4 replies to this topic

[CH3skier]

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Snowbird ski resort is seeking approval to expand into another canyon off its back side and to build a new tram to provide access to it.

Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort wants to expand into Mary Ellen Gulch, adjacent to Mineral Basin, and build a tram running from Hidden Peak to the West Twin of American Fork Twin Peaks.

U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Cathy Kahlow says her staff is evaluating the proposal and will decide by early fall whether to accept it.

If accepted, she says, the expansion will require a full-blown environmental impact statement and changes to the Wasatch-Cache-Uinta National Forest plan.

Carl Fisher of Save Our Canyons criticizes what he calls "another ski area expansion where resorts take public lands and give up nothing in return."

http://www.ksl.com/?...48&sid=11056598

[boardski]

Does anyone know if other types of lifts are planned for the new area? It will be difficult to access without extremely long lines and difficult to ski or ride repetitive laps with a tram vs a HSQ or HSS. I'll still have to try it out though, Snowbird is a great area.

[ewillso7]

I really think it's a bad idea to provide direct lift access to the top of West Fork.
That's some extremely challenging terrain up there that's much better served as a "Hike and Earn Your Turns" perspective. I'd leave it West Fork as it is. If they want to expand, look towards the Thunder Bowl area.

[boardski]

I must not be thinking about the correct area. I had the new area pictured as an expansion of Mineral Basin. Living in Colorado, I only get to Snowbird once every 2-3 years. Thunder bowl area would make for a nice expansion.

[monkey]

yeah !