Deer Valley seeks approval for new six-pack bubble lift in crucial wildlife habitat

The new six-person lift, Keetley Express, will access high-elevation, beginner terrain between Bald Peak and Flagstaff Peak. Photo: Marina Knight

Deer Valley is seeking town approval for the construction of a new six-pack bubble lift at Wednesday’s planning commission meeting.

PARK CITY, Utah — The proposed lift would take skiers to Park Peak, between Bald Mountain Peak and Flagstaff Peak and access beginner,  high-elevation terrain. It would run slightly longer than a half mile and cover about 600 vertical feet. 

The proposal also includes plans for an 8,483 square foot terminal and lift storage building, along with a 375 square foot operator house. 

This winter, Deer Valley announced a major terrain expansion plan. When it is fully built out, there will be a 4-mile green run from the top of Park Peak to Deer Valley’s new East Village base along U.S. 40. This will include 16 new chairlifts, featuring a ten passenger gondola, and offer ski access across four new peaks.

Deer Valley is seeking a conditional use permit for the construction of the new lift, which means that it is not currently listed in the development plan. The proposed project is on Deer Valley Property unlike the majority of the expansion property facing the Jordanelle, which is designated as Military Installation Development Authority, or MIDA, land.

MIDA is a State of Utah entity created in 2007 to further economic development across jurisdictions, bringing together private and public enterprise and promoting military initiatives. Nine of the expansion lifts are across the Wasatch County line and fall under the jurisdiction of MIDA.

The land where the proposed lift would be built is identified as a crucial wildlife habitat by the Utah Department of Natural Resources. If approved, species like black bear, dusky grouse, ruffed grouse, moose, mule deer, rocky mountain elk and snowshoe hare would be affected. Crucial designation means the local population of these species depends heavily on the area for survival and there are no alternative habitats in the area.

A public hearing will be held at the planning commission’s meeting Wednesday, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.