The 2024/2025 ski season marked a turning point for Powder Mountain. For the first time, Village and Mary’s lifts were privatized, restricting access to homeowners and members. This shift represents a dramatic departure from the commitments made in Powder Mountain’s Development Agreement with Weber County, which promised public access to recreational amenities.
Powder Mountain has long been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering skiing, snowboarding, and other recreational opportunities. However, recent developments suggest a shift toward privatization, raising concerns about the future of public access.
The original Development Agreement, signed on January 13, 2015, between Summit Mountain Holding Group, LLC and Weber County, laid out clear commitments regarding how Powder Mountain should be developed. These commitments were based on the 2014 Rezone Application and Master Plan, emphasizing public access and community benefits. However, recent actions suggest that these promises may no longer be honored.
What the Development Agreement Says
The Development Agreement, along with its Second Amendment (November 1, 2022), includes several key provisions:
Section 1.2: The commitments made in the Rezone Application and Development Agreement are legally binding, even if the property changes ownership.
Section 1.4: The Rezone Application is on file at the Weber County offices, and any modifications to the agreement must be made in writing.
Section 4.1: The Developer must develop the property according to the promises made in the Rezone Application and Master Plan.
Public Access & Community Benefits
The Rezone Application specifically emphasized public access and benefits for the broader community, including:
Public Access: The Developer committed to keeping all recreational amenities, including ski and snowboard areas, open to the public. The approved Recreation Plan even outlined that areas served by Village and Mary’s Lifts would remain accessible.
Public Benefits: The project was meant to provide expanded recreation, lodging, retail, and attractions that benefit both residents and visitors.
Community Integration: The plan stated that new development would blend with the surrounding Weber County communities, ensuring continued public access to outdoor activities while minimizing disruption to existing neighborhoods.
The Reality: Privatization & Restricted Access
Despite these commitments, Summit Mountain Holding Group has moved toward a private, members-only model, directly contradicting the promises made in the Rezone Application and Development Agreement.
Key Concerns:
2024/2025 Season – Lift Privatization Begins: The Village and Mary’s Lifts were privatized for the first time, cutting off public access and limiting use to homeowners and members.
Weber County’s Priorities: Instead of upholding the legally binding commitments established through a formal approval process with public input, Weber County appears more focused on the potential tax revenue from high-end real estate development. This shift prioritizes financial gains over the legal agreements made to ensure public access and community benefits.
What’s Next?
The shift toward a private, members-only model at Powder Mountain raises serious concerns about accessibility, affordability, and community impact. This approach contradicts the original commitments made in the Rezone Application and Development Agreement, setting a precedent for similar moves in Cache County if their master plan is approved.
As these developments unfold, the question remains: Will Powder Mountain remain a destination for everyone, or only for those who can afford to buy in?
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