Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort plans to spend $100 million on improvements over the next year, adding new real estate developments, a new water park, a new expert slope, and lodge and hotel upgrades.

“These enhancements underscore our commitment to continually improve the quality of the resort for our guests and our employees,” said Scott Bender, president of Seven Springs. He added that the enhancements will create short- and long-term jobs and increase the tax base for the township and local school district.

Over the summer, Seven Springs will be enhancing its snowmaking system, unveiling the first phase of its new automated snowmaking system during the 2005-2006 winter season. The resort is cutting a new black diamond trail in the North Face ski area. Seven Springs is purchasing a state-of-the-art half-pipe groomer and plans to unveil new features in its terrain park.

Over the next four years, each of the 400 rooms in the resort’s Main Lodge and 10-story hotel will be renovated. According to the resort, the Main Lodge will also receive an extensive makeover with improvements to public spaces. For example, a new cafe will begin brewing Starbucks coffee this summer.

Later this year, Seven Springs plans to break ground on a new $10 million outdoor water park, which is scheduled to open during the summer of 2006. Current plans include a lazy river, a zero-entry pool, several chutes and slides, children’s and refreshment areas, and nightly water fountain shows. The 2.5-acre water park will be located at the base of the slopes.

New real estate developments are also breaking ground at Seven Springs. Southwind at Lake Tahoe is a $100 million townhome development, and the first phase, offering 54 townhomes, sold out within days in late 2004. 57 units sold in Phase Two will be available for presale in June, 2005; due to a long waiting list, the resort will hold a lottery to select future owners. Townhomes at Southwind will range in size from 1,700 to 2,500 square feet.

16 residential sites remain available as part of Pheasant Run, a gated neighborhood across the street from the Seven Springs main entrance. Pheasant Run homes range from 2,000 to 6,000 square feet.