After receiving initial acceptance from the US Forest Service for a proposed expansion into the Teocali Drainage, Crested Butte is now taking the necessary steps to finalize the move. However, it could take up to two years before the Teocali zone officially becomes part of Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
Since the proposal was accepted by the USFS, Crested Butte will now wait on the environmental assessment of the project to proceed. The process “could take up to two years before a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is released,” reported the Crested Butte News.
Basically, the resort will adjust its special use permit with the USFS in order to expand its boundaries, allow for new lifts, snowmaking, and access to the drainage.
Here is what you need to know about the proposed expansion:
- Teocali Drainage is a 500 acre zone that offers expert terrain to skiers and snowboarders
- Includes new snowmaking systems on existing groomed terrain
- North Face Lift will be replaced (what kind of lift is TBD)
- Two new chair lifts will be added
Since the acceptance, director of planning John Sale is moving forward as quickly as possible. Recently, Sale and the SE Group viewed the Teocali drainage and began making observations on wildlife habitat, hydrology, and ecological concerns that will eventually end up in the EIS at a later date. The SE group is commonly used contractor known for its expertise with resort expansions and its relationship with the USFS. However, after the EIS is drafted and published, a public comment period will commence before anything is finalized.
Most people are expecting the process to take over two years to finalize and if all goes according to plan Crested Butte will have that much more to offer.
Read the entire Crested Butte News article here: USFS accepts ski resort’s proposal for expansion