Park City approves water deal to boost snowmaking at Deer Valley

Deer Valley's Silver Lake area. Photo: Inhabit Park City.

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Council has approved a new water agreement with Deer Valley Resort, allowing the ski area to purchase up to 300 additional acre-feet – just under 98 million gallons – of water for snowmaking each year. The deal aims to support snowmaking operations at the now expanded 2,300-acre resort, while generating additional revenue for the city without affecting residential water supply.

The Surplus Water Sales Agreement, approved by the Council June 12, enables Deer Valley to access the extra water between October 1 and April 1 annually, through 2030. It builds on previous agreements dating back to 1979 and 1991, which allow the resort to use up to 650 acre-feet per year. According to the contract terms, Deer Valley will pay at least $340,000 per year for the extra water.

Under the new contract, the first 150 acre-feet will be sold on a “take or pay” basis—meaning Deer Valley pays for it whether it’s used or not. The resort will pay a rate equivalent to what the city’s Municipal Golf Course pays for untreated water, plus pumping costs. The rate will increase annually to match the city’s standard water rate hikes.

Public Utilities Director Clint McAffee said the agreement ensures the water will only be made available if the city has surplus supply and emphasized that its use is limited to snowmaking within the Weber River Drainage, keeping runoff within the watershed. The contract’s terms prohibit Deer Valley from using the municipal water to make snow in the terrain expansion on the east side.

“This helps stabilize future water rates and strengthens our partnership with Deer Valley,” McAffee noted in a staff report.

Because snowmaking occurs during the city’s off-peak water-use months, officials said the arrangement should not strain the municipal system.