Now that I’ve gotten West Virginia’s Lift Rate Roundup done, it’s due time I give a little love to my home state: Pennsylvania.
You may have heard the news… that the trifecta – Seven Springs, Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain – just got bought by Vail Resorts and will officially be on the Epic Pass train next year. Don’t worry about that just yet, though! We’re still relishing the sweet old days before the corporate takeover. Enjoy every ounce of this season.
With that, I’ve dug up any deals I could find for this season, such as multi-day pack options for skiers and snowboarders, which are great for those that missed the Spring Season Pass sales earlier in the year (looking into those sales is highly recommended).
Dynamic Pricing
Let’s talk about dynamic pricing for daily lift tickets. There’s no running from it now. You will purchase your lift ticket online and prices will fluctuate from the rack rate based on demand for the day. For example, popular weekends will be priced higher than a “regular” weekend, however, you will also see a price difference in Saturday vs Sunday based on 1.) past demand trends and 2.) how many tickets have already been purchased. Basically, you want to take a look and book early rather than waiting until the last minute to decide your fate (and your ticket price). For the rates listed in my Lift Rate Roundup chart below, if marked dynamic that means I went in today, 12/11 and looked at a holiday rate (NYE/NYD) to get that price.
Check out this screenshot of Snowshoe’s dynamic pricing structure for December. Note the fluctuations during holiday weeks. This pricing is simply subject to change.
Top Resorts to Ski in Western Pennsylvania
If I had to tell you where to ski in Pennsylvania, my top 3 recommendations are:
- Seven Springs is where you want to be for the weekend. Great party scene (although covid) and general fun for the 21+ crowd.
- If you’re new, Hidden Valley is the place to be. This low-key ski area is very family friendly and great for beginners to learn (I learned here).
- Blue Knob is a drive from Pittsburgh but is old-school and worth a visit. Hit this on a midweek pow day and you’ll be smiling ear to ear!
Notable Mention – Snowshoe, WV is worth the drive for the weekend. Book a lodging deal and have fun at one of the biggest resorts around.
PA Ski Resort Lift Ticket Rates
This chart includes resorts throughout southwestern, central, and northwestern Pennsylvania (and southwestern NY!)
| RESORT | PEAK LIFT RATES | DYNAMIC? | DEALS* | MULTI-CARD |
| Blue Knob Central PA 34 trails 1,072′ vert | Varies: $85-90 Peak | x | 5-hour, twilight tickets & midweek season pass (anywhere) deal | Part of Indy Pass |
| Boyce Park SW PA 5 trails 160′ vert | Not Available | ✓ | (very affordable ski area for first-timers) | N/A |
| Holiday Valley SW NY 60 trails 750′ vert | $93 | x | midweek 4-hour, purchase 2-weeks ahead and save | midweek/non-holiday Ultimate Passes |
| Hidden Valley SW PA 26 trails 470′ vert | Varies: $75-79 Peak ONLINE ONLY (+$10 walk-up) | x | Buy Lift Online (!) Resort Swap | Currently Highlands Pass; & Six Tix Pack ($307) valid anytime |
| Laurel Mountain SW PA 20 trails 761′ vert | Varies: $61-66 | x | (!) Resort Swap | Currently Highlands Pass; & Wildcat 6-Pack ($298) valid anytime |
| Peek’n Peak SW NY 27 trails 400′ vert | $71 | x | N/A | Peak 5 Lift Pass (buy 4 tix, get 1 free) |
| Seven Springs SW PA 33 trails 750′ vert | Varies: $95-98 ONLINE ONLY (+$10 walk-up) | x | Buy Lift Online (!) Resort Swap | Currently Highlands Pass; Super 7 Card ($461) valid anytime |
| Whitetail S. Central PA 23 trails 935′ vert | $84 *Holiday #s are limited. | ✓ | Buy lift 7 days ahead and save, after 3pm TBD | Part of Epic Pass |
Chart Key & Notes
*Every resort will have a Lift, Lesson & Rental (aka Learn-to-Ski/Snowboard) Package for beginners. Please look into this if you are one!
- Peak Rates = Full price adult full-day lift ticket on a holiday or weekend unless noted. Most resorts have a small discount for non-holidays and it’s much cheaper to go to the mountain mid-week. Usually discounts for children, seniors and military are available.
- Multi Card = this is any card that allows you to go to the resort on multiple non-consecutive days. Can be either transferrable or non-transferrable to others (this is not a 2 or 3-day lift ticket).
(!) Regional Resort Swap Alert! Wisp Resort Season Pass Holders and Unlimited Pass Holders at Seven Springs, Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain will each receive one (1) complimentary full-day lift ticket and a 50% discount on regularly priced ski tickets for additional visits to any of the other four participating resorts, excluding Saturdays and holiday / premium periods. Visit their pass pages to learn more.
Christina Skis 
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