One of Happy Valley’s scenic sites is getting into the Rose Bowl spirit with a lighthearted name change.
On Wednesday, Tussey Mountain announced it will temporarily change the name of its Utah slope to “Pennsylvania” from Saturday through Monday. The move coincides with Penn State’s Rose Bowl matchup on Monday with Utah, this year’s Pac-12 champion.
“Roses are blooming in the snow at this Pennsylvania mountain,” Tussey Mountain wrote on social media. “For over five decades, Penn Staters have found the best view of Beaver Stadium and Happy Valley from the top of a slope named Utah at Tussey Mountain Ski Area. On the eve of this year’s Rose Bowl matchup between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Utah Utes, this iconic mountain run will see a temporary name change — to Pennsylvania.”
Tussey’s Utah slope is rated as one of the resort’s “more difficult” runs. The ski area celebrated its seasonal grand opening this week and is currently operating about a half-dozen slopes, according to Tussey Mountain’s website.
Ski lifts will operate until 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. They’ll stay open until 9 p.m. on Jan. 2 for those who hope to ski as the Nittany Lions kick off in the Rose Bowl. Those who hope to catch the game at Tussey Mountain are encouraged to swing by the resort’s Tussey Bär and Kitchen.
While its history dates back to the 1960s and beyond, Tussey Mountain has operated as a public ski resort for more than 40 years. The mountain boasts more than 50 acres of ski and snowboard trails and annually welcomes locals for lessons and programs.
For more information on Tussey Mountain’s offerings, visit the resort’s website at tusseymountain.com.
No. 11-ranked Penn State will face No. 8 Utah in the 2023 Rose Bowl at Pasadena’s stadium of the same name. The game will mark the Nittany Lions’ fifth all-time Rose Bowl appearance and their first since a thrilling 52-49 loss to USC in 2017 that capped off a Big Ten title-winning season.
Kickoff for the 2023 Rose Bowl is set for 5 p.m. EST on ESPN. Play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler, color analyst Kirk Herbstreit and sideline reporter Holly Rowe will get the call as the Nittany Lions and Utes clash.
