An updated version of Grand Targhee Resort’s master plan has been accepted by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. It proposes new chairlifts, new surface lifts, restaurants, increased snowmaking, a zip line, an aerial adventure course and more.
If the plan is fully realized, Grand Targhee Resort will end up with 50% more terrain and as many lifts as Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. These improvements and terrain expansions are set to roll out over the following decades.
“Approximately 348 acres of new lift-served trails are planned, in addition to new and improved glades on both Fred’s and Peaked Mountains,” the plan states. “Terrain on Peaked Mountain is planned to be improved and expanded and a lift in the Mono trees area, up to Lightning Ridge, will provide round-trip skiing as well. A third lift, the Lightning Lift, similar to the Mono Trees Lift, was proposed initially with an alignment to the south and approved in 1994/95. Planned lift upgrades include realigning and extending the Shoshone Lift and the Papoose carpet. Finally, three new lifts — Crazy Horse, North Boundary and Rick’s Basin and two new teaching carpets are planned.”
Lift Installations and Upgrades
Installation of Mono Trees Lift in the Lightning Ridge area (a lift was previously approved extending to the south)
Installation of the Crazy Horse Lift—a new lift starting near the top of Screaming Cheetah to the top terminal of the Dreamcatcher Lift
Installation of the Rick’s Basin Lift—a new lift to connect Targhee Village and Rick’s Basin
Installation of the North Boundary Lift—a new lift in the northern portion of the existing SUP boundary
Installation of two additional teaching carpet lifts adjacent to the base area
Installation of the Peaked Lift (previously approved)
Installation of three lifts in South Bowl
Installation of a surface lift and lights on Palmer’s Raceway 3.
Lift Replacements & Upgrades
Upgrade, realignment, and extension of the Shoshone Lift
Realignment of the existing Papoose teaching carpet lift adjacent to the base area
Guest Services Installations
Construction of a 6,800- to 7,000-square foot on-mountain restaurant on Fred’s Mountain, near the top terminal of the Dreamcatcher Lift
Construction of a 5,000- to 6,500-square foot restaurant near the top terminal of the Sacajawea Lift
Construction of warming cabins in Rick’s Basin (to support GTR’s Nordic trail network) and on Lightning Ridge
Construction of restroom and warming facilities with limited food service at the bottom terminals of the previously approved Blackfoot and Peaked lifts
Construction of a yurt at the top of the Shoshone Lift to provide on-hill facilities, potentially including evening winter sleigh rides or summer horseback rides to dinner
Work could begin is summer 2020, but summer 2021 is more realistic.