Who We Are
The Laurel Summit Nordic Ski Patrol is an all-volunteer professional organization, and a component of the National Ski Patrol. Its mission is to provide outdoor emergency care, rescue, and other safety related services to Nordic (cross country) skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts, while promoting the enjoyment of winter recreation in the wilderness environment.
Where We Patrol
The Laurel Summit Nordic Ski Patrol serves the Laurel Summit area of the Forbes State Forest, near the Laurel Mountain alpine ski area.
Over a dozen miles of scenic trails are available for Nordic skiing, ranging in difficulty from easy to advanced. A Patrol Hut is staffed until 5:00 pm on weekends during ski season and is open daily as warming station for public use. Detailed trail maps are available at the Patrol Hut, and refreshments are available when patrollers are on duty.
Driving from the west, take US Route 30 through Ligonier and Laughlintown to the top of Laurel Hill Summit. Turn right (south) onto Laurel Summit Road. Continue straight past a large parking lot (on the left) and a small stone gate house (on the right) at 2.1 miles from Route 30. The Patrol Hut is a small wooden building on the left at 2.3 miles.
There are no trail fees. A few of the easier trails are sometimes groomed with tracks set. Trail widths are generally suitable for classic skiing.
Skiers should be aware that snowmobiles operate on a separate trail system within the State Forest and should not ski on those trails. Use caution where ski trails and snowmobile trails intersect. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail also passes through the area, but it is generally not suitable for skiing.
The Laurel Summit Nordic Ski Patrol coordinates closely with the management of the state forest land on which it serves, and the patrol is grateful to the Forbes State Forest and to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for their continued and enthusiastic support.
Contact Information
- Patrol Hut: Telephone (724)238-6568 during patrol hours for information and to report emergencies.
- Patrol Director: Sue Lee (sueleebear@yahoo.com)
- Follow Laurel Summit Nordic Ski Patrol on Facebook.
Patrol History
The Laurel Summit Nordic Ski Patrol was formerly the Laurel Hill Nordic Ski Patrol.
The National Ski Patrol was founded in 1938 and operates under a charter granted by the United States Congress.
The National Ski Patrol is registered as a nonprofit association under section 501(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, and all subordinate units are granted exempt status under section 501(c)(3).
Join Us
Training is available for qualified candidates who share our passion. Click here for information.
