Vail Resorts. Inc Spends $50M to Connect PCMR and the Canyons
Vail Resorts, Inc. (MTN) is doing big things in Utah, and the ski world is taking notice. In case you missed it, here’s the short version. It started a few years back when Park City Mountain Resort failed to renew their land lease and was threatened with a shut-down during a three-year legal battle with Talisker Corp. Fast forward, and Vail resolves the dispute this year with a $182M check to Talisker for the PCMR operation in order to connect it the neighboring Canyons Resort, which MTN runs. It’s enough drama for any reality show, but what does that all mean for skiers?
Simply put, MTN’s improvements mean more – more terrain, lifts, dining options, and more of everything that a skier could want in a mega resort experience. The expansion kicks off with a $50M investment in upgrades this season, and what’s in the works will turn the ski experience in the Wasatch Mountains into a 7,300 acre epic adventure. The project, which will link both Park City Mountain and Canyons Resort, is ready to begin construction this summer, pending approval. According to PCMR’s website, the following upgrades are planned for completion in time to enjoy next season. Incredible!
Interconnect Gondola
The eight-passenger high speed gondola will connect PCMR and the Canyons to create the largest single ski resort in the USA. It will run from the base of the Silverlode Lift at Park City to the Flatiron Lift at the Canyons. The gondola will unload at the top of Pine Cone Ridge where skiers can ride down to Thaynes Canyons at Park City via gated ski access.
Lift Upgrades to Motherlode and King Con at Park City
Motherlode will be upgraded to a 4-person high-speed detachable from a fixed-grip triple to improve speed and increase the number of passengers in can carry. King Con’s lift capacity will increase from a 4-person to a 6-person, and will switch to a high-speed detachable chair.
Restaurant upgrades at Park City and Canyons
A completely new Snow Hut restaurant will replace the current one next to the base of Park City’s Silverlode Lift and terminal for the Interconnect Gondola. Improvements include the addition of 500 indoor seats. New seating will be added to the Summit House at Park City, and renovations at the Red Pine Restaurant at Canyons will result in 250 more indoor seats for diners.
Snowmaking & Trail Improvements
Some of the money will be use for additional snow making and improvements on trails at Canyons in order to handle the new traffic around the Interconnect Gondola. Another $5 is set aside for general upkeep at Park City.