Deer Valley's Lift 7 Receives Planning Commission Approval

On Wednesday, the Park City Planning Commission gave the green light to Deer Valley's proposal to install a new six-pack bubble lift on Park Peak. This marks a significant step forward for the ski resort's expansion plans, which aim to introduce nine new lifts and expand the terrain by roughly 3,000 acres before the winter of 2025-2026.

The newly approved lift, internally known as Lift 7, will start at the intersection of the Trump ski run and Ontario, whisking skiers to Park Peak. Deer Valley envisions accompanying this lift with the construction of a new lodge and gondola that will link Park Peak to Snow Park and the upcoming East Village base in Wasatch County. The six-pack lift will span 600 vertical feet and stretch just over half a mile in length, with a capacity to transport 3,000 skiers per hour.

Part of the project entails clearing 13 acres of trees to make way for four miles of new beginner ski trails. While concerns were raised regarding wildlife protection during a previous meeting, the commission's approval on Wednesday came with specific conditions to safeguard the local fauna. These include prohibitions on fencing and nest disturbance for migratory birds, as well as a requirement for a biologist to conduct a post-snow melt site assessment before the issuance of a building permit.

Pending the attainment of the necessary building permit, Deer Valley anticipates commencing construction later this year. However, the installation of lift towers is slated for the summer of 2025.