Alterra Mountain Company revealed a $344 million investment in capital improvements for winter 2022/2023 including gondolas and increased capacity and terrain at some of the company’s major resorts.
In California, Palisades Tahoe’s $65 million Base-to-Base Gondola will be completed for the 22/23 winter season. The gondola will connect the two mountains of the resort for the first time, giving skiers and riders a new way to access a combined 6,000 acres of storied terrain. Together, Palisades Tahoe will become the third-largest ski area in North America.
The 16-minute gondola ride will take skiers and riders between the two base areas, The Village at Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Lodge, reducing road congestion in the region and making it easier to enjoy both mountains in a single day.
It is the first gondola of its kind in North America, with four terminals connecting two base areas via a climb of nearly 2,000 vertical feet, offering panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.
Also in California, Mammoth Mountain will replace two key lifts, Canyon Express (Chair 16) at Canyon Lodge and Broadway Express (Chair 1) at Main Lodge. These new high-speed six-pack lifts are planned to debut in winter 23/24.
Mammoth will initiate a multi-year upgrade at Woolly’s Adventure Summit by re-orienting, expanding, and lengthening the tube runs and installing a summer tubing surface for year-round fun.
Future phases will include the installation of one of the longest mountain coasters in North America and the addition of adventure ropes courses and a permanent base lodge with food & beverage services. When complete, Woolly’s will become a year-round adventure center with a variety of activities for kids of all ages.
Mammoth will also begin a multi-year snowmaking enhancement program that includes higher efficiency equipment to open more terrain faster in the early season.
In Colorado, winter 22/23 will bring Phase 2 of Steamboat’s Full Steam Ahead redevelopment with $90 million of investment to include the relocation of the lower terminal of the Christie Peak Express lift and the first leg of the Wild Blue Gondola, which will take guests to the new Greenhorn Ranch learning center at mid-mountain.
Redevelopment of Steamboat Square continues with The Range Food Hall, Skeeters Ice Rink and slope-side guest amenities including new and expanded restrooms, lockers and more.
Phase 1 of Steamboat’s Full Steam Ahead transformation brought significant changes in 2021, including the relocation of the lower gondola terminal, the installation of escalators and the demolition of Gondola Square to make way for the new Steamboat Square amenities.
Crystal Mountain in Washington will, over the next five years, receive $100 million in infrastructure and service advancements. Work will begin this spring with a $25 million investment in additional parking and a new 25,000 sq. ft. skier services facility, called Mountain Commons.
The two-story building will replace the existing skier services building and will include a new guest services and ticketing experience, retail, dining, and an expanded slope-side beach area. The project is expected to break ground in March 2022 and open for the 23/24 winter season.
In Utah Deer Valley will experience a renaissance of the Snow Park Village, which will create a premier arrival experience designed to transform the base area, though this is currently in the permitting process with Park City Municipal. The plans include a reimagined plaza and transit arrival with hospitality accommodations, new food and beverage options, retail, and an expansive ski beach. The project is currently planned to break ground in 2023.
And new for winter 22/23, the Burns Express chairlift will debut on Deer Valley’s Wide West learning area. The new chairlift will connect the Snow Park base area to Little Baldy Mountain, offering Ski School access to more beginner teaching terrain, also providing an additional option for skiers to navigate out of the main arrival area.
