JENNERSTOWN — The new owners of Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort are exploring reopening Laurel Mountain ski area, the Somerset County commissioners said in a letter of support sent to a top state official.
This is the third straight year the slopes at Laurel Mountain will be silent, after a brief attempt by Seven Springs to operate the resort on the border between Somerset and Westmoreland counties.
The Buncher Co., a Pittsburgh developer that bought Hidden Valley last summer, is looking into trying to operate Laurel Mountain, commissioners confirmed.
Through a spokeswoman, Buncher executives declined to comment.
The state owns the land at Laurel Mountain, while the resort and housing development are owned by Somerset Trust.
“The Buncher Group has made a significant investment in Somerset County’s ski resort business with their recent purchase of the Hidden Valley ski resort,” the commissioners said in a letter to Michael DiBerardinis, secretary of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
“They have shown a strong interest in operating the Laurel Mountain facility, and we wholeheartedly support their acquisition.”
Westmoreland County commissioners have sent a similar letter, Somerset County Commissioner Chairman Jimmy Marker said.
Somerset County commissioners said reopening Laurel Mountain “is a vital winter linkare for Somerset, Fayette and Westmoreland counties.”
“This linkage throughout the Laurel Highlands will encourage public-private partnerships and promote new development and tourism,” commissioners said.
Since acquiring Hidden Valley at the end of August for $12.5 million from the Kettler family of Gaithersburg, Md., Buncher has made considerable improvements to the resort.
The lodge and other buildings received fresh coats of paint and new roofs, snowmaking equipment has been upgraded and new restaurants opened.
Hidden Valley held its grand opening under new management Saturday.
Last month, Buncher unveiled a $1 billion, 30-year master plan for the resort, centered around a new lodge and condominium hotel complex. Construction of the lodge and hotel is expected to begin next year.
Buncher also is developing an nearby gated community called Paradise Springs on a former game preserve along Route 31.
Local News
County backs effort to reopen Laurel Mountain
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