Talk of the Town: 2024 top stories from TownLift News

Park City Main street on a winter evening Photo: TownLift // Randi Randi Sidman-Moore

To our readers: Thank you for making TownLift a part of your year. Your engagement, contributions, and love for our community inspire everything we do. Here’s to another year of stories that connect, inform, and celebrate Park City. Wishing you a joyful and bright New Year!

PARK CITY, Utah — 2024 set the tone with a year of transformative stories for Park City—a community navigating the balance between its vibrant culture, strong sense of togetherness, and love for mountain town living amidst impending growth and change.

Each Saturday, TownLift’s Weekly Roundup newsletter connects over 10,000 subscribers to the heart of Park City. Here’s a look back at the top stories that shaped Park City this past year, inspiring us all to look ahead with curiosity and resilience.

2024 Talk of the Town: in no particular order.

SLC wins 2034 Olympic bid

On Wednesday, July 24, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially awarded Salt Lake City, Utah, the host contract for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Park City is gearing up to host 40% more events at the 2034 Winter Olympics compared to 2002.

Deer Valley expansion takes shape

Deer Valley is advancing two major development projects: the East Village expansion and the redevelopment of the Snow Park Base. East Village marks the largest expansion in the resort’s history, featuring the Grand Hyatt hotel opening this year and the recent announcement of a Four Seasons Resort as part of the project.

Prince Mansion Dispute defines future of Park City History

Susan Fredston-Hermann, owner of Sash and Mocha, describes the controversial Manions build as “a conflict between the Park City community and the recent influx of extremely wealthy newcomers.” The project seeking exceptions to the historic building code has sparked lawsuits, numerous appeals, lobbying efforts targeting state legislators, and even the purchase of a local newspaper by Utahs richest man.

Dakota Pacific Development approval

Despite 94% of surveyed community members opposing it, the Dakota Pacific Development project was approved in a 4-1 vote under pressure from state legislators. Once completed, the project will add 890 housing units to the Kimball Junction area.

Sundance looks beyond Park City

The Sundance Film Festival has issued an RFP for new host cities, signaling a potential shift away from its humble beginnings in Park City. While the dual bid from Salt Lake City and Park City are listed as finalists, even if selected in 2025, Sundance would primarily relocate to Salt Lake City, with Park City serving as a satellite. Such a move would mark a significant logistical and cultural change for the festival.

Yellow Lake Fire

The Yellow Lake Fire that burned 33,173 acres east of Kamas in the Uinta mountains this fall, Caused Evacuations, road closures and threatened homes. The cause has been determined to be accidental and started by a logging operator’s equipment.

Town Lift Plaza up for sale

Lawsuit puts a cornerstone of Park City’s history in position for change as the Sweeney family has decided to list its remaining land holdings near the iconic Town Lift for sale.

Northern lights become a regular in Park City Skies

On several occasions this past year, community members caught glimpses of the Northern Lights (aurora borealis), visible right from Park City. Enthralled by the celestial spectacle, many shared their stunning photos with TownLift.

Park City Ski Patrol Strike

Nearly 200 members of the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) began an Unfair Labor Practice strike Friday Dec. 27, citing bad-faith bargaining and violations of the National Labor Relations Act by Vail Resorts, Inc (NYSE:MTN), the parent company of Park City Mountain. The strike comes at a critical time for the resort and the town. “This is the busiest season of the year,” Shaw said. “It’s sad all around—this affects everyone, from skiers to local businesses.”

To our readers:

Thank you for making TownLift a part of your year. Your engagement, contributions, and love for our community inspire everything we do. Here’s to another year of stories that connect, inform, and celebrate Park City. Keep those photos, story ideas, and news tips coming!

Wishing you a joyful and bright New Year!

The TownLift Team