Area ski resorts operating at full capacity after huge storm
Those that have a passion for playing in the snow had plenty of opportunity to do so on Monday at area ski resorts. With nearly 40 inches of snow falling in the mountain region throughout the weekend and another two to four expected overnight, employees of Seven Springs, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa’s Mystic Mountain and Hidden Valley were operating all their slopes and trails for the snow enthusiasts.
“We have a lot of people on the slopes today,” said Dana Prinkey, Seven Springs Resort marketing and special activities coordinator.
While most trails were open to skiers at the start of the day, groomers were busy clearing snow that had drifted in other areas. But by noon, said Prinkey, all 31 trails were operational.
Prinkey said many resort guests extended their weekend stay through Monday after the blizzard-like conditions prevented safe travel out of the Laurel Highlands region.
Others, who had come for the day, also found themselves as overnight guests.
Prinkey said some employees and those that had been using the facilities decided not to venture outside the resort and made due with the offering of a pillow and blanket and a sleeping space in one of the available meeting rooms.
“We had about 150 people that needed accommodations,” she said, adding that all available rooms were also filled overnight.
Skiing conditions were similar at Hidden Valley, where available slopes were being used by those that had the day off either because of President’s Day or school closing.
“It’s absolutely beautiful and everyone is having a good time,” said an unidentified spokeswoman at the resort.
An additional 32 inches of snow had fallen at Mystic Mountain and made for larger-than-normal crowds, according to Andy Kegg, lift ticket captain at the resort.
“We still have people out there skiing and we probably will all night,” he said around 5 p.m.
All available trails and lifts were open at 9 a.m. and despite the heavy snowfall, skiers made their way to Nemacolin Woodlands.
“It’s been a great day,” said Kegg.