Snowbird and Alta propose expanding their properties

Two Utah ski resorts are proposing projects that could alter the local national forest landscape.

Snowbird and Alta have requested permission from the Salt Lake Ranger District of the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest to add capacity to their individual properties.

Snowbird is proposing to construct and operate the first phase of a beginner/intermediate single-track trail system for mountain bikes. The trail would be about 1.4 miles and 3 feet wide, with grades between 3 percent and 5 percent.

Alta is proposing to expand its snow-making system and improve its efficiency by adding a spur that would allow the resort to make snow on the Sugarbowl run to the top of Sugarloaf and from Collins Gulch to upper Albion Basin.

Public comment for the proposals can be submitted to the district and must be received there by Nov. 24. Comments can be submitted by phone at 801-733-2660 or in person at 6944 S. 3000 East in Salt Lake City or electronically at comments-intermtn-wasatch-cache-saltlake@fs.fed.us.