Let It Snow! Fun with the White Stuff in the Pittsburgh Area
There are plenty of reasons to love winter in Western Pennsylvania! But if you find that it's getting harder to remember what they are as you trek back and forth to class in dropping temperatures and howling winds, then this article is for you ...
In addition to serving as the Associate Dean for Research and Academic Affairs for the School of Information Sciences, Dr. Martin Weiss is also our resident expert on local ski and snowboarding hills. The walls of his 7th floor office feature trail maps of mountains in Winter Park, Colorado and Zurmat, Switzerland. But in between those "epic" ski trips, Dr. Weiss recommends skiing in a range of conditions to brush up your technique (and those conditions here in Pennsylvania include fog, sleet, and the occasional "powder day"). The following are some of his recommendations on where to ski when you only have a day or an evening to spare. Driving times from Pitt vary from just over an hour to four hours.
Christopher Field is a first term Master's student on the School Library Certification Program track. He is a native of Pittsburgh and a snowboard enthusiast. He informed us of the Pittsburgh Ski and Snowboard Club (PSSC) a Student Organization here at Pitt that has an office on the 5th floor of the William Pitt Union. Please consult their website for office hours, meeting schedules, and other information www.pitt.edu/AFShome/s/o/sorc/public/html/skiclub Christopher also made several suggestions for "hot spots" to snowboard in the area.
Seven Springs: Look for a few groomed black diamond trails, but beware the lack of a moderate taper at the bottom of Seven Springs' trails. Chris recommends this park as the best in the area for beginning, intermediate, and advanced snowboarding. This season, Seven Springs debuts a new children's terrain park and $44 for Saturday/$40 for Sunday lift ticket prices. Seven Springs is a locals' favorite, just 1-1/4 hours' drive from Pittsburgh in Champion, PA. Visit www.7springs.com or call 800-452-2223..
Hidden Valley: This ski park in Hidden Valley, PA might be the most family friendly ski area, with plenty of beginner and intermediate trails. This park is said to be great for the first time snowboarder. This season they are featuring a Leap Year Special. From February 5 through March 5, lift tickets will cost just $20.04! The Outback Park also offers snow-tubing complete with lights for evening runs! Get more information at www.hiddenvalleyresort.com or 814-443-2600.
Blue Knob: With 1,025 feet of vertical drop, Blue Knob offers the most bang for your buck within a two-hour drive of Pittsburgh. Blue Knob is located in Claysburg, PA. Adult lift tickets cost $40 on weekends and $30 on weekdays. Go to www.blueknob.com or call 800-458-3403.
Laurel Mountain: Ligonier, PA's Laurel Mountain has set a tentative opening date of December 20, 2003 (snow conditions pending!). This area has 900 feet of vertical drop, and is only a 1-1/4 hour's drive from Pittsburgh. At $29 for weekend adult lift tickets, and $18 for weekday adult lift tickets, Laurel Mountain is definitely worth a visit (www.skilaurelmountain.com or 724-238-9860).
Wisp: Wisp is part of the Deep Creek Mountain Resort in McHenry, Maryland, about 2-1/5 hours from Pittsburgh. In addition to upgrading their old double chairlifts to new triple lifts, Wisp is offering two great promotions this season. On December 14 and 15, lift tickets will cost only $7 (the cost of tickets when the resort opened in 1955). Their "Ski Free with a B" program offers a free season pass to fourth graders with a B or better average (alas, graduate students need not apply!). Check out www.skiwisp.com or call 301-387-4911.
Holiday Valley: If you invest the 4 hours of driving time to this Ellicottville, NY ski resort, you'll be rewarded with access to 52 trails and 750 feet of vertical drop. In particular, Dr. Weiss recommends "The Wall" if you're up for a challenge! Adult lift tickets are $41 for weekends, and $37 for weekdays. Also make time for the Snow-tubing Park, which offers 10 lanes for tubing. See www.holidayvalley.com or call 716-699-2345.
Boyce Park: If you only have an afternoon or a bit of cash to spare, don't overlook Boyce Park, right here in Pittsburgh, PA. You may not see the Olympic downhill team training on Boyce's 10 trails, 180 feet of vertical, but at $13 for weekend lift tickets and $9 for weekday lift tickets, this might be the ideal learning hill for all of the aspiring hot-doggers here at S.I.S.! This park is ski and snowboard friendly. Visit www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks or call 724-733-4656.
Snowshoe: Located in West Virginia, Snowshoe is said to have the steepest vertical on the East Coast. With 39 trails, two high-speed lifts, and a lovely ski village, this park is arguably the best in the area. Snowshoe even has an exclusive snowboard park, for you elitists. Adult weekend lift tickets are $63, and weekday rates are $55. Students and Seniors pay $58 on the weekend and $40 during the week! Children 5 and under ski free when accompanied by a lift paying adult. Visit www.showsoemtn.com or call 304-572-1000 for more details.