And the slopes are beautifully designed. This is the same ridge and drop skiing as everyone else in the region except Timberline offers, but this is a long, high ridge and the trails use the terrain to maximum effect.
Parking can be difficult because of the long, narrow valley lot winding along with the lodge. But there’s a tubing hill, a dorm for youth groups, a classic cruising run, slopeside rental condos, and a challenging NASTAR course.
Seven Springs is best accessed from the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Somerset. State roads coming in from the South are fine in clear weather, but dicey in the usual ice and snow conditions of January and February.
Due to its location just east of Pittsburgh on major highways, Seven Springs draws the biggest crowds in the region. But they’re a laid back bunch. They favor late nights and midmorning wakeups. Wake up early, eat breakfast at one of the restaurants and make it to Rope Drop. You’ll have two hours of great skiing before the lift lines begin building. And don’t even think of skiing Seven Springs during Christmas, Martin Luther King or President’s weekends.