After many new projects were put on hold during the pandemic, Alterra Mountain Company has announced plans to invest $344 million in capital improvements for winter 22/23.
A spokesperson for the company said that this reaffirms Alterra’s dedication to enhance the guest experience at its 15 North American destinations and almost doubles the original financial commitment of $555 million over five years announced when the company was formed in 2018.
The largest focus of the annual investment will support five major destinations, including the continuation of major developments at Steamboat in Colorado and Palisades Tahoe in California. In addition, significant multi-year developments will kick off at Deer Valley Resort in Utah, Mammoth Mountain in California, and Crystal Mountain in Washington.
“This historic investment is clear evidence of our commitment to deliver a premier guest experience at our North American destinations and our engagement towards the long-term future of our mountains,” said Rusty Gregory, CEO, Alterra Mountain Company.
Palisades Tahoe, California
The $65 million Base-to-Base Gondola at Palisades Tahoe will be completed for the 22/23 winter season. The gondola will connect the two mountains of the resort for the first time, giving skiers and snowboarders a new way to access a combined 6,000 acres of storied terrain. Alterra claims this will make Palisades Tahoe the third-largest ski area in North America.
The 16-minute gondola ride will take skiers and riders between the two base areas, The Village at Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Lodge, reducing road congestion in the region and making it easier to enjoy both mountains in a single day.
It is the first gondola of its kind in North America, with four terminals connecting two base areas via a climb of nearly 2,000 vertical feet, offering panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.
Steamboat, Colorado
Winter 22/23 will bring Phase 2 of Steamboat’s Full Steam Ahead redevelopment with $90 million of investment to include the relocation of the lower terminal of the Christie Peak Express lift and the first leg of the Wild Blue Gondola, which will take guests to the new Greenhorn Ranch learning centre at mid-mountain.
Redevelopment of Steamboat Square continues with The Range Food Hall, Skeeters Ice Rink and slopeside guest amenities including new and expanded restrooms, lockers and more. Phase 1 of Steamboat’s Full Steam Ahead transformation brought significant changes in 2021, including the relocation of the lower gondola terminal, the installation of escalators and the demolition of Gondola Square to make way for the new Steamboat Square amenities. For a complete timeline of Full Steam Ahead projects, visit www.steamboat.com/fullsteamahead
Crystal Mountain, Washington
Over the next five years, $100 million in infrastructure and service advancements will be invested at Crystal Mountain. The largest investment ever made at Crystal will transform the base with a focus on greater access, more space and improved skier services.
The project is expected to break ground in March 2022 and open for the 23/24 winter season.
Mammoth Mountain, California
Summer 2022 will see the start of work on the replacement of two key lifts, Canyon Express (Chair 16) at Canyon Lodge and Broadway Express (Chair 1) at Main Lodge. It is planned that these new high-speed six-pack lifts will be open by winter 23/24.
Mammoth will also introduce a new snowmaking program which will enable the resort to open more terrain faster in the early season. Also planned are improvements to the popular Mill Café and the eventual redevelopment of the Main Lodge and Mammoth Mountain Inn.
Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Plans are on the drawing board and waiting for approval that will improve the experience for skiers and snowboarders arriving at Snow Park Village. The project is currently planned to break ground in 2023.
The Burns Express chairlift will open on Deer Valley’s Wide West learning area in winter 22/23. The new chairlift will connect the Snow Park base area to Little Baldy Mountain, offering Ski School access to more beginner teaching terrain, and an additional option for skiers to navigate out of the main arrival area.
Categories: America