Deer Valley singled out as key focus of Alterra’s $300 million resort investment plan

Deer Valley East Village terrain expansion Photo: TownLift

DENVER — Alterra Mountain Company announced on Thursday a capital investment program exceeding $300 million for the upcoming season, encompassing improvements across its North American destinations.

The investment plan includes new and refurbished lifts, enhanced snowmaking systems, summer activities, and resort infrastructure improvements. This announcement comes on the heels of Deer Valley Resort’s recent unveiling of its “Expanded Excellence” initiative, which is part of Alterra’s broader strategy.

A portion of the $300 million investment will go to the first phase of Deer Valley’s major expansion. This expansion will ultimately add 3,700 acres of skiable terrain, more than doubling the resort’s size.

“We continue to believe our guests deserve a premium experience at every one of our beloved destinations,” said Jared Smith, President & CEO of Alterra Mountain Company. “During this significant capital investment cycle, we have been focused on making improvements that all of our guests will see, while re-imagining and doubling down on some of our most iconic properties like Steamboat and Deer Valley.”

Key highlights of the investment program include:

1. Lift Upgrades:

   – Mammoth Mountain will replace Broadway Express (Chair 1) with a high-speed 6-person chair, increasing capacity by 25%.

   – Big Bear Mountain Resort will consolidate two lifts into a single high-speed 6-person chair.

   – Sugarbush will replace the Heaven’s Gate triple lift with a new 4-person lift.

   – Stratton will modernize the Ursa Lift for improved efficiency.

2. Amenity Enhancements:

   – Crystal Mountain’s new 25,000 square foot Mountain Commons Lodge will be fully operational for the 24/25 winter season.

   – Mammoth Mountain will improve Woolly’s Adventure Summit, including a new Day Lodge and the reopening of the Mountain Coaster.

   – Steamboat Grand Hotel will reopen in November following a complete overhaul.

   – Winter Park will introduce the Sundog Taproom, adding over 130 seats and 30 self-serve beer taps to the base village.

3. Snowmaking Improvements:

   – Winter Park will complete a $37 million, two-year project to rebuild its snowmaking infrastructure.

   – Increased snowmaking coverage at Mammoth Mountain, Palisades Tahoe, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Stratton, and Sugarbush.

Alterra’s investment follows the recent completion of Steamboat’s three-year “Full Steam Ahead” project, which added 655 acres of expert terrain and North America’s longest gondola.