Challenge denied, hearing officer clears way for two new Park City Mountain lifts

The Silverlode Express at Park City Mountain. Photo: TownLift

“As we look to the future, investments like these are essential to delivering a world-class recreation experience in Park City for locals and visitors alike.” ~ Park City Mayor Ryan Dickey

PARK CITY, Utah — A Park City hearing officer has upheld the Planning Commission’s approval of two lift upgrade projects at Park City Mountain, rejecting an appeal that challenged the permits.

The decision affirms the Planning Commission’s approval of conditional use permits for upgrades to the Silverlode and Eagle lifts, finding that the commission correctly applied the city’s Land Management Code and that its decision was supported by substantial evidence.

“I want to thank our volunteer Planning Commissioners and recognize the diligent work of our Planning Department staff for the professionalism, expertise, and the many hours they dedicated to reviewing this application through a thorough public process,” Mayor Ryan Dickey said in a statement. “As we look to the future, investments like these are essential to delivering a world-class recreation experience in Park City for locals and visitors alike.”

Under Park City’s municipal code, filing an appeal to the hearing officer automatically suspended the approvals while the appeal was pending. With the hearing officer’s decision now issued, that appeal process has concluded.

The municipal code also allows any person aggrieved by the hearing officer’s decision to “appeal to a court of competent jurisdiction.” Such an appeal must be filed within 30 days, and the hearing officer’s decision remains in effect unless a court orders otherwise.

Background on the lifts

The Silverlode and Eagle lift projects have a history of controversy dating back to 2022, when Park City Mountain’s first attempt to upgrade the lifts was met with a lengthy appeals process.

After the resort received approval for the upgrades, four residents appealed the decision, arguing the projects were inconsistent with the resort’s 1998 Mountain Upgrade Plan and raising concerns about parking and increased base-area impacts.

The Park City Planning Commission ultimately granted the appeal in June 2022, preventing the upgrades from moving forward for the 2022-23 season. Park City Mountain’s parent company, Vail Resorts, later appealed that decision, but the resort ultimately moved the lift equipment to another Vail property rather than install it at Park City.

Park City Mountain resubmitted plans for the lift upgrades back to Planning Commission earlier this year, where the projects received approval. But that decision was appealed, temporarily pausing the permits until the hearing officer completed a review.

The hearing officer’s full written decision is available on the Park City Planning Department website.