Park City, Utah — Remember a few weeks ago when Park City Mountain Resort’s new lifts seemingly got approved? Wait, you really thought this saga was over?
The Salt Lake Tribune reports an appeal has been filed against the Park City Planning Commission’s approval of the lift projects. Late last month, the Planning Commission approved a plan to replace three lifts at Park City Mountain Resort with two ones. Like the last time it was approved, it now faces an appeal. However, it’s unclear how long this legal battle could take.
According to KPCW, the six appellants are based in Park City or Snyderville Basin. These are different people than those who filed an appeal last time. The residents have experienced crowded conditions on the trails around these lifts, and worry about what impact the replacements would have. They argue that the process didn’t thoroughly analyze potential safety hazards and that Comfortable Carrying Capacity (CCC) metrics should have been provided. The appellants claim they aren’t opposed to the replacements; they just want a more thorough review.
“We think that increased lift capacity inevitably leads to increased downhill crowding, and we think that’s a detrimental impact that it has ramifications for safety and for customer enjoyment and a good experience,” said Frode Jensen to KPCW. “We think under the code the planning commission should have looked at those impacts.”
The case is expected to be heard by a land use hearing officer within 45 days of the appeal date. This is different from the last appeal, which was heard by an appeals panel. The new method is intended to speed up the process. The locals’ aim is to have the proposal sent back to the Planning Commission for further review. However, if the locals’ appeal is unsuccessful, they could then take the matter to court.
“More than 80 community members — including Olympic athletes and industry leaders — spoke or submitted comments in support, underscoring the broad recognition that these projects will meaningfully improve the experience for skiers and riders, residents, and guests,” said Deirdra Walsh, Vice President and COO of Park City Mountain Resort to KPCW.
About The New Lifts
Eagle is currently a fixed-grip triple chairlift, while Eaglet is a standing but non-operating chairlift that served a terrain park.
These would be replaced by a high-speed six-pack chairlift. The new chairlift would feature a mid-station near the top of the Three Kings park for unloading. The new Eagle would have a total length of 5,796 feet, a vertical rise of 1,600 feet, and a ride time of nearly 6 minutes.
It could likely become a key lift for ski racers and terrain park riders. The mid-station will also be used by beginner and intermediate skiers seeking mellow terrain. The top terminal will be situated near the top of the King Con Express chairlift, providing easier access to that carving-filled terrain pod. Considering the current Eagle and Eaglet chairlifts, this would increase uphill capacity from 1,800 to 2,800 people per hour, an increase of 55%. As part of the plan, Three Kings would likely see a reduction in its operational schedule due to its proximity to the new Eagle mid-station.
Silverlode Express is currently a detachable high-speed six-pack chairlift. The proposal has that lift being replaced by a detachable high-speed eight-pack chairlift that will follow a practically identical alignment. That lift is situated at a crunch point at PC, with the other adjacent lift being the Quicksilver Express gondola. It would increase uphill capacity from 3,000 to 3,600, a 20% increase.
These projects were originally announced back in 2021. Park City’s Planning Commission initially received approvals for these lifts in 2022. However, locals successfully appealed the decision due to concerns about the ski resort’s comfortable carrying capacity. That rejection led to a years-long battle over the ski resort’s recent crowding issues regarding lift lines and parking. However, those issues have improved in recent years. Due to the delays, Vail Resorts ended up sending the lifts to Whistler Blackcomb. As a result, these additions would be a new batch of lifts. The goal is to have them ready for the 2027-28 season.
Personal Thoughts
I do feel like there were valid reasons behind the last appeal process. Park City Mountain Resort was a crowded place in 2022, so scrutiny was warranted. Since then, the ski resort has shown that its plan reduces traffic. This appeal comes off as petty and not in the best interest of the community and the state’s ski industry. Add in the fact that Park City is less than 8 years away from hosting the Olympics, and it’s not a great look for the community.
Image/Video Credits: Beyond the Lodge, Park City Mountain Resort
