Canyons Resort Backcountry Gates Closed After Second Avalanche Death

Vail Resorts closed backcountry access off the 9990 lift at Canyons Resort Tuesday morning. Photo: TownLift

PARK CITY, Utah. — This morning, Canyons Ski Patrol at Park City Mountain was directed by resort management to close all access to the adjacent backcountry frequently accessed from the resort, according to multiple sources. Access is closed “until further notice” and the resort is set to meet with the U.S. Forest Service on Feb. 9.

A sign was posted at the backcountry entrance at the top of the 9990 chair lift this morning stating “Backcountry gates closed pending meeting between PC resort management and U.S. Forest Service.”

There have been two fatal avalanches in the last three weeks where the victims accessed backcountry terrain via these now closed backcountry gates.

Vail Resorts shared a statement stating, “In the aftermath of recent tragedies outside of our resort boundary, we have closed the backcountry access points until further notice.”

Jan 30th incident: Park City Resident Dies in Square Top Avalanche

Jan 8th incident: Snowboarder Killed in Park City Backcountry Avalanche.

The verbiage on the sign has been updated to read, “NO BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS.”