Ligonier, PA – Skiers are one step closer to once again schussing the slopes of Laurel Mountain next winter for the first time since 2005.

The plan to reopen Laurel Mountain has experienced numerous delays, but last month the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awarded two one-year contracts totaling over $5.5 million to rebuild Laurel Mountain’s electrical infrastructure and general renovation. Activity at the site is expected to commence later this month.

In 2007 the state earmarked $6.5 million to improve Laurel Mountain’s infrastructure. The 40-year-old, 900 vertical-foot double chairlift will need to be replaced and snowmaking upgraded if Laurel Mountain is to remain competitive. The state already has an agreement with nearby Seven Springs Mountain Resort to operate Laurel Mountain, and Seven Springs purchased the resort’s assets from lender Somerset Trust in 2008.

The ski area, within Laurel Mountain State Park in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania and one of the state’s first,  opened for the exclusive use of members of the Rolling Rock Club in 1939. Ownership was transferred by the Mellon family to the State of Pennsylvania in 1964.