SNOW KING MOUNTAIN SUMMER CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & RECOMMENED HIKING ROUTE
This summer Snow King Mountain will be engaged in several on-mountain construction projects. Recreational users are urged to use caution and heed all posted signs as this is an active construction site.
TRAIL ACCESS
Trail access from the base to the top is important and needs to be maintained throughout the construction process. The following link, is Snow King’s webpage with updates on construction: What’s New | Snow King Construction and Improvements | Jackson, WY (snowkingmountain.com) Throughout the summer things will change as construction projects move on the mountain. Snow King Mountain has committed to have informational signage at the base area. In addition, Snow King will share information on their project update page (above) so that members of the public know how to get to the top of the mountain avoiding the main construction activity.
According to Snow King’s webpage “(d)uring summer construction it is recommended that hikers and bikers take the mountain access road on the East side of the Rafferty Lift as indicated with the green line on the adjacent map. This map will be updated over the summer as construction continues and areas of closure change. Trenching on the steep Exhibition ski run has a very high potential for rockfall risk. Please stay out of the area beneath this construction work during the hours of 7:30am – 8:00pm for your safety.
RE-VEGETATION EFFORTS
Both Snow King Mountain and the US Forest Service have recognized that re-vegetation is important to this project. Snow King indicated that there has been, and will continue to be hydro-seeding operations with the US Forest Service approved native seed mix. Snow King is focused on getting the road cuts associated with the road/novice ski way re-seeded, as well as other disturbed areas in construction footprints that are not still actively being worked on.
PHASE I & PHASE II SUMMIT BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
Phase I does allow for restaurant and guest service activities, from page 3 of the Record of Decision (ROD) under Facilities: “First phase of the Summit restaurant/guest services building to support skiing and ski patrol facility, including utilities, up to 10,000 square feet.” The Forest Service has approved construction of a 10,000 sq. foot building. Phase 2 would allow for “up to an additional 15,000 sq. feet. This could include an area for outdoor education or other activities.” At this point SKMR does not have plans to propose the Summit Building being larger than 10,000 sq. feet.
PANORAMA HOUSE
There are not immediate plans to remove the Panorama House.
MULTI-USE OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATHER
One element of Phase II has been authorized for this construction season: multi-use outdoor amphitheater for hosting events, interpretive education, etc.). Page 4 of the ROD states “We recognize that the ski industry is dynamic and that some Phase I elements may not be complete before implementation of Phase 2 is authorized. Authorizing one project (multi-purpose amphitheater) is in keeping with this statement.
BRIDGER-TETON NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE WEBSITE & SNOW KING MOUNATAIN PROJECT
Project link to the Bridger-Teton National Forest website and the Snow King project record for your reference. Forest Service (usda.gov)
Source: https://www.jacksonwy.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1105
