Today Ski Utah, along with several Utah ski resorts, announced the ONE Wasatch concept, a plan to connect seven of Utah’s ski resorts, with access via a single lift ticket. The concept is supported by and would involve Alta, Brighton, Canyons, Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR), Snowbird and Solitude. The plan involves chairlift connections between the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, Big Cottonwood and Park City, PCMR and the Canyons, and allowing access between Deer Valley and PCMR.
“With thoughtful planning and sincere cooperation, ONE Wasatch would add significantly to what is already one of the greatest ski destinations in the world,” said Nathan Rafferty, president and CEO of Ski Utah.
Watch: Ski Utah’s video promo for ONE Wasatch.
The ONE Wasatch concept would provide more than 18,000 acres of skiable terrain, on one lift ticket. If the plan comes to fruition, the state of Utah would further solidify itself as one of the top skiing destinations in North America. What are your thoughts on the ONE Wasatch concept? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Press Release, Salt Lake City, Utah, March 19, 2014:
Ski Utah and representatives from Alta Ski Area, Brighton Resort, Canyons Resort, Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, and Solitude Mountain Resort held a news conference today at Ski Utah’s headquarters to announce their support for an over-the-snow connection between all seven resorts via chairlift and ski run called ONE Wasatch.
Utah’s central Wasatch Mountains are home to seven world class mountain resorts in close proximity to one another. Connecting these resorts over-the-snow via chairlift and ski run would provide a skiing and riding experience unrivaled anywhere in North America. The coupling of these seven distinct resort personalities would allow access to over 18,000 skiable acres, 100 lifts and more than 750 runs and all on one lift ticket.
“Connecting seven of Utah’s finest ski resorts while preserving both our water quality and a pristine backcountry experience is not an impossible task,” said Nathan Rafferty, president and CEO of Ski Utah. “With thoughtful planning and sincere cooperation, ONE Wasatch would add significantly to what is already one of the greatest ski destinations in the world.”
ONE Wasatch is a concept, not a plan. At this time, resort partners have no specific execution timelines or chairlift alignments. The goal of ONE Wasatch is to establish a vision for a one-of-a-kind mountain experience by providing information, outlining the process, encouraging dialog and listening to feedback.
Because of the proximity of Utah’s ski areas, it is possible to connect seven resorts in just a few steps:
1. Connect Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons;
2. Connect Big Cottonwood to Park City;
3. Connect PCMR and Canyons Resorts; and
4. Drop the rope between Deer Valley and PCMR.
ONE Wasatch will offer the largest lift-served ski experience in North America – over 18,000 acres, 100 lifts and more than 750 runs…all on one pass. And all on “The Greatest Snow on Earth.”
