JACKSON, Wyo. — The public comment period for 35 proposed projects at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) closes July 31.
According to the scooping letter, the 35 projects are within the current special use permit boundary at JHMR.
“We invite you to inform us of any concerns you may have about these projects and their potential environmental impacts,” Jackson District Ranger Todd Stiles wrote in the letter.
“Our acceptance of JHMR’s development plan and amendment does not pre-dispose Bridger-Teton to final approval of these projects,” Stiles noted in the scooping letter. “Approval of the projects requires analysis of environmental effects as required by NEPA, which is initiated by this scoping and comment outreach, and determination of consistency with the Bridger-Teton Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) and pertinent laws and regulations.”
“Based on the analysis in the EA, I will decide whether, and with what conditions, to authorize any or all of the proposed projects,” Stiles said.
According to the scooping letter, construction of approved projects would begin in spring 2024 with completion of all project installations expected by 2030.
JHMR is proposing the replacement of the Sublette Lift with a high-speed detachable quad chair. “Both top and bottom terminals would be shifted slightly, and the project would include a larger unload area, replacement of the summer access road, and a new skier traverse/access to Tensleep Bowl,” according to the scooping letter.
Ski run and terrain park modifications
According to the scooping letter, “JHMR is well known for its expert and extreme ski runs, but such challenging terrain does not match the ability profile of today’s skier market.”
JHMR wants to create new ski runs, widen existing runs, reduce pinch points, modify steep drops and remove trees and rocks, “to make the ski runs easier for lower ability level skiers to navigate safely.”
JHMR is also proposing to expand the snowmaking system to cover areas with low-snow conditions to increase utilization during low-snow cycles. Under this category, terrain park grading to reduce the amount of snow needed in the parks is being proposed as well.
Projects areas include:
- Alta Chutes
- North Hoback Woods
- Upper Sundance Run realignment
- Slalom Run upgrade
- Gros Ventre Run upgrade
- Werner Trail widening
- Lower Ashley Ridge upgrade
- Grand Run upgrade
- Gondola base area access traverse
- Togwotee Pass traverse realignment
- Cirque Traverse upgrade
- Stash Park upgrades
- Terrain parks summer grading
- Union Pass traverse snowmaking
Construction and modification to facilities
According to JHMR, existing visitor service facilities do not meet the current demands for visitors and year-round special events.
- New Sublette patrol station
- Bear Flats Cafe expansion
- Rendezvous lodge addition
- Rendevous event site upgrade
- Casper event site
New summer recreation
Proposed development includes new hiking, biking and multi-use trails along with rock-climbing routes equipped with fixed cables and metal steps to “allow more visitors to safely experience rock climbing.”
- Paradise Lost Multi-Use Trail
- Wildflower Spur Hiking Trail
- Elk Alley Hiking Trail
- Wildflower-Solitude Access Hiking Trail
- Far Drift Multi-Use Trail
- Jackson Woods Downhill Trail
- Beaver Tooth/ Ashley Downhill Trail
- Elevated walkway
- Ball track
- Summit viewing platform
- Via Ferrata additional routes and repelling stations
Fuels reduction and avalanche control
JHMR is proposing tree thinning along the southern edge of the boundary to combat exposure to the base area in the event of a wildland fire. They are also proposing the use of explosive trolleys, avalanche explorers and avalanche control fencing as alternative technologies to deliver explosives to avalanche control starting zones.
Stiles will release a public draft decision notice “to resolve any objections to my decision before it is finalized.”
The draft decision notice is expected this fall.
More detailed descriptions of each project are available here, along with links to submit public comments.
Written comments must be submitted to: Bridger-Teton National Forest, Jackson Ranger District, P.O. Box 1689, Jackson, WY 83001, attention Todd Stiles, JHMR 2023 Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Recreation Enhancement Project – 2023.
Comments may be hand-delivered to 340 N. Cache St. between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
