Park City Mountain announced Tuesday a new public planning process aimed at reimagining its Mountain Village base area ahead of the 2034 Olympic Winter Games. The resort will partner with Colorado-based East West Partners to explore development opportunities on existing surface parking lots and the potential relocation of resort operations currently located at the Munchkin property in the Bonanza Park neighborhood.
Olympic Ambitions Drive Planning
The initiative seeks to transform the approximately 10-acre site located at the base of the resort, which serves as a primary connection between the mountain and Main Street. Vail Resorts, the owner of Park City Mountain, described the site as representing one of the most significant opportunities in Park City.
"Mountain Village is where many guests begin and end their day at Park City Mountain, connecting the resort to Main Street and the local businesses that help define the Park City experience," Vail Resorts said in a press release on Tuesday. The company noted that with Park City preparing to host the 2034 Olympic Winter Games, the timing is critical to bringing this opportunity to life.
As the host for slopestyle and halfpipe events during the Winter Games, the Mountain Village base area will be under international scrutiny. The 2034 Olympics are scheduled to run from Feb. 10-26, followed by the Paralympics from March 10-19.
Community Engagement Efforts
Deirdra Walsh, the vice president and chief operating officer of Park City Mountain, stated that the resort is focused on creating renewed vibrancy at the location. She emphasized that achieving this goal requires thoughtful planning and community engagement.
"Realizing this ambitious goal starts with thoughtful planning and community engagement," Walsh said in a statement. She added that the resort looks forward to working with the community to shape the future of the area.
To facilitate this, Park City Mountain will host stakeholder meetings and provide opportunities for both in-person and online input beginning this winter. This engagement is intended to occur before the resort enters predevelopment meetings with Park City officials.
History of Development Hurdles
The current planning effort follows a previous attempt to develop the Mountain Village parking lots that was abandoned in 2023. That previous plan failed due to community opposition and multiple delays related to zoning issues.
Historically, development agreements and the Mountain Upgrade Plan have been sources of tension. Parameters in the resort's 1998 development agreement—including limitations on building heights, parking mitigation plans, and provisions for employee housing—were central to the failed 2023 attempt.
Additionally, the resort has faced challenges regarding its Mountain Upgrade Plan, which details operations including lifts, trails, snowmaking, and guest facilities. While the resort aims to update this plan to reflect its infrastructure and guest distribution, changing the plan requires city approval.
Partnering with East West Partners
The resort has selected East West Partners to lead the planning process. Based in Avon, Colorado, the firm has significant experience in real estate planning and development within mountain communities. East West Partners also manages projects such as The Havens at Deer Crest and has worked on projects associated with Deer Valley Resort, including Argent, One Empire Pass, and Founders Place.
"Park City is home for many of us at East West Partners, making this opportunity especially meaningful," said Bill Fiveash, Managing Partner of East West Partners. He noted the firm is honored to partner with Vail Resorts to explore the possibilities for Mountain Village.
Ongoing Infrastructure Challenges
While the focus remains on the Mountain Village base, Park City Mountain has also been working to upgrade its mountain infrastructure. The resort has been attempting to upgrade the Eagle and Silverlode Express chairlifts since 2022, though inconsistencies between the resort's plans and existing documents have caused delays.
Although the Park City Planning Commission approved those lift projects earlier this year, the decision is currently being challenged by a community member in the Third District Court of Appeals. Hearings regarding that legal challenge are not expected to be held until at least December 2027.
Long-term Investment and Vision
Since 2014, Vail Resorts has invested more than $200 million into Park City Mountain. These investments have included the Sunrise Gondola, snowmaking upgrades, new beginner ski and ride zones, and various infrastructure and restaurant improvements.
Park City Mayor Ryan Dickey expressed support for the resort's decision to engage the community early. "The future of Mountain Village is important to our community, our economy and the guest experience," Dickey said in a statement. He noted that the city looks forward to a conversation that reflects the city's strategic priorities and long-term vision.
Public Information Access
The resort will continue to provide updates on planning milestones through its website. Residents and interested parties can sign up for email updates to stay informed about the progress of the Mountain Village base area plan.
