It’s official, Snowbird got the go-ahead from the Salt Lake Planning Commission to build a roller coaster for summer operations. The commission voted unanimously on Wednesday, May 16th to approve Snowbird’s proposed new location for a mountain coaster at the base of Peruvian Gulch. While it’s not yet a totally done deal, (the commission’s approval is contingent on more detailed site plans and meeting various governmental agency criteria) Snowbird says this “mountain coaster” is basically in the bag.
In a press release, Snowbird President Bob Bonar said that the mountain coaster will provide another form of summer recreation for Snowbird visitors. “We feel today’s approval is a result of listening to various stakeholders, community groups and neighbors as well as working with Salt Lake County and City to create a workable solution for all parties,” Bonar said.
Earlier in the month, Snowbird hosted site tours for interested individuals, community groups, councils and commissions prior to Wednesday’s meeting in an attempt to address any concerns, which they say resulted in very little opposition during the Planning Commission meeting.
According to Snowbird, the mountain coaster will be located within Snowbird’s existing developed resort footprint on private property with loading and unloading at the base of the Peruvian Express chairlift. Much of the ride will supposedly be obscured from the highway by the Cliff Lodge as well as trees and vegetation. The mountain coaster installation will be constructed primarily with soil nails and will have minimal impact on the terrain.
“As with every project we undertake, water quality is at the top of the priority list,” said Bonar. “Scientific analysis dating back to Snowbird’s beginning demonstrates that year-round recreation is compatible with operating within a watershed.”
Snowbird now will begin the final design phase and work on installation timelines, currently expected to take place this fall or spring 2013.
This new location is the second attempt by Snowbird to install a roller coaster at the ski resort. The first try had the amusement-park ride begin at the ski resort’s base area at the Snowbird Center, cross Little Cottonwood Canyon Road (Highway 210) via a bridge, and stretch a few hundred feet up Mount Superior’s base.
Of course, backcountry skiers and canyon preservationists were vocal opponents against any sort of development on the north side of Little Cottonwood Canyon, and the Salt Lake County Board of Adjustment scuttled the planning commission’s prior approval of that original plan.