From Mirror staff reports

SEVEN SPRINGS — After more than a decade of growth, Seven Springs Mountain Resort Inc. announced the closing of the sale of Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Resort and Laurel Mountain Ski Area to Vail Resorts Inc.

The sale marks the conclusion of the Nutting family’s ownership of the resorts.

The Nutting family purchased Seven Springs Mountain Resort in July 2006 and added neighboring Hidden Valley Mountain Resort in September 2013 and Laurel Mountain in December 2016.

“Looking back over the past 15 years, I am proud to be leaving all three properties much better than we had found them,” Robert Nutting, outgoing President and CEO of Seven Springs Mountain Resort Inc., said in a statement.

“I am very thankful for all of the resort professionals who we worked alongside with throughout our ownership that helped make the resorts the strong community assets that they are today. I am further appreciative of our loyal guests we were able to host through these years,” he said.

Seven Springs’ employment nearly doubled during winter operations from about 900 to more than 1,700. The focus on year-round programming helped drive employment levels during the summer months from about 600 to more than 1,000.

The upgraded winter operations, renovated hotel and events spaces, new luxury spa and world class sporting clays facility, enhanced dining experiences and expanded activity offerings helped drive a record number of passholders and more annual guests to the resort than at any time in its history.

Seven Springs’ terrain parks and super-pipe have also consistently been rated as the best in the East.

“While today marks the end of our ownership of the core ski operations of each resort, we remain actively engaged in the greater Laurel Highlands community, and are excited for what’s to come,” Nutting said.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort Inc. has sold the assets related to the mountain operations of the resorts, including base area lodging, conference center and amenities.

However, the company will retain several neighboring operations. The company will continue to own and operate Sporting Clays at Seven Springs, the golf courses at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley, Highlands Market, Highlands Resort Realty, and retain certain real estate for potential future development.

Winter operations at each resort will continue in ordinary course of business throughout the 2021-22 season. Current passholders, hotel guests, as well as group and event leaders will not be affected through the transition of ownership. Vail Resorts plans to add access to the three resorts’ passholders to select Epic Pass products for the 2022-23 North American ski and ride season.

Vail Resorts currently owns 37 resorts across three countries and 15 U.S. states.

In Pennsylvania, the company owns and operates five ski areas: Liberty Mountain Resort, Roundtop Mountain Resort, Whitetail Resort, Jack Frost and Big Boulder.