Whether Alta Ski Lifts is still in the discovery process or moving ahead with a proposed lift up Flagstaff Mountain is unclear.   Last spring, survey stakes were noticed along the mountainside staking out a possible lift line. However, as of last November, the Forest Service had still not received any permit application. 

 

Alta is proposing a lift as an alternative method of avalanche control. The idea is to replace artillery avalanche control with skier compaction. Use of artillery avalanche control is becoming outdated and a thing of the past. Granting ski access for skier compaction would reduce the risk of an avalanche and is a much safer form of avalanche control. 

 

Nevertheless, the idea has already ignited a response which is fueled by the backcountry community balking at the proposed lift. Some feel the concept is just a motive for ski area expansion. It has been known that Alta Ski Lifts is considering expansion options, and this could accomplish that, even though the current Wasatch-Cache National Forest Plan does not include any ski area expansions in the immediate future. 

 

At the center of the issue is the heart of the Wasatch backcountry and whether this new ski lift would open the door to ski area expansion and relinquish the backcountry to Alta Ski Resort. The lift line would be a gateway to an area that has been predominantly used by backcountry skiers. Backcountry use has been significantly increasing and competition for untracked terrain and powder is intense. An area once receiving limited use would have easier access. Dispersed recreational opportunities in Little Cottonwood Canyon would be diminished. 

 

Placing a lift up Flagstaff Mountain would have far-reaching effects. Increased use of the backcountry could potentially have negative impacts on our watershed. Not to mention it could further promote the idea of a ski-interconnect system. 

 

The public is aware of the controversial nature of the proposed lift and has motivated itself to take action. In response to the issue, a group of concerned citizens has formed Friends of Flagstaff to help fight the proposal. Save Our Canyons will be working to protect the interests of the backcountry community and will challenge any efforts to place a lift up Flagstaff Mountain. 

 

Right now there is no word about the project moving forward. If Alta’s proposed lift traverses public land, the action would trigger the NEPA process, which invites public input. At this juncture everything is pending a proposal from Alta Ski Lifts. 

Please also look at our Newsletter Articles on this important issue:
        - Summer 2008  (pg. 10)
        - Autumn 2008    (pg. 3)
        - Spring 2009      (pg. 6)