Friday is opening day for the slopes at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in the Laurel Highlands.
Every year, opening day is determined by the weather. A week or two of cold, low humidity days are required to make enough artificial snow to accommodate skiers and snowboarders. This year, snowmaking began on Nov. 10. It’s the third year in a row slopes will open the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Seven Springs communications manager Katie Buchan said the first natural snow of the season was early this year, and brought about 6 inches.
“In the middle of ski season we want it to be lighter and fluffier, but this time of year it’s perfect to get that heavy wet snow because it helps us build our base,” said Buchan.
The heavy dense base will last through into the spring, and lay underneath the fresh snow that people love to ski on.
The packed base now has about 10 to 20 more inches of artificial and natural snow on top.
Seven Springs averages 135 inches of natural snow fall each season. The resort expects to see higher than average snowfall this season, and prolonged cold temperatures.
Nearby Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain resorts have not yet announced opening days for their slopes and trails.
