The current skiing season has been exemplary so far. The cold temperatures and heavy snow western Pennsylvania has been experiencing have been phenomenal for the local ski resorts. Whether you are extremely experienced and have been skiing for as long as you can remember, or you are trying it for the first time this year, it is evident that the three different local resorts all shine for various reasons. 

Each has a specific audience and caters to individuals and the unique skiing experience they want. If there is one specific pull factor you are looking for, this will share which resort is best for your needs.

Largest Resort:

Seven Springs contains 285 acres of skiable terrain. It has 10 ski lifts and 33 trails that all have great variety.

Resort with Highest Difficulty:   

Seven Springs is the most difficult because it has numerous black diamonds and tough trails. Sometimes the sheer crowds on the mountain can cause extraneous chaos and amplify the difficulty. Goosebumps is the name of its only black diamond and it is extra difficult because of the moguls, or man-made bumps that span down the length of the slope.

Best Resort Quality:  

Seven Springs has a hotel on the ski resort grounds. Inside the building, there are several food places, a pool, an arcade, and a bowling alley. These extra amenities add a lot to the experience. One of the restaurants, formerly known as Timbers, has a great view of the mountain from your seat.

Most Options for Resort Food:   

Seven Springs, within the hotel, has multiple food locations. They have great pizza at their pizza place called Mountain Pizza. My personal favorite is the dessert and ice cream parlor called Gingerbread Dreams. They have ice cream, fudge, cupcakes, and more.

Best For Beginners: 

The beginner slope at Hidden Valley is called Bobcat and it is very good because it is off to the side and has its own area reserved for first-time or young skiers. There is also a Bobcat conveyor that transports the skiers to the top of it. Model T is another beginner slope that is a great stepping stone after Bobcat. The very beginning, after getting off of the lift, is completely flat and the main portion of it is not steep. It is Hidden Valley’s main slope and runs under the Sunrise and Sunset lifts.

Most Family-Friendly:  

There are numerous spaces and tables inside to eat and keep ski bags and gear. Often, children get cold and need to go inside to take a break. Hidden Valley has the space and resources to accommodate that.

Smallest Lift Lines & Crowds:  

Although it only has one lift, the smaller size of the resort yields a smaller crowd. Oftentimes, it is not busy at all and there is practically no lift line. It is also nice not to have many people on the slope at the same time as you.

Most Thrilling Resort:  

Despite having fewer black diamond slopes and the lowest percentage of advanced terrain, it is home to the steepest ski slope in Pennsylvania, Lower Wildcat. It has a vertical drop of 761 feet. Many go to the resort just to get a chance to attempt it.

Best Lodge Food:   

Of all the food offered right within the lodge, Laurel Mountain takes the cake for one singular menu item. On the lower level of the lodge, there is a restaurant and bar called the Wildcat Lounge. Their soft pretzels and beer cheese are fantastic and make the restaurant worthwhile. There are also TVs located inside of it to watch sporting events.