Jackson Hole Mountain Resort proposes improvements
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is hoping to make several improvements over the next few years.
The improvements in its Master Development Plan were formally accepted by the Bridger-Teton National Forest in August, but the plans are now going through a 30-day public comment period. Communications Manager Anna Cole said there are still a couple of hoops to jump through, including an environment assessment, but she’s hoping they’ll have a decision in six to seven months.
“This is really focused on making the guest experience a more positive one in summer and in winter here at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort,” said Cole.
With so many people lining up at lifts, and one lift even built in 1965, JHMR would like to replace the Eagles Rest and Sweetwater chairlifts with new eight-person gondolas. Engineer/planner Bill Schreiber said the gondolas would be a huge addition.
“When you have inclement weather it’s nice because you’re not in that weather and warm up a little bit,” said Schreiber.
The gondola would also take riders to another improvement – a bigger Casper Restaurant, providing much-needed eating space.
“Yep, double the size,” said Schreiber.
Not only are the gondolas safer and cozier, Schreiber said the capacity will increase dramatically.
“From about 400 people per hour to about 2,000 people per hour,” said Schreiber.
When the snow melts and summer is here the resort hopes to add a zip line to complement its new aerial adventure course. Cole said the summer improvements won’t compete with Snow King Mountain’s new summer improvements.
“We’re not doing any tubing, we’re not doing any night activities, we’re not doing a coaster,” said Cole. “This is really for the betterment of our entire community with what Snow King is proposing and at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.”
The projects include the following:
– Sweetwater eight-passenger gondola installation with mid-station
– Eagle’s Rest triple chair (reinstallation of the existing Sweetwater triple chair)
– Solitude conveyor lift installation
– Casper restaurant remodel/expansion
– Ski Patrol station at the top of the Bridger gondola
– Ashley Ridge run upgrade and realignment with skier overpass
– Wide Open run expansion
– Solitude run development
– Washakie and Grizzly run development
– Snow-making system expansion
– GazEx® avalanche system completion
– Hiking/biking trail network redevelopment and expansion
– Via Ferrata installations
– Zip line installation with modified alignment
Details of what each of these proposals include can be found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/btnf/landmanagement/projects. Written comments must be submitted to: Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) – Jackson Ranger District, P.O. Box 1689, Jackson, WY. 83001 attention Ray Spencer. Electronic comments must be submitted in rich text format (.rtf) or Word (.doc) to comments-intermtnbridger-teton-jackson@fs.fed.us. Oral comments can be made in person or over the phone to 307-739-5415.
