Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows Base-To-Base Gondola Project Gets Provisional Approval
The USFS has provisionally approved Squaw Valley - Alpine Meadows interconnect gondola.
This Draft Record of Decision (ROD) documents a preliminary decision to approve the installation of a baseto-base gondola connecting Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows (the Project). The Project will occur on private lands and on National Forest System lands (NFS lands) that are managed by the Tahoe National Forest (TNF).
The decision pertains only to the NFS lands and is based on, and supported by, the Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows Base-to-Base Gondola Project Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and the project record. Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are separate ski resorts northwest of Lake Tahoe that are proximate to each other and both owned and operated by Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, LLC (SVSH).
Portions of the two resorts are located on NFS lands administered by the TNF under a Special Use Permit (SUP). Each resort has its own unique SUP with differing terms and expiration dates. The Project will only occur on portions of the Alpine Meadows Ski Area SUP.
It is important to note that for this Project, the Forest Service and Placer County prepared a joint environmental document (EIS/EIR) to satisfy the requirements of both the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). While this Project requires approvals from both the Forest Service and Placer County prior to its implementation, this Draft ROD documents the Forest Service’s preliminary decision only.
The Forest Service’s purpose for the Project is to improve developed winter recreation opportunities in the Scott Management Area, consistent with the TNF Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan). Desired future conditions for recreation management in the Forest Plan relevant to the alternatives direct the TNF to “provide a variety of opportunities for developed and dispersed recreation experiences.”
The Alpine Meadows SUP, which exists within the Scott Management Area, allows for development of additional winter sports facilities and support services as part of the desired future condition of the management area.
The TNF needs to respond to SVSH’s land use application, which proposes amendment of its SUP to improve connectivity between Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley.
The need, as expressed by SVSH, for improved connectivity between the ski areas is based on several factors. The developed snow sports trail network at Squaw Valley has limited terrain suitable for beginners and teaching, whereas Alpine Meadows has additional intermediate and beginner terrain.
Squaw Valley has more resort amenities (e.g., accommodations, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment); Alpine Meadows, in contrast, has limited amenities. Although guests can currently access both ski areas on the same lift ticket, they must drive or ride a shuttle bus between the two areas to access the various terrain and amenities offered at both locations.
After thoroughly considering the Project Purpose and Need, issues, alternatives, and extensive analyses presented in the Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows Base-to-Base Gondola Project Final EIS/EIR, as well as the public and agency comments submitted, USFS has selected Alternative 4 and it is a decision to amend the Alpine Meadows Ski Area SUP, consistent with that Alternative.
The rationale for choosing the Selected Alternative is based on careful consideration of several key issues including the project Purpose and Need, forest plan consistency, and resource impacts.
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