Grand Targhee Resort Unveils Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Upgrades

Grand Targhee Resort Proposes Significant Upgrades in Draft EIS

Grand Targhee Resort (GTR) in Wyoming has taken a significant step towards enhancing its ski facilities. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) detailing GTR's proposed improvements. This document is the result of years of collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service, GTR, and the local community. The proposed changes aim to maintain and improve the skiing and riding experience at Grand Targhee.

The latest addition to the resort was the Colter lift. Credit: Grand Targhee

The Draft EIS outlines several key projects designed to upgrade the resort's infrastructure and terrain. These include lift upgrades, expanded snowmaking capabilities for more reliable early-season conditions, strategic grading of the mountain, and improvements to on-mountain facilities such as restrooms. The plan also proposes boundary adjustments to incorporate the Mono Trees area near the Colter Lift and parts of South Bowl into GTR's managed terrain.

The Mono Trees addition is particularly noteworthy, offering high-quality advanced beginner and intermediate terrain at a lower elevation, which is less susceptible to weather-related closures. The South Bowl expansion, while scaled back from earlier proposals, promises to provide exceptional skiing with unique exposure and aspects.

The current Grand Targhee trail map. Credit: Grand Targhee Resort

Grand Targhee Resort's General Manager, Geordie Gillett, emphasised the importance of this milestone and the resort's commitment to maintaining its status as a premier powder skiing destination in the United States. The Forest Service has announced a 90-day public comment period on the Draft EIS, including an open house scheduled for April 17, 2025, where the public can ask questions and submit comments.

This Draft EIS marks a midpoint in the Forest Service's decision-making process under the National Environmental Policy Act. After the comment period, a final EIS will be prepared and released for public review before a decision is made on GTR's proposed projects. The resort has been working on this process with the Forest Service for over six years, beginning with the acceptance of GTR's master development plan. For more info on the plans you can visit http://grandtarghee.com/future-vision

The potential expansion of terrain, improved lift systems, and more reliable snow conditions could make Grand Targhee an even more attractive destination for powder enthusiasts. As the process moves forward, the resort remains focused on balancing improvements with the preservation of its unique character and outstanding ski conditions that have made it a favourite among skiers and riders.