Ligonier, PA – Pennsylvania’s Laurel Mountain ski area, closed since 2004-05, may reopen in 2011-12 according to officials from the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

The ski area, along the Somerset and Westmoreland county line in the southwestern part of the state, closed in 2003 after Somerset Trust Co. claimed its assets from financially beleaguered operators. Nearby Seven Springs Mountain Resort operated it on a trial basis in 2004-05, but the mountain has remained closed since then.

DCNR officials indicate that they own one of the mountain’s chairlifts, while most of the remaining assets are in the hands of Seven Springs, which purchased them from Somerset Trust in 2008. The DCNR wants to replace or rebuild their chairlift, which they don’t believe will pass state inspection, prior to reopening, as well as expand snowmaking resources, regrade some slopes and improve electrical service. Seven Springs officials are functioning as a consultant to the snowmaking upgrades.

Construction could begin this fall according to the DCNR, with reopening in time for 2011-12.