Deer Valley Resort on Wednesday is scheduled to continue talks with the Park City Planning Commission about a significant development at the Snow Park base, with the resort expected to address the critical issue of transportation.
The discussion is slated to touch on topics like the traffic a project is forecast to generate, parking, transit and the alignment of a proposed gondola as well as ski lifts.
A Deer Valley submittal to City Hall highlights the vision and shows transportation infrastructure stretching throughout the concept for the project. Some of the individual infrastructure locations include a drop-off spot for passenger vehicles and a drop-off point for transit and shuttle vehicles situated toward the Snow Park Lodge side of the land. A gondola terminal is close to a drop-off for passenger vehicles, also toward the lodge. The gondola concept, part of the Snow Park talks, would run to Silver Lake Village and Park Peak. The route has been included throughout the talks.
Two bus stops are shown toward the opposite end of the land from Snow Park Lodge. A drop-off location for events is also toward the far end from the lodge.
“We’re excited to share the progress of our multi-modal transit plan, which was developed in close collaboration with local transit agencies to enhance access and convenience for all who visit Deer Valley. The various modes and locations outlined in the plan are designed to integrate seamlessly, with strategically placed transit stops around the lower Deer Valley Loop area and a central transit hub that supports multiple transportation options. This plan allows for greater accessibility, efficiency, and choice,” Deer Valley said in a prepared statement requested by The Park Record.
Transportation is one of the crucial topics in the talks about Snow Park since there is a desire to reduce the number of vehicles headed to and from the development on Deer Valley Drive. The transportation concept is designed to convince people to opt for transit and the gondola rather than private vehicles.
Traffic is typically among the most difficult topics during a review of large development concepts in Park City like the one sought by Deer Valley. The Planning Commission often spends significant time on traffic and the measures a developer proposes to address the topic.
The inclusion of a gondola in the plans is also of note since Snow Park would likely be a stop on any citywide aerial transit system, should one ever be pursued.
There are longstanding development rights attached to the land where the Snow Park parking lots are located. Deer Valley must secure another approval for a project, though. The concept essentially calls for remaking Snow Park into a full-service base area. Lodging, residences, commercial space and entertainment are included. Large garages would be built to account for the parking spots that would be lost as the land is developed.
The Planning Commission meeting is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. at the Marsac Building. A public hearing is scheduled. The panel is expected to continue the talks to a meeting on Nov. 13, according to the Wednesday agenda.