Update 12/9: The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Judge Noel Hyde has ordered the halting of construction and real estate sales at Wasatch Peaks Ranch for an indefinite period. This order will be in effect at least until the Utah Supreme Court can hear the case. The information below is from earlier this week.
The future of Utah’s newest ski resort is in doubt after a string of victories by its local opponents.
Over the past couple of years, a group of locals have tried to stop the Wasatch Peaks Ranch development. They originally failed, and the ski resort opened back during the 2021-22 season. However, recent successes for the locals have put Wasatch Peaks Ranch in a tricky situation.
Back in September, Utah Second District Judge Noel Hyde allowed for a referendum, which would see Morgan County residents vote for whether the zoning changes that allowed for the ski resort to be built should remain in place. In addition, a temporary restraining order was issued against Wasatch Peaks Ranch, meaning that they needed to stop construction. This decision is being appealed by Wasatch Peaks Ranch and Morgan County to the Utah Supreme Court. If the referendum were to occur, the locals would need to accumulate around 1000 signatures.
While they were ordered to stop construction, Wasatch Peaks Ranch pressed forward with development, which included requesting more zoning changes to Morgan County. These zoning changes were ultimately approved. However, this is against Utah law, as you aren’t allowed to change zoning laws during a temporary restraining order.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that because of this, Utah Second District Judge Noel Hyde has ordered that Wasatch Peaks Ranch must halt all development for 14 days. During this period, they can’t do construction or sell/transfer real estate. The only thing that Wasatch Peaks Ranch can do at the moment is protective maintenance. On Wednesday, a preliminary injunction could be issued against the ski resort, leading to further issues for Wasatch Peaks Ranch. The date that the appeal will be heard in the Utah Supreme Court has yet to be announced.
It’s unclear what this would mean for operations during the 2023-24 ski season.
Image/Video Credits: Google Earth (Featured Image), Wasatch Peaks Ranch,
Tommy Harle, Skimap.org (Skier72)
