SAM Magazine—Jackson, Wyo., October 14, 2020—Snow King Mountain Resort secured preliminary US Forest Service (USFS) approval for major capital improvements slated to begin summer of 2021. Big ticket items include two new lifts: an eight-passenger Leitner-Poma gondola, and a Skytrac chair that will serve new terrain. 

Snow King has been engaged in a review process for the projects with the town of Jackson and the USFS over the last five years. The final decision on the ski area’s Environmental Impact Statement will be issued in 2021. 

Snow King committed financially to Leitner-Poma based on the draft decision in order to secure its spot in the lift installation queue. The ski area has a short summer window for construction, and the new gondola will replace Snow King’s main artery, the aging Summit double. 

Other projects for summer 2021 include relocating the base of the Cougar Lift, a new beginner teaching area at the summit, and snowmaking infrastructure upgrades. Over the next five years, Snow King plans to add an observatory, a summit lodge, new terrain, snowmaking, night lighting, a zip line, and base area enhancements. 

“We are extremely excited to take this leap forward for Snow King to ensure that the historic ski area can be economically viable and sustainable long into the future,” said recently appointed president Ryan Stanley.