As a skier who enjoys riding both in the backcountry and at resorts, I have mixed feelings when stories are told of resorts trying to expand their acreage by overtaking pristine mountain landscapes. On one hand, I think it would be awesome to have new in-bounds terrain to explore. On the other hand, I’d hate to see lift towers and crowds swarming what was once a favorite area for backcountry enthusiasts.
Solitude Mountain Resort, located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, is the latest culprit in the resort land-grab game. They recently unveiled a plan to expand into Silver Fork Canyon, just west of Solitude’s resort boundaries.
According to an article in the Salt Lake Tribune, Solitude owner David Deseelhorst submitted a request to amend the resort’s special-use permit, which would allow them to move into the entire Silver Fork drainage.
Not only are backcountry skiers and snowboarders against the move, but Salt Lake Public Utilities have concerns as well, especially since much of the Salt Lake Valley’s water supply comes from Silver Fork Canyon.
The application is under review by the Forest Service’s Salt Lake ranger district, who will determine whether the idea has any chance of moving forward after consulting with several affected parties. Even if an environmental impact study happens, it would be several years before ski runs are cut into the aspen groves that line Silver Fork’s open bowls.
Ski resort expansion is a tale heard all too often as owners think the only way to compete in the marketplace is by having some new high-speed quad or fancy terrain expansion to offer. After the uproar surrounding Alta’s idea of installing a lift on Flagstaff Peak, Solitude’s grand scheme to annex Silver Fork will certainly be met with stiff opposition. And even though I’m a loyal Solitude customer, I think I’ll be right there with the protesters, saying “no” to Solitude’s plan to expand into Silver Fork Canyon.
For more information, check out the article from the Salt Lake Tribune.
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