Snowsports enthusiasts may have been skeptical when Hidden Valley announced a month ago that it would provide free skiing and snowboarding in November, weather permitting.

The weather usually doesn't permit in November, so it may have seemed like a hollow offer to some skiers and snowboarders.

But then it snowed, snowed again and snowed some more. All that natural snow -- more than 20 inches so far in the Laurel Highlands, was accompanied by ideal snowmaking conditions. The snow base depth at the Somerset County resort ranges from 17-30 inches.

So, thanks to the "permissive" weather, the resort's 80 TechnoAlpin snowmaking guns and its snowmaking crew, Hidden Valley will open for the season tomorrow with free lift tickets, free ski and snowboard lessons for guests aged 7 and older and rental equipment at reduced rates. The free lessons are subject to availability.

Guests are required to pick up a complimentary lift ticket at one of the ticket windows on the plaza level across from the ski/snowboard shop. The shop is offering special discounts on clothing and equipment. Dining options include the Cafe and the Ski Lodge Express at the resort and the Pub & Grill restaurant along Route 31 at the base of Outback Park.

There will be at least eight slopes open tomorrow on what is known as the "valley side" of the resort -- Model T, Imperial, Continental, Bobcat, Ramble, Riviera, Thunderbird and Cobra -- and possibly Stingray, Firebird, Roadrunner and Jaguar.

Those runs will be serviced by the new Blizzard quad chairlift and the "twins" -- the side-by-side Sunrise and Sunset triple chairs. A carpet lift will serve the beginner area.

Although the slopes will be closed Monday through Friday, the offer will continue Dec. 6-7.

From Dec. 8-23, adults and children will be able to ski or snowboard during any session -- day, afternoon or evening -- for only $15.

Then, for the remainder of the season, lift tickets for adults and children will cost $20 Monday through Thursday, $30 on Friday, $45 on Saturday and $40 on Sunday.

"We want skiers and snowboarders to rediscover Hidden Valley" and get the most for their hard-earned dollars," said Scott Bender, vice president of resort operations. "We want to be affordable for families so they can bring their children and enjoy some winter fun."

Seven Springs, which opened for the season Friday, welcomed 3,500 skiers and snowboarders Saturday and about 2,800 Sunday, said spokeswoman Anna Campbell Weltz.

The resort is offering half-priced lift tickets from 8-10 a.m. tomorrow as part of its "White Friday" celebration. The regular lift ticket rates are $39 for adults and $29 for children 11 and under. Midweek pass holders also are welcome this weekend.

For $10, guests can buy an activity bracelet and that will give them unlimited bowling, miniature golf, swimming and $5 in game-room tokens.

Seven Springs will play host to a Season Kickoff Party beginning at 8 p.m. in Convention Hall. Music will be provided by Emily's Toy Box and Velveeta Band. The cover charge is $10 per person.

Wisp will open tomorrow with four chairlifts and the conveyor carpet serving 13 slopes and trails. Spokeswoman Lori Epop said the mountain coaster, snowmobile tours and the nordic center also are open.

Snowshoe, which opened Friday, has received 54 inches of natural snow since Nov. 15, including 16 inches Tuesday. Four lifts are serving 14 slopes and trails. Three more slopes are expected to open today and another seven slopes -- and another chairlift -- are scheduled to open Saturday.

Spokeswoman Laura Parquette described it as "a historic early season" with "phenomenal conditions." She said the resort's expansive snowmaking system has been running almost around the clock for two weeks.

Blue Knob is expected to open tomorrow.

For more information, go to www.hiddenvalleyresort.com (1-814-443-8000); www.7springs.com (1-800-452-2223); www.wispresort.com (1-301-387-4911) and www.blueknob.com (1-814-239-5111).

South Side Showdown

The Showdown at SouthSide Works, a ski and snowboard rail jam competition, will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 6 on the open lot at 26th and Sidney streets on the South Side.

For more information, go to www.hiddenvalleyresort.com (1-814-443-8000) and www.wispresort.com (1-301-387-4911).