Snowbird has huge expansion plans, and they’ve recently come a step closer to making their pie-in-the-ski wishlist a reality. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest recently accepted their updated Master Development Plan, so Snowbird is now reaching out to the public to seek your feedback.
Snowbird will host a forum where you can learn and discuss the Master Development Plan, and tell them what you like and dislike about what they propose. The meeting will be held in the Cottonwood Rooms at the Snowbird Center on Thursday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m.
The proposed expansion has been hailed by skiers, and panned by backcountry users, watershed protectors and snowmobilers.
Snowbird’s master plan includes the following:
New tram: A second tram would be built that will connect Hidden Peak to the West Peak of American Fork Twin Peaks.
Terrain expansion: New terrain in Mary Ellen Gulch on Snowbird’s back side, adding 780 acres of skiable terrain to Snowbird’s boundaries below Mineral Basin.
New and expanded chair lifts: A brand new chair lift would be built to service Mary Ellen Gulch, and the Mineral Basin lift would be lengthened to enable skiers to return from Mary Ellen Gulch.
Expansion of a new beginner area: Additional terrain expansion near the Baby Thunder lift on the resort’s west side.
Night skiing: Snowbird proposes night skiing on the runs beneath the Gadzoom lift.
According to Snowbird, other proposed resort expansion projects include upgrading some existing chairlifts, expansion of the Adaptive Sports facilities and a handful of other resort improvements.
Concerned parties include the Salt Lake City Water Department, who questions the expansion’s effect on water quality. Backcountry skiers are worried about expansion into White Pine Canyon since a new tram to American Fork Twin Peaks would allow easy access to White Pine’s upper bowls. Save Our Canyons is against any large developments atop Hidden Peak, where the new tram station would be located.
So whether you’re for or against Snowbird’s proposed expansion plans, then this is your chance to be heard.
For more information, visit Snowbird online.