Our new mayor, Ryan Dickey, recently reminded us that Park City does not run on autopilot, and he’s right. The vibrant, resilient community we enjoy today is the result of decades of thoughtful decisions, ongoing investment — both public and private —and a commitment to shaping our future together. It requires continued intention and effort to keep it that way.
Since the 2002 Winter Olympics helped catalyze Park City’s evolution, our community has consistently invested in ourselves. We’ve developed park and rides, revitalized Historic Main Street, and built a free public transit system that is the envy of mountain towns across the West. These investments enhance our quality of life while strengthening the foundation of our local economy.
Today, we can continue that tradition by supporting the targeted, privately funded improvements proposed at Park City Mountain Resort — specifically, the upgrades to the Eagle, Eaglet and Silverlode Express lifts. These are not expansion projects. They are modernizations of existing infrastructure designed to improve guest flow on terrain that already sees heavy use.
Replacing the aging Eagle and Eaglet lifts — both more than 30 years old — with a single modern chairlift will ease congestion at First Time, making one of the most accessible learning areas on the mountain even better for beginners, while moving intermediate and advanced skiers and riders on to progressively more challenging terrain beyond. It would also reduce pressure on other base area chairlifts, dispersing the morning upload as people arrive for their day.
Similarly, increasing capacity on Silverlode Express will shorten wait times on a key route that connects skiers and riders to major terrain pods, dining and amenities.
These improvements reflect a simple reality: When facilities keep pace with demand, experiences improve for everyone. Fewer lines, smoother circulation and better access translate into less frustration and a more enjoyable mountain day.
Park City’s successes have come from collaboration among residents, government and responsible private partners who believe in this community. Missed reinvestment opportunities carry their own costs: declining experiences, reduced competitiveness, and ultimately fewer economic resources to support critical infrastructure such as public transit, nonprofits and local businesses.
We have a history of moving forward, while protecting our resources and character. As we look ahead — including toward the 2034 Olympic Winter Games — we must continue our thoughtful and forward-looking tradition in sustaining our economy and quality of life.
Park City has become what it is today because we are committed to care, collaboration and wise investment ensuring economic resilience and community vitality tomorrow.
Jennifer Wesselhoff is the president and CEO of the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.