 350, two on-site dining locations (with fireplaces), a fitness room and a game room. In addition, the resort also has paved parking spaces for guests. Of course, the hotel rooms have always been available for skiers and boarders in the past, so at first, not much may change. However, I would expect that as Liberty integrates the facilities of both resorts, guests will see benefits from the combined operation, including more choice in restaurants that the Carroll Valley typically closes during their “off-season” as well as expanded hotel and parking options. Despite any pending change, though, you may still find the occasional errant golf ball while standing in line for the Alpine Quad.