In a statement released on Friday July 10, Bridger-Teton National Forest officials cited a “finding of no significant impact” for the construction of a second Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The new “Sweetwater Gondola” will replace the outdated Sweetwater lift, which is currently a slower fixed triple that delivers skiers to the Casper Restaurant. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort hopes the new lift will ease base area traffic, while providing skiers with direct access to the best intermediate terrain on the hill as well as the new Teton Lift.
Bridger Teton National Forest supervisor, Patricia O’Connor said recently in a statement that the new development at JHMR “provides enhanced winter and summer opportunites.”
Here are the highlights from O’Connor’s statement.
“Concentrating recreational use such as skiing and downhill mountain biking makes them more accessible and affords the forest the opportunity to meet public demands, while avoiding unnecessary sprawl into backcountry areas that provide critical wildlife habitat and undisturbed watersheds.”
“Wider, year-round accessibility to these enhanced opportunities contributes to the quality of life we enjoy and supports local economies,”
In addition to a new gondola, Jackson Hole Mountain plans on expanding the Casper Restaurant, building a zip line, and placing specific protections for an alpine plant community located in Cody Bowl.
Questions about this draft decision can be directed to Ray Spencer at rspencer01@fs.fed.us or at 307-739-5415.
In case you forgot, read about how “The Teton Lift Will Change Jackson Forever.”