This is one of the most snow-blessed seasons in recent years for local and regional resorts.

But how much snow has fallen in the Laurel Highlands since the first amount was measured Nov. 28?

"We've had 157 inches -- 13 feet, 1 inch," said Dick Barron, director of ski and snowboard operations at Seven Springs. "And we've had 56 inches -- 4 feet, 8 inches -- since Feb. 6. The forecast calls for more snow this weekend and another storm may arrive Sunday night and continue through Monday. "Pretty incredible, huh?"

Pretty incredible, indeed.

The resort's snow base, which ranges in depth from 50-66 inches, will provide ideal conditions for its annual Winterfest, a 10-day celebration of on- and off-snow activities that began Friday.

And from noon to 3 p.m. today, its Superpipe will be the site for the latest in a series of five competitions for skiers and snowboarders. Each competition offers prizes for the top three men and women.

The Jib Shop, an online subsidiary of Willi's Ski Shop, and Seven Springs, the primary sponsors of the event, said points will be awarded to the top 25 finishers based on the number of competitors in each division.

After the final event March 13, TheJibShop.com will give the competitor with the most points a complete set of ski equipment -- skis, boots, bindings and poles -- and a complete set of snowboard equipment -- snowboard, bindings, boots, jacket, pants, helmet, goggles and gloves -- and a 2010-11 season pass to Seven Springs.

Willi's said Atomic will provide a full one-year sponsorship for skiers 17 and younger and Rome will do the same for snowboarders 17 and younger "to keep the event exciting for the next generation of athletes."

For more information, got to www.7springs.com or call, 1-800-452-2223.

Boyce Park is offering free lift tickets through Feb. 28 as an apology of sorts for failing to have its one and only chairlift up and running for the season. It finally began operating Thursday.

It's the least it could do.

Seven Springs, WPGH (Fox 53) and Wendy's restaurants have teamed up to invite you and a friend to ski or snowboard on Wednesdays -- at a 50 percent savings -- for the rest of the season.

It's a buy one lift ticket at regular price ($45 for adults, $35 for children age 6-11) and pay only 99 cents for the second lift ticket. Pick up a free lift ticket voucher at any participating Wendy's in the Pittsburgh area, present it at the lift ticket window.

For more information, go to www.7springs.com or call, 1-800-452-2223.

The Pennsylvania Cross Country Skier's Association will provide free lessons for children and adults Feb. 20 and 27 -- weather permitting. The lessons will begin at 1 p.m. in front of the concession building in Laurel Ridge State Park, just off Route 653, about 6 miles east of Normalville.

Association president Rick Garstka said the heavy snowfall last weekend forced the organization to cancel the free lessons it had scheduled for Feb 6. It also canceled the Pennsylvania Nordic Championship races Sunday.

For more information go to, www.paccsa.org, e-mail Garstka at, garxcski@verizon.net, or call, 412-462-7493.

Too much snow also forced Ohiopyle State Park to postpone its annual Winterfest celebration until March 6. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the sledding hill on Sugarloaf Mountain a few miles out of town and in the Community Center in Ohiopyle.

For more information call, 724-329-8591.

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