Final Record Of Decision Published For Vail Mountain’s Snowmaking Expansion Plan

• Plan to increase and modernize snowmaking capabilities would enhance pre-Thanksgiving opening and improved early-season trail connections
• First phase of snowmaking expansion to be fully operational for winter 2019-2020

The first phase of the plan is expected to begin in summer 2019 and will consist of enhancing existing snowmaking in various locations on the mountain and providing new snowmaking capabilities, resulting in 192 acres of new and enhanced snowmaking infrastructure, including 65 acres of new snowmaking capabilities. New snowmaking capabilities will be implemented on Swingsville Ridge, Swingsville, Meadows, and Ramshorn, located in the Mid-Vail area of the mountain; Bear Tree, Cold Feet, a portion of Upper Lion’s Way, and Lodgepole in the area of the Avanti Express Lift (#2); Coyote Crossing, Practice Parkway, and Ledges in the Eagles Nest area; and beginner enhancements in the Gopher Hill Lift (#12) area.
 
“We’re excited to be able to move forward and begin construction this summer on the first phase of this plan, which will provide a more predictable opening date, high-quality conditions during the early- and mid-season, and more reliable conditions through mid-April,” said Greg Johnson, Vice President of Mountain Operations for Vail. “As always, we are grateful for our continued partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and applaud their diligence and thoughtfulness in their evaluation of this proposal.
 
“For early-season operations, our strategy will be to begin by making snow in the Mid-Vail area in order to open the Mountain Top Express Lift (#4), followed by the Avanti Express Lift (#2) and Born Free Express (#8) for access out of and back to both Lionshead and Vail Village,” said Johnson. “This means a significant portion of the front side beginner and intermediate terrain will be open earlier, enhancing both the guest experience and the early-season resort economy in both villages.”
 
Some of additional key areas of focus include: Over Easy in the Mid-Vail area; Avanti in the area of the Avanti Express Lift (#2); Eagles Nest Ridge, as well as upper Lost Boy, upper Born Free and Timberline Face; plus lower Flap Jack, Riva Ridge and lower Highline. These areas will be addressed in future phases.
 
The resort’s system currently has the capacity to make snow on 452 acres. This approval allows for an increase of 262 acres over the course of a multi-year roll-out.