DCNR: Design Work Continues on Laurel Mountain State Park Ski Area Improvements, Construction Should Begin Next Fall

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Design work to improve the ski area of Laurel Mountain State Park in Westmoreland County will soon be complete and the project should be opened for bid next summer, according to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

"Featuring one of the steepest slopes in the state, the ski area at Laurel Mountain State Park is a great asset to outdoor enthusiasts who crave winter activities," Bureau of State Parks Director John Norbeck said. "Design work for the DCNR improvements at Laurel Mountain is being finalized and some issues related to conditions below the surface are being resolved."

The state will improve the water storage system and infrastructure used for making snow, and make electrical upgrades. Other improvements will include a new or refurbished lift and slope grading work. A new tubing park may be added if funds are available.

Construction work should begin in the fall of 2011, which would mean skiing would not be possible at Laurel Mountain for the 2011 season.

Laurel Mountain is located off U.S. Route 30 between Jennerstown, Somerset County, and Laughlintown, Westmoreland County. The ski area covers 64 acres and offers 18 slopes and trails.

The ski area, part of the park's 493 acres, dates back to 1939 when it started as a private business and was one of the first ski operations in Pennsylvania. Opened to the public after World War II, Gen. Richard K. Mellon donated the land encompassing the ski area and some other acreage to the state in 1964.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort acquired the privately-owned ski assets including the lodge and some infrastructure at Laurel Mountain State Park in November 2008.

For more information about Pennsylvania's 117 state parks, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us or call 1-888-PAPARKS.

Media contact: Christina Novak, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources