adminThe Utah legislature has passed a resolution supporting the long-dreamed-of Utah Interconnect, which would link Deer Valley, Park City, Canyons, Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton. The resolution passed the Utah State Senate on Mar. 5, 22 to 7, and the House of Representatives on Mar. 6, 58 to 16, largely along party lines. It currently awaits the signature of Utah Governor Gary Herbert.
In keeping with the current economic and political climate, SCR10, drafted by Sen. Wayne Niederhauser (R-Sandy), contends that the resort interconnect would enhance the ski and snowboard resort industry’s contribution to Utah’s economy, jobs and tax base. Other local supporters have touted the Interconnect’s environmental benefits of reduced auto traffic and pollution.
Ski Utah supports the resolution and the concept of a low-impact interconnect. “Utah is uniquely positioned to create a ski and snowboard experience available nowhere else in North America,” said Ski Utah president Nathan Rafferty. “This resolution urges interconnection of the seven Salt Lake and Summit County ski resorts using best environmental practices.”
While such multi-resort “ski circuses” are common in Europe, “a connection of this scale does not exist in North America,” said Rafferty. “From a marketing and skier experience perspective, this would be a game-changer.”
