The tram is one component of the area's greater plan to renovate lifts and avalache control for the ski area. Alta photo.
Alta Ski Area just received approval for a major upgrade.
Per the Salt Lake Tribune, an aerial tram was given the green light by the U.S. Forest Service, meaning that Alta will now have the capability to take 150 skiers to the summit of Mount Baldy each hour. The announcement is part of a greater plan to add not only add the small tram but to also replace chairlifts and add new Gazex avalanche guns.
As with any major ski resort expansion, the decision is coupled with its fair share of controversy. Environmentalists view this as the door opening to even greater resort expansion within Little Cottonwood Canyon.
“The Mt. Baldy tram would have a very low capacity and would serve primarily to transport ski patrol personnel. Public use would involve primarily those expert skiers who currently hike Mt. Baldy,” argued David Whittekiend,
Forest Supervisor.
The most vocal outcry comes from the environmental group, Save Our Canyons which critiques the plan not only for increased development, but the potential disturbance of nearby wetlands. “They are doubling down on the destruction of wetlands in our watersheds,” said Carl Fisher, executive director of the activist group.
Fisher takes issue with the proposed to the Flora lift, which would be added to the top of Albion Basin. The addition would give the skiers to ability to skip the East Baldy Traverse (EBT) to access Germania Pass and Collins Bowl. Fisher's issue with the proposed lift is that its towers and terminal would be located on wetlands that contribute to the area’s watershed.
“Honestly, skiers are soft these days,” Fisher said. “People don’t like to go into the mountains and be subjected to the elements. They need heated chairs and gondolas instead of traverses. That’s literally why they are doing it.”
About The Author
stash member Katie Lozancich
TGR Staff Writer and photographer. Fond of bikes, pow, and dogs. Originally from Northern CA, home for me has ranged from the PNW to a teepee in Grand Teton National Park.