Published: December 07, 2007 09:01 am      

Somerset ski resort reopening Dec. 15

Hidden Valley undergoes three months of extensive renovations

BAKERSVILLE, Pa. — A new era is set to begin at Hidden Valley.

After three months of extensive renovations by its new owner, the Somerset County resort will open for skiing Dec. 15, complete with strolling performers, complimentary hot chocolate and nighttime Zambelli fireworks.

“We want to make our opening day festive, fun and enjoyable for the entire family,” said Bill Doring, executive vice president of The Buncher Co., a Pittsburgh developer that purchased the resort in August.

“It’s the perfect time of year to celebrate family gatherings and traditions. We’re starting new ones at Hidden Valley.”

Neighboring Seven Springs Mountain Resort opened full time this past weekend.

Eight slopes and trails, two chairlifts and one surface lift are in operation from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Friday, three or four additional slopes and trails and two more chairlifts will be ready for the start of night skiing, said Dick Barron, Seven Springs’ director of ski operations.

With this week’s snowfall, Seven Springs has a base of 12 to 24 inches.

The resort will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, although weather and snowmaking will play a role in whether night skiing will continue after the weekend.

“We’re making snow, and it looks beautiful,” Barron said.

The Buncher Co. has given Hidden Valley an extreme makeover since purchasing it for $12.5 million from the Kettler family of Gathersburg, Md. Snowmaking equipment has been upgraded, chairlifts and facilities painted, and three new restaurants are set to open Dec. 15.

Among the festivities are free group ski lessons at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.; caroling by The Victorian Voices; visits by Santa, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman; magic shows; face painting; and live music.

Proceeds from day lift tickets on opening day will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Early season hours at Hidden Valley are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 15-20. Beginning Dec. 21, the resort will operate on its regular schedule from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., excluding certain holidays.

For information, call 443-8000 or visit the resort’s Web site at www.MyHiddenValleyResort.com.

Kirk Swauger is a staff writer for the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat.