Nordic Valley Expanding To Become A World-Class Resort Destination

Since 1968, Nordic Valley has served families, powder seekers, and visitors to the Ogden area with great snow, fun terrain, and incredible value. As part of a recent acquisition by Mountain Capital Partners, Nordic Valley is expanding to become a world-class resort destination while still retaining the down-to-earth, skiing-first experience locals have come to love.

With a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, Nordic Valley will expand from 140 acres to over 2,800—including a new 4.3-mile-long gondola connecting North Ogden to the existing Nordic Valley base area. In addition to offering direct-to-resort access in a scenic 12-minute ride, the gondola will also help cut down on canyon traffic and vehicle emissions.

In addition to the 4.3-mile gondola providing direct resort access from North Ogden, the new Nordic Valley will feature a number of new chairlifts to significantly increase skiable acreage, as well as upgraded snowmaking capabilities to ensure a world-class guest experience.

A similar project was proposed in 2014, and while some elements of that expansion plan remain intact, many have been changed based onanalysis and consultations.

Besides increasing access to the amazing outdoor recreational opportunities in the Wasatch, a successful Nordic Valley expansion will boost the local economy—specifically the tourism, service, and outdoor industries.

Mountain Capital Partners has a proven track record of following environmental best practices at our other properties, including Purgatory, Snowbowl, and others. They say “Protecting natural resources is a critical part of our mission, as we’re passionate about providing future generations with the same outdoor opportunities we so enjoy.”

Before undertaking this expansion, the precise environmental impact will be determined during the National Environmental Policy Act process, ideally starting in fall of 2018. Various factors including vegetation, wildlife, water resources, traffic, and air quality will be thoroughly analyzed, as well as the project’s cultural and socioeconomic impact.

By using proper design techniques and following environmental best practices, ski areas can avoid making more than a marginal impact on watershed areas. While Nordic Valley’s water consumption will increase to support our expanded snowmaking operations, studies show that approximately 80% of snowmaking water returns to the watershed during the springtime melt.

With the opening of the new Nordic Valley gondola, guests can access the resort directly from North Ogden much faster than would be possible via car or bus. In addition to shortening travel times and alleviating canyon traffic, the new gondola will also help reduce vehicle emissions by providing a convenient and sustainable mass-transit solution.

Construction on the new Nordic Valley gondola is slated to begin in the spring of 2020, and be completed for the start of winter operations in the same year. Additional chairlifts and resort facilities will be added throughout the next decade.

It is—this project would require a Special Use Permit as well as a Forest Plan Amendment to allow the construction and operation of a gondola within the area. However, our plan is to build the minimum number of roads required to install and maintain our lifts, and leave the natural landscape as intact as possible to preserve its wildlife, watershed, and aesthetic value.