State seeks bids on Laurel Mountain ski resort project

After months of anticipation, supporters of the Laurel Mountain Ski Resort got a thumbs-up as contracts for the restoration and rehabilitation project at the site have been advertised for bids.

Proposals for general construction and electrical construction were posted on the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website Wednesday, with a bid opening date set for 2 p.m. Aug. 6. The state-funded $5.2 million project to restore the ski resort, east of Ligonier, is slated to be completed in time for the public to hit the slopes in the 2016-17 winter season.

“It just feels fantastic to finally see it out for bid,” said skier Robert Davis, 61, of Sarver.

Terry Brady, deputy press secretary for the state conservation department, said the department is “forging ahead” and aiming for construction to begin this fall and be completed in fall 2016.

Work under the general construction proposal, estimated at $1 million to $5 million, includes:

• Demolition and replacement of one chair lift

• Site clearing and tree removal

• Improvements to snow-making water storage, pumping and distribution

• Upgrades to electrical service

• Regrading of ski trails

For the electrical construction portion of the project, estimated at $500,000 to $1 million, the work includes:

• Supplying and installing exhaust fans

• Site electrical upgrades

• Electrical work for a ski lift

• Trail lighting

Laurel Mountain Ski Resort opened in 1939 for Rolling Rock Club members. In 1964, the property was given to the state with the stipulation that no summertime activities would take place there and no lodging would be built. The resort closed from 1989 to 1999, then reopened and closed several times between 1999 and 2005 because of mild winters and financial problems. In 2008, Seven Springs Mountain Resort signed a 10-year lease to operate the site as a concession to the state.

In March, representatives from the state conservation department and Robert Nutting, president of Seven Springs Mountain Resort, met with ski enthusiasts, Ligonier government officials and local business owners to reveal details about the project.

Planned upgrades discussed included a new fixed-grip quad chair lift with higher lift capacity than the former two lifts, more water storage via an expanded existing pond and a new pond, 29 snow guns added on Innsbruck, 23 snow guns added on Deer Path and regrading and widening of Deer Path, Innsbruck and Lower Broadway trails.

“We share everyone's passion for Laurel Mountain, and we are very excited to see the project moving forward,” said Alex Moser, director of marketing and communications at Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Hidden Valley Resort. “We are committed to working with the (conservation department) to reenergize this great community asset.

“As always, we are fully dedicated to growing the Laurel Highlands region into one of the premier winter destinations on the East Coast,” he said.

Nicole Chynoweth is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-850-2862 or nchynoweth@tribweb.com.