The long-awaited ski season has finally arrived here in Western, PA.

After a long winter season last year, it was thought we would have an even longer season this year, but unfortunately the weather has showed us otherwise. The closest ski resorts to Pittsburgh are Seven Springs and Hidden Valley. Seven Springs came out with their opening date on Dec. 13 with plans on opening Dec. 15. Last year, Seven Springs opened on Nov. 25 and stayed open until May 2. It is mid-December, and the mountain has gotten a late start.

The wait is frustrating for anyone who loves to ski and snowboard like myself. It brings up the big question, is it going to be a cold winter or warm winter? For anyone who believes in the Farmer’s Almanac, this winter is expected to be colder than the previous winter but so far, the weather has proved that prediction wrong.

Senior, Maura Wertheimer says, “Snowboarding is my favorite thing to do in the winter so I’m hoping for a cold and long season.” So far it has not snowed this year but weather reports for this week expect there to be snowfall in Somerset County where Seven Springs is located.

Although it’s been a slow start for the PA ski season, I am crossing my fingers and keeping hope for colder weather this season.