Dixie National Forest Reviews Bold Expansion Plan For Brian Head Ski Resort

The Dixie National Forest has officially commenced its environmental review of a sweeping expansion proposal from Brian Head Resort, a plan that could nearly triple the ski area's footprint and significantly reshape recreation in Southern Utah. The ambitious project, detailed in the resort's 2023 Master Development Plan, seeks to add 1,651 acres of Dixie National Forest land to its existing Special Use Permit, bringing its total operational boundary to 2,538 acres.

The proposed expansion aims to address the resort's growing capacity issues, including shortages in dining seats and parking, and to meet increasing demand for outdoor recreation in Utah. If approved, the plan envisions a dramatic transformation of the resort over the next two to three decades.

Key elements of the proposed expansion include:

  • New Terrain: Up to 382 acres of new ski trails, including tree and stump removal and grading.
  • Lift Infrastructure: 14 new lifts, including aerial and surface lifts, with some spanning both Forest Service and private lands. This includes a proposed "circuit" of resort skiing around Brian Head Town.
  • Snowmaking: 19 miles of new snowmaking lines, covering an additional 186 acres, which will necessitate increased water usage.
  • Facilities: Four new on-mountain dining facilities and eight new stand-alone ski patrol spaces.
  • Roads and Utilities: Up to 10 miles of new mountain roads and 13 miles of new underground utilities.

The project is geographically split into four "pods" to manage its complexity: Giant Steps to Brian Head Peak Pod, Sid's Peak to East Ridge Pod, Navajo Ridge to Dry Lakes Pod, and Aspen Meadows to Highway 143 Pod. Notably, the Sid's Peak to East Ridge Pod would introduce some of Brian Head's steepest terrain, with tree removal targeting areas impacted by the 2017 Brian Head Fire, aiming to support both ski access and forest restoration.

Dixie National Forest Supervisor Kevin Wright emphasized the importance of public input in this process. "Brian Head Resort is proposing an expansion, some of which would take place on National Forest System lands," Wright stated. "The project is being reviewed for its potential to support sustainable recreation objectives on the Cedar City Ranger District. We encourage the public to share their input on this important process."

The environmental review process, conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), officially began with the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register earlier this week. This initiates a 45-day public scoping period, inviting comments on potential alternatives and impacts. The Forest Service expects to complete its multi-year analysis by June 2028.

Potential environmental and community impacts being analyzed include:

  • Impacts on hydrologic and groundwater resources from expanded snowmaking.
  • Effects on cultural resources and scenic integrity, particularly in proximity to Cedar Breaks National Monument, a designated International Dark Sky Park.
  • Potential negative impacts on wildlife habitats, including those for northern goshawk, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, American pika, and the Brian Head Mountain snail.
  • Socioeconomic effects on adjacent communities, such as changes in employment, tourism revenue, and housing in Iron County.

While the resort highlights the need to accommodate growing demand and enhance the guest experience, the proposal has already sparked public discussion, with some expressing concerns about the scale of the development and its potential implications for the natural environment.

The Forest Service has scheduled three informational open houses to provide further details and gather public feedback. Full project details and information on how to submit comments can be found on the Dixie National Forest's project webpage.

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