- Katherine’s Team
- Skiing down the hill
Snow conditions excellent as Seven Springs kicks off big event
Snow conditions are ideal for Seven Springs and WTAE-TV’s Winterfest, an annual celebration of on- and off-snow activities that begins today and continues through Feb. 15.
The resort has plenty of snow — the base is 34- to 54-inches deep. All the 43 slopes and trails are open. So are the four terrain parks and Snowtubing Park.
The Celebrity Olympics, which pit WTAE personalities against current and former members of the Steelers, will be at 3 p.m. today in the Beginners Bowl. They will compete in a tug-of-war, human bowling and snowshoe races.
A craft and artisan show will be open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends. The Winter Activity Center will be open from noon-5 p.m. daily for free children’s activities, including board games and scavenger hunts.
There will be free salsa dance lessons beginning at 9 p.m. today in the Alpine Room.
The Ski Dummy Race, organized by the Western Pennsylvania Ski Council and its local and regional ski clubs, will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow on the lower part of Stowe. It’s a spectator favorite because of the clever and creative character of the dummies and the construction techniques designed to keep them upright and on their skis.
The Great Media Race, a fundraiser for WTAE’s Project Bundle Up, will be at 3 p.m. tomorrow on the NASTAR (National Standard Race) course on the North Face side of the resort. Three-member teams from local and regional newspaper, radio and television stations will compete for simulated gold, silver and bronze medals.
Iwan Fuchs, the resort’s snow sports director, has organized a “formation ski event” that will be at 7 p.m. Friday on the Stowe slope. “Formation skiing has its roots in synchronized skiing, but utilizes upbeat music, intense choreography and colorful light displays,” Fuchs said. “[It's] a dynamic display of talent and athletic prowess.”
A fireworks show will be immediately afterward.
There are several money-saving events during the week, including $4 per person snowtubing rates Monday and a $15 Learn-to-Ski package Tuesday. Reservations are required. Call 1-800-452-2223, Ext. 7757.
For more information, go to www.7springs.com.
The Salomon Jib Academy Tour, an opportunity for skiers aged 10 to 16 to “take their skills to the next level” with pro instructors from Salomon, will be at 9:30 a.m. today at Seven Springs. It is sponsored by Willi’s Ski Shop.
“This tour is a fantastic opportunity for kids in our area to be coached by some of the top names in freestyle skiing,” said Katy Rullo, Willi’s events manager.
Rullo said Salomon is offering five spots to Mammouth Mountain Resort through the online edition of the Jib Academy contest. To learn more about it and how to register, go to www.salomonjibacademy.com.
Ohiopyle State Park will have its third annual Winterfest today at the Sugarloaf Sledding Area near Ohiopyle.
In addition to sled-riding, there will be cross-country skiing, a race and weight-pulling demonstrations by the Pennsylvania Sled Dog Association, a guided snowshoe hike, sleigh rides and a kayak race down the sledding hill. The children’s program includes an ice cube treasure hunt, snowman-building contest and snow fort competition.
A chili contest will be conducted inside the warming hut at the base of the sledding hill where hot chocolate also will be available. Soup will be sold at the Ohiopyle Stewart Community Center in Ohiopyle.
Although the event is free, donations to the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation are appreciated. For more information, call 724-329-8591.
