Why do you like to go up to the Wasatch mountains for the weekend? Most people would say to get out of the city or maybe see some wildlife. As a recreational user of the Wasatch I’m also always excited to see what new things are coming at the resorts in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Looking at land use and ownership however, I see a big problem that could change the environment and feel of the Wasatch ski resort area. As most of the ski resorts, like Snowbird, were previously mines back in the day, their land is spattered across both sides of the Grizzly Gulch.
As much as I’d love to see new runs open up I think it is important to realize what would happen to the environment or wildlife if even one of these resorts decided to expand. Wildlife is a delicate thing and the slightest disruption could cause a domino effect and change the land forever. That is why I would propose that these resorts consolidate their land by trading in with federal land in order to protect certain areas that are still very wild.
In doing so, the ski resorts can accommodate our changing world without disturbing natural areas. Another option would be to allow these resorts to plan something on a smaller scale that wouldn’t affect the land as much. I would think a perfect use for Snowbird’s land on Mount Superior would be adding a touring and splitboard training area. This would add a new source of revenue for the resort while also preserving the land as much as possible.
We all love the Wasatch for what it is; our wilderness area, our water supply and also our recreational area — in that order. In efforts to save the Wasatch, we should not forget what is most important. By considering these ideas for land use and conservation, we would be taking a step in the right direction to preserve the Wasatch.
Nicholas Wagner
Salt Lake City