Photo: Mitch Johanson
The Wasatch Mountains are home to a fabled stretch of both rugged and pristine skiing or snowboarding, revered not only in Utah but the world over. Therefore, it is understandable that any news regarding future plans for that stretch makes for prominent coverage in all snow-related titles. And whether you’re a tried and true local or perhaps a Colorado-lifer who has convinced him-/herself that they don’t ever need to leave the comfortable confines of I-70, these sorts of developments are important to all ski town-ers, whatever your zip code may be. These developments often set precedents for future developments, and will in one way or another affect and alter its competitors’ resorts and operations. Additionally, with the continued growth of both population and economy in the Beehive State, this will undoubtedly affect many more people on an individual level than it may presently seem to. People are already bootpacking the ridges; this was a long time coming.
With that in mind, The Mountain Accord, a multi-phase initiative that seeks to make critical decisions regarding the future of the central Wasatch Mountains, recently released their blueprint. Now, until March 16 (next Monday!) the organization behind the initiative is calling on “locals, recreational enthusiasts, or tourists” to offer their thoughts on the plan in hopes of instigating a conversation surrounding the proposal. People are encouraged to email those thoughts to comment@mountainaccord.com.
Ski Utah offers a little more insight:
Future plans for Utah’s Wasatch Mountains have frequented news headlines over the past year. These mountains are a special place to both locals and visitors, not only as a recreational locale to perfect your powder turns, but also an integral part of Utah’s economy. The central Wasatch teeters on the edge of a major metropolitan area experiencing increased visitation each year. In an effort to plan for the future of the Wasatch, understanding that Utah’s population is projected to nearly double by 2050, The Mountain Accord released a blueprint outlining possible scenarios that will ultimately impact these mountains forever. This blueprint is a culmination of over 20 organizations and 200 stakeholders and their vision(s) for the future — taking into account transportation, recreation, economic and environmental issues.
Ski Utah, an active voice and member of The Mountain Accord, has long been an ardent supporter of better connectivity between resorts. With this in mind, Ski Utah’s President Nathan Rafferty states, “a thoughtfully planned connection between resorts, whether through ski runs, aerial gondola, mountain rail, improved bus service, or a combination of any of these modes, would greatly improve the experience of visiting these mountains. While, we believe that the idea of ONE Wasatch is the simplest and most cost effective way to improve movement through these mountains, your opinion matters. Please help Ski Utah work with area stakeholders to preserve the experience our mountain resorts provide.”
All that is to say, get involved. Don’t be left out of these conversations — in circumstances like this one, it is you’re own doing if you’re not a part of them.
For more information, be sure to visit the Mountain Accord website, and stay updated with the latest goings-on by following them on Twitter.
