Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is hoping to make Little Cottonwood Canyon history as resort officials just announced that they will be moving forward with a plan that has been in the works for nearly 20 years.
The American Fork Canyon expansion plan includes building two new lift as well as a zipline in what amounts to the biggest resort expansion since the resort moved into Mineral Basin in 1999 under Richard “Dick” Bass’ leadership reports FOX 13 Salt Lake City.
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The area upon which the expansion would occur is owned by Snowbird and the plans for the expansion will be reviewed by the Utah Country Board of Adjustments later today. In the end, the board will be responsible for approving construction permits in the Mary Ellen Gulch zone of American Fork Canyon.
The expansion would add approximately 500 more acres to Snowbird’s skiable terrain, bringing the total to 3,000 acres.
However, many locals are wary of the plans, saying it will disturb what is currently a beautiful wilderness area utilized by outdoor enthusiasts that live nearby. Many of those residents hike, ride horses, and backcountry ski in the area. The fear is that once lifts and a zipline are placed in the canyon, American Fork will no longer feel as wild as it once did.
Yet, according to the resort’s communications manager, Brian Brown, Snowbird has “No plans whatsoever for any sort of hotels or condominium developments.” Also, plans to access the area include skiers and riders reaching the area via the Aerial Tram, which should lessen the expansion’s impact on the lower reaches of the canyon. Opponents to the expansion plan to appear at the hearing and hope to convince the board to hold back on approving the expansion.
If approved, Snowbird could commence lift construction this summer with a finished product primed for the 2016/2017 ski season.
Read the entire FOX 13 article here: Utah County officials to hear proposal for Snowbird Ski Resort expansion into American Fork Canyon
