Snowland gets 40-year permit and starts building new lift in Fairview Canyon

The Snowland Foundation received a 40-year special use permit from the Manti-La Sal National Forest and has begun construction of a new surface lift at the Central Utah ski area in Fairview Canyon, FOX 13 reported. Foundation chairman Brent Lange said the permit came last Friday and lets the group start planned improvements. ^[1]

The 2,450-foot lift, called the Ridgeline Express, is supplied by Doppelmayr and uses a T-bar or J-bar system. It will operate alongside the existing rope tows and open access across about 107 acres. Crews are preparing the parking lot, a generator pad and the ski run, and pouring bases for the lift's 10 towers. Lange said muddy conditions and the lack of grid power have added challenges. ^[1]

Lange said the foundation hopes to have both lifts running when the resort opens for the season Dec. 18, weather permitting. Snowland has operated since 1967, and a group formed the foundation last year to return it to public control, according to Sanpete County Travel and Tourism director Kevin Christensen. The resort plans for 200 to 250 skiers a day, with lift tickets listed at $20 and free skiing for children 12 and younger. ^[1]