CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
The abundance of snow in and around Confluence – more than 100 inches a year on the mountains that overlook the town – provides ideal conditions for cross-country skiing, especially at nearby state parks:
Laurel Ridge State Park
Laurel Ridge State Park offers 35 miles of trails for cross-country skiing. In addition, there is a 20-mile cross-country ski touring concession adjacent to the Route 653 parking area where equipment can be rented. A live web cam offers a view of real-time conditions. (More information)
Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park includes nearly 34 miles of trails suitable for cross-country skiing. (More information)
Nemacolin/Mystic Mountain
Nemacolin Resort/Mystic Mountain has a 1.5-mile trail that takes advantage of The Links golf course and includes vistas of the Laurel Highlands. (More information)
Kooser State Park
The park’s elevation and heavy snow fall create prime conditions for cross-country skiing. Park staff set track on 1.5 miles of ski trail, which is marked with blue diamonds. The trail is classified as easiest and is popular with beginners to experienced skiers. (More information)
In addition to the above, the Great Allegheny Passage, the nearly level biking/hiking trail that serves as the southern border of Confluence, provides excellent cross-country skiing opportunities. The scenic passage overlooks the Youghiogheny and Casselman Rivers.
SNOWMOBILING
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Seven Springs Resort offers snowmobile tours six times a day. Drivers rent snowmobiles on the resort property and follow an experienced tour guide on the tours. (More information)
Laurel Ridge State Park
Laurel Ridge State Park has a 70-mile trail system that is open to snowmobiling. (Note: Trails are open daily after the end of the antlerless deer season in late December.) Snowmobiles are restricted to designated trails and are prohibited on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. (More information)
Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State State has 15.9 miles of trails open to snowmobiler which are part of the Sugarloaf Trail System and the Pressley Ridge Trail. (More information)
OTHER WINTER ACTIVITIES
Snowtubing
Snowtubing, a family fun sport for all ages that involves sliding down a hill on an innertube and then riding it back up on a special lift, is offered at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Resort, Wisp Resort, and at Nemacolin/Mystic Mountain. It's fun for all ages.
Sleigh Rides
Return to the days of yesteryear with a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. Offered at Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
Dog Sledding
This is an experience for the whole family. It's sure to give you an encounter you'll never forget ... at Nemacolin.
Snow-sliding
Bring your sled, saucer, and anything else that slides on snow to the snow-sliding hill on Sugarloaf Mountain just above Confluence in Ohiopyle State Park or visit the hill in Laurel Hill State Park that is lighted on weekend evenings.
Snowcat Rides
Climb into the back seat of a heated Seven Springs snowcat to see how the resort's fleet of snow-grooming machines prepare the slopes and trails for its guests. The snowcat leaves from the base at 11 p.m., midnight, an 1 a.m. Reservations recommended.