Here is a quick guide to the many options for skiing near Pittsburgh, PA. These resorts are great for snowboarding and (usually) snowtubing as well. Many of the resorts are in the laurel highlands region of Pennsylvania due to the mountainous terrain, but there are a few options to the north and west as well, even in Allegheny County itself.
COVID-19 Disclaimer: Due to the pandemic, the information below may be impacted by state and local directives and may not be completely accurate. Be sure to visit the webpage provided for each listing for the most up-to-date information.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Seven Springs is arguably the most well-known place for skiing near Pittsburgh. Featuring 33 slopes and trails, 7 terrain parks and 10 lifts on two faces of the mountain, there is something for every level and preference. The highest elevation is 2,994 feet, towering above 285 acres of skiable terrain. In addition to skiing and snowtubing, the resort also offers other winter activities such as sleigh rides and snowmobile / snowshoe tours.
There are several lodging options as well. The Slopeside Hotel is attached to the main lodge, and various townhomes, condos and cottages are also available for rent above the slopes and at other nearby locations.
The Lodge itself features shopping, entertainment and several indoor activities, including bowling, swimming, roller skating and miniature golf. There are several dining options for everything from a quick snack to fine dining, and a vibrant nightlife.
777 Water Wheel Dr, Champion, PA 15622
Hidden Valley Resort
Hidden Valley lies in the same general area as Seven Springs, in the Laurel Highlands near the PA Turnpike. It features 26 slopes and trails and 2 terrain parks for skiing and snowboarding. It boasts in having the best snowmaking and grooming in southwestern PA. Nine lifts are available to access the slopes, situated across 110 acres of terrain. The highest elevation is 2,875 feet. The trails and slopes vary in difficulty from beginner to black diamond. Snowtubing is also offered in 2- or 3-hour time slots, depending on the day of the week.
There are three food options, the Clock Tower Restaurant and Glaciers Pub, perfect for dining after hitting the slopes. There is also the Sunrise Sunset Café, which is great for a quick bite. Lodging is available at the Inn at Hidden Valley, located at the base of the mountain just down the road from the Base Lodge. Make some time to relax at the Trillium Spa!
In summary, Hidden Valley Resort is like Seven Springs but is scaled back in its amenities off the slopes.
1 Craighead Rd, Somerset, PA 15501
Laurel Mountain
Laurel Mountain is a smaller ski / snowboarding area, with one main lift and 20 slopes and trails. It is known for the Wildcat Slope, which features a 761-ft vertical drop, the steepest in the state! This ski area has a long history dating back to 1940 and is now operated by Pennsylvania as part of Laurel Mountain State Park. Laurel Mountain has a summit elevation of 2,766 feet, with 70 acres of skiable terrain.
The Laurel Lodge is located above the slopes, featuring the Laurel House Café. There is no lodging on the premises, but due to the proximity of its sister ski lodges of Seven Springs and Hidden Valley, nearby options are available.
Laurel Mountain is a great, simple ski area with long trails and diverse runs, perfect for all levels of skiers.
347 Summit Ski Rd, Boswell, PA 15531
Mystic Mountain at Nemacolin Resort
One of the higher end options for skiing near Pittsburgh, Nemacolin has it all. Skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing are only a small part of what is offered at Nemacolin Resort, located in the Laurel Highlands near Farmington, PA. Therefore, the winter amenities may not be as extensive as some of the other resorts, but the resort itself more than makes up for it. Nemacolin is known for its luxurious accommodations, fine dining, golf, casino, spa and much more…
Mystic Mountain offers 6 slopes over 25 acres, with all levels of difficulty. It also features the Yeti’s Lair Terrain Park. It also offers additional snow experiences, such as the “Sno-Go” ski bike and the use of smaller ski skates for use on the slopes. Cross country skiing is available on its own dedicated trails.
1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA 15437
Boyce Park Four Seasons Lodge
The Boyce Park Ski Slopes and Snow Tubing Area is operated each winter by Allegheny County Parks. It offers 2 intermediate slopes, one beginner slope and one beginner trail. In addition, there is a separate beginner’s area that does not require a ski lift. Snow tubing is offered adjacent to the slopes.
Although Boyce Park may not be the best option for more advanced skiers, it is a great place to learn to ski, and is a great inexpensive option for a quicker ski trip due to its proximity to Pittsburgh.
Boyce Park Ski Lodge – Website
901 Centerview Dr, Plum, PA 15239
Nutting Winter Sports Complex at Oglebay
Oglebay Resort near Wheeling, WV offers skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing on a few slopes of its golf course during the winter months. The lodge is located near the Oglebay Pool at Crispin Center. This is a great option for resort guests and area residents alike.
Although skiing at Oglebay has been in place for decades, in 2004 the Nutting Winter Sports Complex opened with a triple chair lift and better snowmaking capabilities. The park continues to improve the ski area, with plans for youth racing, a larger terrain park and an enhanced fire pit area.
Nutting Winter Sports Complex – Website
465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003
Willowbrook Ski Area (1969 – 2006)
CLOSED PERMANENTLY. Although closed, it only feels right to acknowledge the Willowbrook Ski Area. This was operated by Willowbrook Golf Course in Rostraver Township, PA. It featured one 190-ft. vertical slope plus a beginner hill. It was a great, inexpensive ski option south of Pittsburgh, and was very popular. It was known by many for its jumps and terrain features in an era where the larger resorts frowned upon such things. It was always a unique place for skiing near Pittsburgh! The golf course is still in operation, but the lifts have been removed, so skiing will not be back anytime soon.
The following resorts and ski areas are a bit further away, maybe within 3 hours of Pittsburgh. Fuller descriptions will be added for these listings soon, but these have been included for those willing to drive outside of southwestern Pennsylvania for some great winter experiences.
Wisp Resort
Near Deep Creek Lake State Park in western Mayland. 33 slopes / 11 miles of trails over 137 acres of skiable terrain. Seven lifts plus carpets and a surface tow. Summit height of 3,115 feet. Ideal for all skiing experience levels. Full scale lodge and hotel on site.
296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
South of Elkins, WV. Three areas, one large resort: The Mountain, The Village, and Silver Creek. 60+ slopes / trails on The Mountain alone, plus snowtubing, snowmobiling, etc. Snowshoe pretty much has whatever you are looking for.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort – Website
10 Snowshoe Dr, Snowshoe, WV 26209
Blue Knob All Seasons Resort
Johnstown / Altoona, PA. Billed as the “Highest Skiable Mountain in Pennsylvania”, Blue Knob has all levels of runs from novice to expert. Four lifts and and a multitude of trails and slopes. Condominium lodging on site is available, as well as dining and other recreation.
1424 Overland Pass, Claysburg, PA 16625
Mount Pleasant of Edinboro
Edinboro, PA. Kid friendly, inexpensive skiing / snowboarding option for those north of Pittsburgh. Mount Pleasant features a 340 ft. vertical drop. Two lifts and 10 trails, from beginner to advanced. Snowtubing is also offered. The lodge has one restaurant, the Slopeside Grille, a loft, and a firepit outside.
Mount Pleasant of Edinboro – Website
14510 Mt Pleasant Rd, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403
Peek’n Peak Resort
Western New York, not far from Erie, PA. Located in the snow belt, Peek’n Peak maintains 26 trails / slopes and 5 terrain parks. Perfect for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. It is also a great place for snowtubing with 14 tubing lanes! Lodging is available at The Inn at the Peak or condominiums. Full scale resort with plenty of dining options, entertainments, activities and fun.
1405 Old Rd, Clymer, NY 14724
Please visit the websites of these top resorts for skiing near Pittsburgh for slope conditions, pricing and vacation packages and deals. Southwestern Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas are fortunate to have so many skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing options so close to home!
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