Laurel Mountain open to skiers this week as operations wind down at Hidden Valley, Seven Springs resorts

The first day of spring, March 19, is just around the corner, but ski season may last just a bit longer at area resorts.

The season finale is from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, Sunday, at Hidden Valley Resort in Hidden Valley

Meanwhile Laurel Mountain Resort, east of Laughlintown has another five days ahead and Seven Springs in Champion may be open next weekend — depending on the snow condition on the slopes. All three are operated by Vail Resorts.

“Laurel Mountain will reopen this week for skiers and snowboarders,” Vail Resorts Mid-Atlantic Region senior communications manager Anna Weltz said Sunday. “The slopes have held up well and the mountain ops team has done a stellar job moving snow around to rebuild the slopes after the recent rain.”

Laurel Mountain will be open noon to 8 p.m. through Friday.

A date for putting away skis and snowboards at Seven Springs has yet to be determined. The slopes will be closed Monday through Friday this week and Vail Resorts expects to make a decision on opening next weekend by midweek.

The closing dates are about on par with those in past years.

“It’s been an awesome season for our Laurel Highlands resorts,” said Brett Cook, vice president and general manager of Seven Springs, Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain. “Of course, we wish we could ski and snowboard all day every day, but this is the nature of seasonal recreation.”

Factors Vail Resorts weighs when deciding to put a wrap on the season include the long-term weather forecast, the depth and consistency of snow on a resort’s ski-able terrain and attendance. As winter melts into spring, those with a love for outdoor activities may shift their attention to plans for golfing or youth sports.

Areas of the Pittsburgh region could see light snow showers today, Sunday, but little accumulation is expected, according to WTAE meteorologists. As the week unfolds, high temperatures are expected to climb into the high 60s.

Natural snowfall totals at the area resorts are at 91 inches for the 2023-24 season, more than double the total level of flakes that fell in 2022-23.

This season began Dec. 15 at Seven Springs, Dec. 22 at Hidden Valley and Dec. 23 at Laurel Mountain. A power surge at Laurel Mountain shut down operations at that resort for two days early in the season.

“Since mid-November, we maximized every opportunity to make snow and, in mid-January, nearly all slopes and trails were open at all three resorts, including glade areas that are dependent on natural snow,” Cook said. He noted the three resorts were “maximizing snow-making to provide as much terrain as possible amid challenging weather patterns.”

Visit vailresorts.com for more information.

This story is updated to reflect a change in closing plans made Sunday by Vail Resorts.