LAUREL MOUNTAIN

Laurel Mountain attracts a devoted following of skiers who appreciate its throwback character. There is no resort village, no high-speed quads, and no luxury amenities -- just a mountain with legitimate steeps and a loyal community of regulars. The state park setting reinforces the back-to-nature ethos. Nearby Ligonier provides the cultural and culinary anchor for the area, with its charming town square and local shops.

Navigate to Laurel Mountain Ski Lodge. From the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Donegal exit, take PA 711 north toward US 30 east, then Laurel Summit Road and Summit Ski Road. The resort lots sit above the lodge, a short walk to the snow. Check winter road conditions before leaving. Seven Springs and Hidden Valley are separate drives.

Use the resort calendar and trail report to choose a day. If your group is coming for Lower Wildcat, check that specific run. For first-timers, line up the lesson and rental pickup at Laurel Mountain before setting out from a different Laurel Highlands resort.

For evenings in town, the Ramada in Ligonier has rooms near Fort Ligonier with breakfast included. Seven Springs Main Lodge Hotel is slopeside at Seven Springs and suits a trip to both ski areas. Nemacolin in Farmington offers resort hotels and private homes for travelers who want the property itself to be part of the stay. Each of these bases requires a separate road journey to Laurel Mountain. For a cabin rental elsewhere in the Laurel Highlands, check the winter route from its exact address.

The ski day starts at Laurel Lodge on the summit. Laurel House Cafe handles quick lunches, while Wildcat Lounge on the lower level serves sandwiches and drinks by the fire. In Ligonier, The Wicked Googly combines a meal with a game at the adjoining bowling lanes.

Start at Wildcat Lounge in the summit lodge for a drink by the fire. For an evening in Ligonier, The Wicked Googly has rotating draft beers, bowling and a calendar of live entertainment.