Seven Springs has new Webcam on North Face summit and North Face base.
As of 6 PM 11/22/24 7 Springs reporting 12 niches.
I have a few old Duda Mobile websites that are no longer supported. As an Epic Pass holder, I wanted easy access to "my" local ski areas without having to navigate to several different websites. Here is what I came up with.
Here's the link - Ski The Laurels
I changed the title to include Blue Knob.
In an interview on KDKA CBS Pittsburgh yesterday 11/22 with Brett Cook, GM of Vail Resorts said that snowmaking could start midweek at 7 Springs.
Certainly, please do!
Laurel Hill Crazie wrote:
Nice, Blue Don. I have it bookmarked. That will come in handy. Can I share the link on LM's FB Group?
KDKA Interview with 7 Springs GM Brett Cook.
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/seven-springs-laurel-highlands-snow-totals/
This interview with Brett Cook is from early 2023, but I only recently listened to it. Perhaps old news to those of you who pay close attention to skiing in PA. I didn't realize how many PA resorts he worked in before his current position.
Podcast #116: Seven Springs, Laurel, & Hidden Valley VP & GM Brett Cook
Looks like "White Friday" at Laurel Mtn .....:-)
Monday night, guns off at LM, but plenty of snow stockpiled. And it's only Dec 2.
Agreed... it's awful. I think the market is voting with their wallet. Vail reported in September that pass sales decreased 3% YoY along with walk up ticket's decreasing significantly (I can't remember off hand, it was 15% or 35%). The problem is the golden goose is dead. If no one is getting into the sport, and season pass holders are leaving then sales will eventually enter a structural decline.
I've noticed a significant increase in social media presence over the last few months as it seems like Vail is scared they won't have as much money to count.
The company also reported in September they've entered into a two year "scaled efficiency operation" where they hope to save $100m. Not great news for us Mid-A skiers.
Over/under on whether Giant Boulder opens this year? Maybe for a few days in March after a freak snow... so sad.
Grumpy dad wrote:
We have some of the best snowmaking conditions ever, and Vail has decided to once again focus on bare minimum as if this was all they could muster. There's little chance to make snow next week. Which means heading toward Christmas, there will likely be one slope and two trails open at 7Springs for example.
This is the greatest example of how it was advertised vs how it's actually going.
I know Vail pressures their management to keep operating costs down, but geesh at some point you must realize they literally only care about selling passes, counting their money, before the season even gets started. Then through the season they squeeze every penny they can. All so a bunch of non skiers can get fat bonuses.
I was thinking about a quick trip on Sunday until I saw this on that mobile website I built.....
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM SUNDAY TO 4 AM EST MONDAY... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations up to two inches and ice accumulations between one tenth and three tenths of an inch. * WHERE...Somerset County. * WHEN...From 7 AM Sunday to 4 AM EST Monday. * IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel will be difficult.
snowsmith wrote:
HV opened today with most of the front side open. Beautiful ski weather and very good conditions. Light crowds. Laurel Mtn opens 12/20 with just about all of the snow making trails including Upper and Lower Wildcat. Impressive snow making effort by Vail and LM staff!
Conditions and coverage were good. It's shocking they prioritize 7S so much, the snow making is miles better at HV. Though I get it that 7S brings in more revenue via the party crowd.
Sadly we are back in the now standard western PA winter cycle of cold/dry alternating once every so many days with warm/rainy.
needawax wrote:
Was at HV both sat and sun. Sunday unfortunately in the AM was light rain, but it then turned to snow in the afternoon. Conditions were great when the snow squall started, and even less of a crowd...
We are in that cycle. But I got 4 days in already between 7S and HV. Trying to make that Epic NE pass worth it! Having been there for a long time, agreed that snow is typically better at HV in general, but 7s has more to cover in general, and the snowmaking there on average isn't as good as what hv can do if so inclined. That said, HV's makers are getting long in the tooth too.
I'll reiterate that conditions were divine when the "squall" happened mid afternoon yesterday (Sun). The crunchiness turned to butter.
I want to be there so bad, but have to go out of town this weekend. Going to try to hit it over the holidays.
Hope you can enjoy! Snowing now and the weather looks great all weekend.
Laurel Hill Crazie wrote:
Laurel opens tomorrow at 10. All of its snowmaking trails, including the best expert terrain in the region, Upper and Lower Wildcat, will be open.
today was the best skiing on opening day in a long long time
Was at HV Fri nite and Saturday. Wonderful burst of snow mid-day right on top of that machine snow. Typical opening of North Summit slopes on Sunday. Light to moderate crowds. Really enjoying these bonus days before Christmas/New Years. Next up - get over to Laurel and perhaps Whitetail between the 2 holidays.
