Backcountry
Industry News
The Alta Planning Commission (APC) recently accepted comments from the public regarding its new Patsy Marley development plan. Locals from the touring community have some concerns about the 26-acre lot that sits at the end of the Albion Summer Road. During the winter, it provides access to the popular Grizzly Gulch backcountry, utilizing the summer road as a trail to skin up as it is groomed in the winter. The plot of land APC aims to develop would inhibit access to the area, rerouting many backcountry skiers to take alternative and more challenging routes. Additionally, the proposal raises concerns from conservation and environmental groups. Wasatch Backcountry Alliance (WBA) has come forward stressing the importance of maintaining the natural state as much as possible.
The APC is offering two development proposals. The initial plan is a 10-lot residential subdivision that would use the 26 acres in its entirety. New roads and driveways would be constructed and obstruct access along the traditional route into Grizzly Gulch. As of last year, a development alternative has been drafted to confine the development to a 6.5-acre plot. Keeping conservation easement in mind, the new plan converts the 10-lot residences to a large single condo building. The summer access road would thus remain an access point into the backcountry.
“While WBA does not support development in this area, we recognize that this is not a choice between development and no development—it is a decision between two different development scenarios,” the WBA wrote in a statement on social media. The WBA points out the benefits of the amended development plan, citing the conservation efforts on the land and the watershed. Additionally, this new proposal would have a lower impact on ski touring traffic. The condo plans include a parking garage that would mitigate any added effect on skier parking. In addition to public access, the condo model also provides employee housing. An interlodge agreement for canyon closures is part of the deal as well.
The debate between the two proposals highlights a greater conflict between skiing and developers. Closer access to skiing is a big selling point for properties, especially in the Mountain West. Building next to resort property is quite attractive for some homebuyers. However, the more contractors develop, the more they encroach on the land that many backcountry skiers seek out. The APC very well may opt for the new proposal. Meanwhile, the WBA continues to stress the importance of keeping the landscape in its most natural state.
