You could almost hear a page turning as the future took center stage at the Park City Chamber & Vistors Bureau annual meeting at the Pendry last week, fueled by stunning ski improvements, major hotel and conference projects, and a long-awaited step forward for the Kimball Art Center. At the same event, we honored one of the leaders most responsible for Park City’s enviable position as a ski destination today.

Our first speaker, outgoing chamber board Chair Susie English, highlighted Deer Valley’s expanded excellence. When the season opens, skiable terrain will double to 4,300 acres, served by 10 new lifts and nearly 100 new runs.

At the heart of the expansion is the East Village Gondola, built along 40 towers spanning three miles and climbing 2,500 vertical feet. Massive new snowmaking infrastructure will ensure reliable coverage. A temporary skier facility will operate for the next two winters while the new Park Peak facility takes shape.

“This is a game changer in our world,” Susie said.

Meanwhile, at East Village — the cornerstone of Deer Valley’s expansion — plans call for hundreds of new hotel rooms and residential units with a skating rink, children’s programs, and 1,200 parking spaces for residents and visitors alike. With no-stoplight all-highway access from the airport, visitors can get there in 40 minutes.

At Park City Mountain, Deirdre Walsh described the new 10-passenger Sunrise Gondola. Replacing the old Sunrise chair, it will whisk passengers directly to Red Pine with far less susceptibility to wind holds. Parking relief is also on the way. The first two levels of the new five-level, 1,800-space garage at Canyons Village opens in December, with full buildout early next winter. Deirdra also announced Park City Mountain’s opening date: Nov. 21!

Colin Hilton of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation laid out ambitious plans for the Utah Olympic Park in preparation for the 2034 Games, and incoming chamber board Chair Aldy Milliken shared encouraging news for the arts. The Kimball Art Center is planning a purpose-built facility near the old Skullcandy site that will permit Kimball to expand exhibits and educational programs — fulfilling a long-deferred dream.

The morning concluded with Bill Malone accepting the Myles Rademan Spirit of Hospitality Award, following a stirring introduction by Park City Economic Development Director Chris Eggleton. Bill headed the chamber for more than 20 years until his 2020 retirement, strengthening the brand and showcasing Park City on the world stage, always informed by his love of community. He helped lay the foundation upon which Park City has blossomed, and his example continues to inspire today.

All the change we see is exciting, yet it also reminds us that Mountainkind life is more than new terrain, hotels, or amenities — important as those are. It’s about recognizing the character and the contributions of everyone who has chosen to live here, celebrating the amazing amenities that make our small-town buzz like a cultural metropolis, and recognizing that we and our visitor-based economy work together to make it all possible.

By leading with kindness, compassion and authenticity, let’s welcome the new as we add new chapters to Park City’s extraordinary story.

Jennifer Wesselhoff is the president and CEO of the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.