31 October 2024

Deer Valley Resort's Snow Park Development: Focus on Transportation Infrastructure

Deer Valley Resort's Snow Park Development: Focus on Transportation Infrastructure

On Wednesday, Deer Valley Resort is set to engage in further discussions with the Park City Planning Commission regarding a major development at the Snow Park base, with a primary focus on transportation infrastructure.

The agenda for this meeting includes critical topics such as the anticipated traffic generated by the project, parking solutions, transit options, and the proposed alignment for a new gondola and ski lifts.

A recent submission from Deer Valley to City Hall outlines an ambitious vision that incorporates extensive transportation infrastructure throughout the Snow Park project. Key features include designated drop-off areas for passenger vehicles and transit shuttles, strategically located near the Snow Park Lodge. Additionally, a gondola terminal is planned close to these drop-off points, facilitating easy access to the lodge. This gondola, a central aspect of the Snow Park discussions, is intended to connect to Silver Lake Village and Park Peak, with the proposed route being a focal point of the ongoing talks.

At the opposite end of the property from the Snow Park Lodge, two bus stops are planned, along with a designated drop-off area for events, enhancing accessibility for visitors.

In a prepared statement requested by The Park Record, Deer Valley expressed enthusiasm about their multi-modal transit plan, developed in collaboration with local transit agencies. This plan aims to improve access and convenience for all Deer Valley visitors. The outlined transportation modes and locations are designed for seamless integration, featuring strategically placed transit stops around the lower Deer Valley Loop area and a central transit hub that accommodates various transportation options. This initiative is expected to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and user choice.

Transportation remains a pivotal issue in the Snow Park discussions, particularly with the goal of reducing vehicle traffic on Deer Valley Drive. The proposed transportation concept encourages visitors to utilize public transit and the gondola instead of relying on private vehicles.

Traffic management is often a contentious topic during reviews of large development proposals in Park City, such as the one presented by Deer Valley. The Planning Commission typically dedicates considerable time to evaluating traffic concerns and the developer's proposed solutions.

The inclusion of a gondola in the development plans is particularly noteworthy, as Snow Park could serve as a key stop in any future citywide aerial transit system, should such a system be pursued.

The land where the Snow Park parking lots are situated has existing development rights, but Deer Valley must obtain additional approvals for their project. The overarching concept envisions transforming Snow Park into a comprehensive base area, incorporating lodging, residential units, commercial spaces, and entertainment facilities. To accommodate the loss of parking spaces due to development, large garages are planned.

The Planning Commission meeting is scheduled to commence at 5:30 p.m. at the Marsac Building, with a public hearing on the agenda. The panel is expected to continue discussions at a subsequent meeting on November 13, as noted in the Wednesday agenda.

Kaynak: Park Record