By ARLENE JOHNS
JOHNSTOWN — Last week, Blue Knob, Hidden Valley and Seven Springs ski resorts all took advantage of the recent cold snap and opened their slopes.
With an extended weather forecast calling for more snow and colder temperatures than usual, the outlook is bright for the local resorts.
“With the El Nino going on this winter, I do expect there to be more snow than normal,” said Brett Anderson, senior meteorologist with AccuWeather.
According to AccuWeather, El Nino refers to a periodic warming of the surface of the tropical Pacific Ocean that can influence weather patterns in the United States.
Anna Weltz, communications manager for Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion, said they are hoping for 125 inches of natural snow to fall on the slopes this year.
“We had 109 inches last year,” Weltz said. “Weather trending looks like we are going to be getting more snow than last year.
“We’re looking forward to cold temperatures and natural snow right through Christmas.”
To kick off the season, all three resorts are offering special incentives.
Hidden Valley Resort off Route 31 is offering a free ski ticket for the day for anyone donating two canned food items today. The donated items will go to Community Action Partnership for Somerset County, Tableland Services, and to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Those without items to donate can get a ticket for $10 with proceeds to go to local food banks.
In northwestern Bedford County, Blue Knob All Seasons Resort will offer a Toys for Tots event beginning at 9 a.m. Friday. Anyone donating a new toy valued at $15 or more will receive a voucher good for a full-day midweek lift pass.
Seven Springs will offer $10 off lift tickets to anyone donating a new toy for Toys for Tots today.
Seven Springs and Hidden Valley have invested in equipment that should make for better slopes.
Hidden Valley has been working on snow-making capabilities while Seven Springs added new groomers.
In addition, new opportunities will be available for advanced skiers.
“We’ve added glade (tree) skiing between Cobra and Wrangler slopes for advanced skiers and snowboarders,” said Robert Duppstadt Jr., Hidden Valley Resort spokesman.
Seven Springs has added a mogul run area on the lower portion of Gunnar Slope.
Other changes at the resort include a recently added spa.
“It’s a great place to unwind after a day on the slopes,” Weltz said.
Hidden Valley has made changes to its food and beverage services, and Duppstadt said guests will see improvements in their overall dining experience.
Blue Knob also added new trails.
Although each resort has raised the price of lift tickets this year, each said attractive packages and discounts are available.
Even though the cost isn’t as palatable as it was last year, the weather certainly should cooperate.
“Overall, even though we started off pretty mild, I think things will start to come in line and that is good news for ski operators across Pennsylvania,” Anderson said.
