A new proposal is seeking to bring a publicly owned ski area to Utah with a focus on making skiing more affordable for residents. The Utah Public Ski Area Coalition says it’s currently seeking funding for an independent feasibility study rather than asking the state to immediately build a new resort.
Utah’s ski industry has seen significant growth in participation and lift ticket prices. According to the coalition, Utah skier visits have increased from about 3 million in 1990 to roughly 6.5 million today, while the number of ski resorts has increased from about 14 to 15. The organization also points to the increase in the state’s most expensive daily lift ticket, which have risen from approximately $67 to $329 over the past two decades.
What The Utah Public Ski Area Would Look Like
The coalition envisions a smaller community-oriented ski area rather than another large luxury resort. The concept would use fixed-grip lifts, basic food and beverage facilities, and phased development designed around controlling operating costs.
Illustrative plans call for a location somewhere in the Northern Wasatch Range with approximately 2,500 feet of vertical drop. The conceptual first phase would include five fixed-grip quad lifts and a magic carpet. The proposed location would also be roughly 30 to 35 miles from Salt Lake City without depending on a canyon road for access.
The coalition currently lists hypothetical modeled prices of $59 for a Utah resident adult day ticket and $750 for an unlimited resident season pass. Children under 12 would have a modeled $30 day ticket. These prices are not final and would depend on the results of a feasibility study.
Feasibility Study Is The First Step
Several potential sites are being evaluated but specific locations have not yet been disclosed. The proposed feasibility study would examine potential locations, construction costs and how a public ski area could operate.
The group is pursuing funding through Utah’s outdoor recreation programs. State planning programs can support feasibility studies and other outdoor recreation planning work, while larger projects move through regional recreation councils and the Outdoor Adventure Commission.
For now the new public ski area remains just a proposal. The next major milestone would be securing funding for the feasibility study and determining whether the concept can work financially, environmentally and operationally.