The future of Powder Mountain is at a crossroads. The submitted Master Plan for Powder Mountain Ski Resort raises serious concerns about public access, recreation, and the economic benefits to the county. As it stands, this plan lacks the necessary details and commitments to ensure that the resort remains an asset to the entire community—not just an exclusive playground for a select few.
The Planning Commission and County Council are currently reviewing the proposal, and now is the time for all of us who care about public access to Powder Mountain to speak up!
What’s Wrong with the Current Plan?
No Clear Public Access Plan
Despite zoning requirements designed to expand recreation opportunities, the Master Plan:
Fails to guarantee publicly accessible areas for winter recreation.
Does not specify which chairlifts may be privatized, making it impossible to determine if public access will be maintained or reduced.
Introduces “development fingers” in key areas that could create physical barriers to public access, further restricting recreational opportunities.
Uncertain Economic Benefit to the County
The zoning is intended to boost tourism and generate revenue, but the plan lacks transparency and raises several red flags:
The financial projections appear unrealistic and misaligned with actual market conditions.
The hotel development timeline is speculative, with no firm commitments, making it uncertain whether the resort will deliver its promised economic benefits.
There’s no analysis of how privatized recreation and membership models could reduce taxable transactions, limiting county revenue from sales tax.
No Development Agreement to Protect Public Interests
Perhaps most concerning, there is no proposed Development Agreement to enforce public access or prevent future changes that could shut out the community. A proper agreement must:
Guarantee public access to winter skiing and summer mountain biking.
Ensure that all existing chairlifts remain public with equivalent access if relocated.
Cap access fees so they remain affordable and not tied to property ownership.
Prevent artificially inflated membership pricing that could reduce taxable property values and county tax revenue.
Now Is the Time to Act!
The Planning Commission and County Council will decide whether this plan moves forward. Without enforceable public access provisions, economic transparency, and a binding Development Agreement, the future of public recreation at Powder Mountain is at serious risk.
How You Can Help:
Make Your Voice Heard! Visit the Contact Decision Makers page and send a message urging them to demand a better plan—one that protects public access, ensures economic benefits for the county, and holds developers accountable.
Read the Master Plan. It’s available under "Backup Documents" on our website.
Share this post with your friends, family, and community members who care about keeping Powder Mountain open to the public.
This is our chance to stand up for fair access, responsible development, and the long-term future of Powder Mountain. Let’s make sure our voices are heard before it’s too late!
🔗 Take Action Now: https://www.savepowdermountain.com/contact-decision-makers
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