Deer Valley president talks Snow Park, gondola that could replace Silver Lake Express

A new gondola could eventually replace Deer Valley's Silver Lake Express Lift, according to the resort's president Todd Bennett. Photo: Michele Roepke // TownLift

PARK CITY, Utah — Todd Bennett, Deer Valley Resort’s president and COO, said in a recent episode of the OverHerd at Deer Valley podcast, that in time a gondola could possibly replace the Silver Lake Express chairlift.

It would be the second gondola at Deer Valley with the Jordanelle.

Citing the “linger longer” concept communicated by clientele, it will provide opportunities for skiers to stay at the resort after the rest of the chairs stop spinning during the day. Then they can dine, browse retail, rent equipment, enjoy a beverage, and perhaps listen to some music.

Listen to the podcast Here:

The Deer Valley Snow Park Redevelopment project has been a topic of much discussion locally. Bennett says the plan could serve to alleviate traffic congestion of all patrons driving away from the resort in a mass exodus at the end of a ski day.

According to Bennett, the resort has been consulting with and listening to neighbor stakeholders to get the best possible feel for what will be the common good in regards to development.

He explains that their goal is to do things thoughtfully and with a strong sense of the resort’s history remaining conscientious of Deer Valley’s founders and the principle that they brought, not simply making “changes for change sake”.

Among other rationalities for a new gondola based out of the Snow Park Village, Deer Valley sees a remedy to cars trying to travel to and from the mid mountain area during snow storms on slick streets.

Ground has yet to be broken as the public and private sectors continue to plan to set up for success.