MTF, PCM via EpicPromise donate $100,000 to support Wasatch Back trails nonprofits

Representatives from Mountain Trails Foundation, Wasatch Trails Foundation and Park City Mountain Epic Promise at the Mountain Trails Foundation Headquarters. (L-R) Rick Fournier, Mountain Trails Foundation; Ian Hartley, Mountain Trails Foundation; Thomas Bradley, Park City Mountain; Mia Yue, Wasatch Trails Foundation and; Lora Smith, Mountain Trails Foundation. Photo: Park City Mountain / Vail Resorts.

PARK CITY, Utah – Mountain Trails Foundation, through its partnership with Park City Mountain and Vail Resorts EpicPromise, is helping nonprofits South Summit Trails Foundation and Wasatch Trails Foundation expand and improve local trail networks.  

“Amid growing population in our region, and increasing popularity of trail use, one of the most effective strategies for preserving our world-class trails is to disperse trail users across a wider area. By funding local, immediately accessible trail amenities, we not only diminish trail use impacts but concurrently enhance the social, mental and physical well-being of people living on the Wasatch Back,” said Lora Smith, executive director of Mountain Trails Foundation. “Through our partnership with Park City Mountain/Vail Resorts EpicPromise we aim to provide the best trail experience for the greatest number of trail lovers out there – whether they’re locals or visitors.” 

The Park City-based EpicPromise Trails Committee approved three trail projects from South Summit Trails Foundation and Wasatch Trails Foundation: 

South Summit Trails Foundation

·        Oakley Trail Park restoration and maintenance ($25,000) 

·        Hilltop Road Trail ($25,000) 

Wasatch Trails Foundation 

·        Restoration, maintenance and improvements on WOW, Phosphate East, Donkey Ridge trails and the Pine Canyon Bike Park. ($50,000) 

“Park City Mountain is proud to be a long-time partner of Mountain Trails Foundation through Vail Resorts EpicPromise,” said Deirdra Walsh, vice president and COO of Park City Mountain. “We are thrilled to be able to help Mountain Trails further their impact and support South Summit Trails Foundation and Wasatch Trails Foundation to enhance and improve the trail systems throughout the entire Wasatch Back.” 

EpicPromise partnership funding will be applied to each project to help meet the required 50% match for anticipated grant funding from the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. This strategy effectively doubles the power of the EpicPromise partnership funding. Volunteer and in-kind support adds further value.  

“Wasatch Trails Foundation is beyond thrilled to be a part of such a generous community project,” said Mia Yue, executive director of Wasatch Trails Foundation. “We are eternally grateful for the support that Park City Mountain through Vail Resorts EpicPromise has provided to our organization and, more importantly, our community.”