Powder Mountain is looking to expand their lift accessed terrain this season with two proposed lifts. Mary’s Bowl and Lefty’s Canyon are the targets – areas that are already within the ski area boundary, but is currently only used for the mountain’s guided backcountry tours and the popular snowcat skiing operation.
According to the Standard Examiner, Powder Mountain submitted a design review plan to the Weber County Planning Commission for the Village Lift, which would ascend Lefty’s Canyon to a future mountain village tentatively called, “Village Center.” In addition, a map for the expansion plan shows an alignment for the Mary’s Lift, which would allow lift access to Mary’s Bowl, a popular run for guided backcountry tours.
One wrinkle that could destroy Powder Mountain’s plans? Wildlife. While Weber County mulls over the proposal, concern has been raised by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources that the new lifts would bring crowds too close to stressed wildlife, especially deer and elk. The Middle Fork Wildlife Area borders the expanded terrain, which could drive these animals away from their winter range.
Powder Mountain crews say they will clearly mark the new resort boundaries and make sure skiers don’t wander into the protected wildlife zone. They seem confident of approval, because crews have already begun to clear timber to make way for lift construction.
They hope to have the two new lifts completed in time for the upcoming ski season.