Sun Valley Resort Adding 380 Acres of Skiable Terrain

 The replacement of the Idaho resort’s oldest chairlift will provide more off-piste skiing, a high-speed detachable chairlift, and additional snowmaking for the 2019-20 season

The much-anticipated replacement of the resort’s oldest chairlift with a high-speed detachable chair, Cold Springs #4, has met all the approvals and is well underway for it to be ready for the public next winter. The lift replacement will also add another 380 acres of skiable terrain to the existing 2,054 acres at the iconic ski area. Preparation began this summer, with the rerouting and reconstruction of the Cold Springs mountain bike trail and site preparation. The new lift and snowmaking are scheduled to be installed next summer.

When the project is complete, the new lift will provide a seamless transition to The Roundhouse, the Roundhouse Gondola, and Christmas (#3) chairlift. For those who prefer groomers and gradual pitches, the Lower Broadway run will be lengthened by 3,400 feet, lined with highly-efficient snowmaking guns, all the way to the new Cold Springs lower terminal.

“Our goal is to provide the highest level and quality of guest experience, both on and off the mountain,” stated Tim Silva, Sun Valley Resort’s vice president, and general manager. “By expanding our skiable terrain by 380 acres and replacing our oldest chairlift with a high-speed lift, it confirms our dedication and commitment to skiers and riders who choose Sun Valley as their destination.”

Highlights of the Cold Springs Canyon Project include:

Replacement of the Cold Springs (#4) Chairlift

The primary purpose of the project is the replacement of the Cold Springs (#4) chairlift, the oldest lift still operating at the resort.

• The new detachable chairlift will be a six-minute ride from the bottom of the lift terminal to The Roundhouse, with a vertical rise of 1,525 feet and 5,500 feet long.
• Lower Broadway will be extended approximately 3,400 feet to the new lift lower terminal.

Increased Skiable Terrain

• Skiable acreage within the Sun Valley Resort boundary will increase from 2,054 acres to 2,434 acres (380 acres) when the project is done.
• Access from the top of Seattle Ridge, where advanced skiers and riders can descend into “Turkey Bowl” and extensive tree skiing.

Increased Snowmaking

• 18 highly-efficient Rubis EVO snowmaking guns will extend down the Lower Broadway run to the base of the new Cold Springs lift lower terminal.

Rerouted and Improved Cold Springs Mountain Bike Trail

• The current Cold Springs mountain bike trail was rerouted and improved with more singletrack and shaded riding this summer.

PROJECT TIMELINE

Summer 2017

• Fieldwork began with an environmental assessment.

Summer 2018

• The rerouting and reconstruction of the Cold Springs mountain bike – completed in July.
• Grading and site preparation in the Cold Springs Canyon project area.
• Finalization of terminal locations
• Timber work on eight acres in the Lower Broadway area
• Survey profile of lift

Winter 2018-19

• “Experience Cold Springs Canyon” guided tours of the Cold Springs Canyon area.

Spring 2019

• Utility and lift terminal preparations

May – October 2019

• New lift construction

Summer 2019

• Snowmaking installed
• Ski area boundary modifications
• Tree glading in Cold Springs chutes east

Winter 2019-20

The Cold Springs area is open with a new high-speed detachable chairlift, 380 acres of expert terrain, and additional snowmaking.

“Experience Cold Springs Canyon” Guided Tours

This winter, advanced skiers can get a preview of the area by taking the Experience Cold Springs Canyon guided tour, led by Sun Valley Resort’s professional guides and ski patrol. Tours are slated to begin in January 2019.