“We’re very excited about the permit approval from the Utah County Board of Adjustment. The new lifts planned for Mineral Basin and Mary Ellen Gulch will greatly expand the year-round recreational opportunities at Snowbird,” said Bob Bonar, president and CEO of Snowbird. “We have over 45 years of proven stewardship in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The same balance, protection and, in some cases, recovery of the environment will be practiced in Mary Ellen Gulch,” Bonar added.

Snowbird will not begin any lift or gondola construction for at least two years; a detailed water analysis must be performed in key areas of Mary Ellen Gulch before work can begin.

Once water-monitoring studies are completed, two new chairlifts will be added on private property along the southern boundary of Snowbird’s current terrain. A gondola spanning from Hidden Peak to Mary Ellen Gulch will be established as part of the expansion project. The gondola will also support a zip line system.