The Snowiest Region In Pennsylvania Is Perfect For A Magical Winter Getaway
By Beth Price-Williams|Published December 07, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Everyone tends to respond to snow differently. Snow in the forecast sends some rushing to the store to stock up on all of the necessities – bread, milk, and toilet paper – while others plan for long hours curled up under the blankets. Then there are those of us who simply can’t wait for the excitement and the magic that a fresh snowfall brings. One of the best places to experience winter is the Laurel Highlands, one of the snowiest regions in Pennsylvania.
While the city of Erie generally gets the most snow in Pennsylvania, tallying 101.2 inches annually, the Laurel Highlands isn't far behind, typically experiencing more than 100 inches each year.
Combining that ample snowfall with a long list of seasonal activities, the Laurel Highlands is perhaps one of the most popular winter destinations in Pennsylvania.
Whether you want to sashay down the slopes or curl up in a room at a cozy lodge, you’ll find the perfect way to make the most of winter in the Laurel Highlands.
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If it’s fast-paced thrills that you’re after, you can’t go wrong with a day or two of skiing and snow tubing at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The resort also features a terrain park, where you can hone or show off your snowboarding skills.
Go skiing or snowboarding at Hidden Valley Resort, an idyllic destination for a winter getaway. If you prefer staying indoors, reserve some time in the spa for a day of pampering.
Nemacolin promises jam-packed outdoor fun, too. The luxury resort hosts an annual Winterfest each February. If you can’t make it then, plan a visit to go skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing.
One of the best ways to experience the sheer natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands during the winter is on a brisk hike. Visit one of the eight state parks – Laurel Hill State Park and Forbes State Forest among them – in the Laurel Highlands that is home to hiking trails.
Some of the state parks also allow cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating.
A jewel of Pennsylvania’s state parks, Ohiopyle State Park provides an idyllic backdrop for sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. If you’re looking for something more chill to do, visit Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls.
Did you know the Laurel Highlands is one of the snowiest regions in Pennsylvania? Have you visited during the winter? Share your experience in the comments! Even if you don’t have time for a winter getaway, why not go on a magical winter hike? Check out these Pennsylvania trails that are perfect for winter hiking, or head over to AllTrails for more of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania.
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