Fairview, Utah — A formerly private Utah ski area is expected to operate for the public at no cost to guests this winter, and it has now received funding to make significant future improvements.
Julie Jag of the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Snowland Ski Area received a $1.46 million grant via the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. It was part of the $21 million total of grants disbursed by the Utah Outdoor Adventure Commission.
The funds will likely be used for the purchase of a new surface lift. Planned for installation during the 2026-27 season. Snowland is also applying for another grant that would allow it to expand its quaint lodge. Snowbird, not to be confused with Snowland, is assisting the ski area by providing electrical work and giving them a snowcat. The non-profit foundation that will operate the ski area alongside Wasatch Academy aims to raise an additional $150,000.
In other related news, Snowland is now hiring for a dream gig. The Utah ski area is seeking a Mountain Manager, with a starting pay of at least $33 per hour. This person will be responsible for handling daily operations as the company pushes to become a year-round recreational hub. You can apply for the job by emailing kchristensen@sanpetecountyutah.gov.
The History & Future Of Snowland
This spot was once a public ski area with a couple of surface lifts, which operated from 1967 to 1980. While it was a popular regional ski area, the rapid increase in insurance costs and permitting issues led to its closure. Wasatch Academy took over the land and the U.S. Forest Service lease for private athletic use. However, it has remained a popular hangout spot for sledders and snowboarders during the wintertime.
The first season will see the opening of two rope tow lifts to the public (which were previously used by Wasatch Academy) that will service two mellow trails. The historic Nelson Lodge will offer a small selection of food and drink options, along with restrooms. As mentioned above, an expansion of the lodge is planned. For parking, an expanded lot has been sculpted (see conveniently placed photo below).
Future phases could include a parking lot at the top of the hill, two yurts (which would be available for overnight rentals), a restaurant, an outdoor concert space, and a third surface lift (likely a T-Bar) with carriers for mountain bikes. The goal is to have everything in place at Snowland by the 2027-28 season.
“We just want to make the communities we live in better than we found them,” said Brent Lange, the chair of Snowland Foundation, Inc., to the Salt Lake Tribune. “Just add on good stuff that’s family friendly, that unifies and brings people together and teaches and helps. That’s what we are.”
Tickets will be free this season, with the expectation that the operation will last around twenty days for the 2025-26 season. Lift tickets are expected to increase in price during future seasons, but they’re expected to remain affordable. It could open for the season in December, but this will depend on the weather and the completion of offseason projects.
Image Credits: Snowland Foundation, Inc., Sanpete County
