Deer Valley's Lift 7 project now faces appeal

A view of Park Peak from Deer Valley's Empire Peak. Photo: Marina Knight

Deer Valley says they remain committed to sustainable growth and will work with Park City Municipal through the appeal process

PARK CITY, Utah — A nearby property owner has filed an appeal with Park City’s City Hall contesting the Planning Commission’s unanimous decision to allow Deer Valley Resort to develop Park Peak with new beginner terrain and a six-person bubble lift, Lift 7.

The Bransford Land Company, which previously voiced opposition to the project during public meetings, filed the appeal of the lift approval. The Bransford family owns land leased by Deer Valley for the Trump and Ontario ski runs. Additionally, the Park Peak lift project entails grading over four miles of new ski trails, with one trail running directly along the Bransford property line.

In April, company chairman Anne Bransford submitted a letteer to the planning commission that criticized the lift’s orientation and wrote that the proposed primary beginner trail is too narrow. She suggested Deer Valley use Bransford land to widen the run.

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“Lift 7 is a crucial part of our Expanded Excellence lift and terrain expansion, designed to add terrain for all skill levels while prioritizing skier safety, wildlife preservation, and managing the project’s environmental impact to uphold our commitment to sustainable growth. We take great pride in being good community partners and will continue to work with Park City Municipal and our partners through the appeal process,” a statement provided to TownLift from Deer Valley officials Thursday, said.

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the conditional use permit for the project on May 22 after several months of working through the approval with Deer Valley staff. The commission and members of the Park City community have expressed concerns about skier safety, the project’s impact on wildlife, and how approving such a project may impact future requests to alter land designations for development.

The decision will now be put before the Appeal Panel. A date for the hearing has not yet been set.