Summit County residents overwhelmingly supported a proposed bond measure to build two new Snyderville Basin Special Recreation District facilities during a public hearing this week, but a former member of the district’s administrative control board urged current leadership to downsize the project and reduce the expected price tag.

Basin Recreation initially proposed a $150 million general obligation bond to fund the construction of a climbing facility in Jeremy Ranch and an aquatic center in Silver Creek. However, the amount was reduced to $71 million after the Summit County Council and community members questioned the scope of the design. Residents noted they are already paying for multiple Basin Recreation bonds in addition to the district’s base tax rate.

If the bond passes, Basin Recreation plans to build a 20,000-square-foot facility in East Canyon with indoor courts, multi-purpose rooms, outdoor amenities and classroom spaces. The 68,000-square-foot facility in Silver Creek Village is expected to have an aquatic center, climbing and bouldering equipment, cardio and weight rooms, multi-purpose spaces and a daycare.

Basin Recreation Executive Director Robert Parrish said district leadership consolidated the aquatic and climbing offerings to one location to better accommodate the reduced bond amount. He said a second phase of the project would ultimately be funded at a later date to create further outdoor amenities for both locations, including a potential sculpture garden and mini golf course.

The County Council already voted to place the bond on the Election Day ballot, but a public hearing on Wednesday allowed residents to voice their opinions on the initiative and ask questions. Of the 10 residents who spoke, a majority were in favor of the bond, with only Ben Castro, a former Basin Recreation board member, in opposition.

Castro, who served on the district’s board from 2014 to 2025, said he recognized the need for additional facilities, but not with a $71 million price tag.

“The largest previous bond Basin Recreation had was $25 million, with $15 million for open space and $10 million for facilities,” Castro said. “As a board member, I consistently wanted a phased and conservative approach for a bond for building new facilities, and, unfortunately, this is not a phased or conservative approach.”

He said he was concerned about how the district would fund ongoing operations and maintenance costs because the bond can only pay for “upfront construction.” Castro also pointed out that his last act as a board member was a request to increase property taxes, which was poorly received by the County Council and taxpayers.

“We do need additional facilities, but if the bond is approved or declined by the general public, we should not build an additional aquatic facility in Summit County,” Castro said.

He brought figures indicating the Park City Aquatic Center costs between $1.2 million and $1.8 million to operate, with an annual loss between $400,000 and $700,000. Similarly, he said the Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center costs $4.5 million to $6 million to operate, with an annual loss of $1 million to $2 million per year.

The Provo Recreation Center, which Castro said has an operating cost of $3.6 million to $4.5 million, was the only aquatic center he listed that breaks even.

“The reason why this is breaking even is because they have massive dry facilities to subsidize the aquatic wing,” Castro said. “If the aquatic wing was stripped out or isolated on its own, it would be a negative revenue value.”

However, other residents supported the pool and said they were glad to see the district expand the types of activities it offers. Josh Riff, a Summit County resident, said there are public health benefits associated with public swimming pools, too.

“I’m an emergency medicine physician, and I’ve seen a lot of children who’ve drowned,” Riff said. “Swimming pools … are one of the No. 1 factors that lead to young children learning how to swim. Park City has seen zero young deaths in the last three years. Utah averages 31 a year, so I’m a huge fan of more pools for more access to have more kids learn how to swim.”

Riff’s wife, Jennifer, is the leading force behind the proposed sculpture garden and mini golf course that Basin Recreation intends to build through a public-private partnership with her nonprofit. The sculpture garden and mini golf proposal garnered overwhelming support from speakers during the public hearing, but Parrish clarified that the project would be part of the facilities’ second phase and not funded by the bond measure.

“That is our intent, to partner with outside nonprofit and for-profit organizations to bring enrichment to facilities in a partnership that removes some of the tax burden but also still brings an amenity to the district as well,” added Basin Recreation Board Chair Ryan Bruce.

Tony Tyler, a Silver Creek resident and local developer, said he supported the bond to remove stress from current facilities and expand the district’s offerings, which he said his family takes advantage of on a regular basis.

“The opportunity here is well beyond the $71 million value,” Tyler said. “I love the ability of Rob’s team to be able to modify the plans to meet an expectation of budget. Quite frankly, I would have voted for $150 million for the two facilities to be fully built out, and I know quite a few people who would have done the same, but given where we are today, I think that the $71 million plan is a very positive addition to the community.”

The bond would add $12.09 for every $100,000 of a home’s value. For example, a $1 million home would pay $120.94 for the bond each year, with a total of $452.59 earmarked for Basin Recreation due to the base tax rate and other debts.

For second homeowners and businesses, the bond would add $21.99 for every $100,000 of the property’s value. A $1 million business or second home would pay $219.90 annually, with a total of $822.90 earmarked for Basin Recreation when accounting for other taxes and debts.

Parrish said Basin Recreation intends to hold another meeting on the bond, which will likely be an informational open house, on Oct. 7.

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The international professional cycling world made its way west to Soldier Hollow Nordic Center over the weekend for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. Thousands of fans from across the world traveled to Midway to see the best mountain bikers compete at one of the most elite international competitions.

Races organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale, or UCI, the Swiss-based sports governing body, are hard to find in North America, especially the western United States. Only four of this year’s competitions are held outside of Europe.

Soldier Hollow General Manager Luke Bodensteiner said the preparations to host the World Cup have been underway for years.

The race track itself is a reflection of the community. The majority of the race’s trails are newly built for this competition. On Saturday, racers competed on a 1-kilometer short track. On Sunday, racers lapped around a 4-kilometer trail.

That large-scale trail work is a massive effort and requires a lot of support, according to Bodensteiner. Professional and volunteer crews built new rock features, jumps and a designated spectator trail to get the venue ready. One new feature that fans, racers and organizers alike looked forward to was the “Hard line” rock slab area, where the trail balances through sections of natural rock at the top of the course.

Bodensteiner recognized Hap Seliga, president of Park City-based Scott Sports USA, for his help in fundraising over $70,000 for trail work. In addition to the work done by professional crews, countless volunteers from the community helped make the trail what it was. 

The spectator energy was especially high for Parkite and Olympic silver medalist Haley Batten. Batten’s family wore shirts to match her jersey and fans carried large posters with her photo on them.

Before bringing extra race-day excitement to the hometown venue, Batten played a big part in building the trail. Longtime friends of Batten, Kathleen Nichols and Hilary Burke, said on Sunday that Batten was excited to be a part of getting her hometown venue ready to host the world. 

“It’s amazing to see the venue that Haley had a huge part of building,” Nichols said. “It’s cool to see her so excited, and being so proud of showcasing her home state and showing what Utah has to offer.”

Nichols said at one point Batten was pushing for the trail to be more difficult, and one of the trail builders told her it was unrideable, until Batten got on her bike and showed him how to ride through the whole track.

Nichols and Burke each have kids the same age as Batten. Their families all met when Batten was in elementary school.

Burke, who has traveled to Europe with Batten’s family to watch races, noted the crowds and enthusiasm for the sport. She said she was excited to see the same energy in Utah, and for the world to see what the local mountain bike community is like. 

“Having been a mountain biker and a mountain bike fan for so long, it’s really cool to have it in our backyard. I just never imagined that it could actually come here,” Burke said.

The pair said they were looking forward to seeing Batten after the race, and shared plans to celebrate her birthday.

When it’s not hosting international competitions, Soldier Hollow is known for its large part in the high school mountain biking community. The venue hosts competitions for high school teams across the state and has its own team for high school-aged racers.

“To be able to showcase this for (the high school teams) is incredible,” Bodensteiner said. “I’m just so happy for these kids to see the best riders in the world.” 

Avery Charles and Asa Pulley race with Team SOHO. Their team helped with trail building and got to ride as it developed. Charles, a high school senior, and Pulley, a recent graduate, spoke of the impact of seeing such an important race so close to home. 

“You (usually) see it on your phone or TV, in Europe or wherever they are, and it’s insane that they’re real,” Charles said. “I’m like, ‘Christopher Blevins (an American cyclist) is standing 3 feet away from me, talking to his people, oh my gosh.’ It makes you feel like there are real people doing this, and anyone could train and become great.”

Pulley has traveled to a lot of the big races across the country, but he was excited to have something at this level in his hometown. He said watching the pros always reignites his passion for racing.

“Watching Bjorn Riley work his way up from mid-pack to fifth place was super inspiring,” Pulley said. “It shows you that even if you don’t necessarily start in the best spot, you can always end up in a great spot later.”

Charles said one of her weekend highlights was watching the women’s races. All four categories of racers competed on the same course, with each group doing a different number of laps. 

“It’s just really cool to see that it’s possible. … If they can do it, I gotta be able to do it. There’s no way I can’t,” Charles said. “Even the best professionals have bad days too. One race doesn’t define you as a cyclist.”

Charles said watching the pros race through her hometown trails is helping her learn how to ride through each part of the trail. Watching them tackle obstacles in ways she never considered helped her understand the trail better.

Pulley said he was happy to see his community grow to include more mountain biking by hosting the World Cup race this weekend. 

Before the race, Bodensteiner said he was excited for the international crowds to see how enthusiastic Americans are about mountain biking. 

As Italian cyclist Martina Berta stood on the podium for Sunday’s race, she recognized the power of Utah’s fan base.

“To the crowd of Utah here, you’re amazing,” Berta said.

The post Professional mountain bike racing at Soldier Hollow inspires youth, brings community together appeared first on Park Record.

Debbie Bellinghieri, 61, was hiking Rob’s Trail, one of her favorites, in the afternoon last week when she and her two golden doodles came across a moose and calf on the trail.

“She stopped and remained still, but unfortunately the moose got up and charged,” said husband Joe Bellinghieri.

Debbie was still at the University of Utah hospital recovering on Sunday from broken ribs, a punctured lung and cuts including a deep gash in her thigh requiring 30 stitches, Joe reported. One of the couple’s dogs, Murphee, suffered a broken leg trying to protect Debbie.

“After my wife was injured, Murphee stayed with her,” Joe said. “When the moose charged again, Murphee went toward the moose. During the encounter, his front leg was broken.”

The moose charged Debbie five or six times total.

Joe had gone to work out at a local gym and received a call as he was pulling into the parking lot to pick up Debbie.

“I got a call from someone else’s phone, and she says your wife has been attacked, and right then I called the ambulance,” he said. “They arrived very quickly. … All hell broke loose, and then I found out that they were carrying one of my dogs down.”

The Bellinghieris’ other dog, Charlee, was unhurt. The dogs were leashed when the attack occurred.

“I am reaching out as the community should be aware, as my wife is still in the hospital and Murphee had surgery to fix a broken leg,” Joe said. “This experience is very traumatic and could have very well led to loss of life.”

He praised the hikers who helped his wife and dog, along with first responders and everyone at the hospital as well as the vet clinic in Salt Lake City where Murphee had surgery.

Debbie has health insurance to cover those medical costs, he said, but posted on GoFundMe in an attempt to help with Murphee’s medical costs.

As of Sunday, the bills were $9,400, and more would be needed for recovery.

“Our fundraiser is specifically for Murphee’s veterinary care,” Joe wrote on his GoFundMe. “Murphee is only 4 years old. He is a huge part of our family, and we want to give him every opportunity to get back to the happy, active dog you see in these photographs. The road ahead will take time, but our hope is to see Murphee back on four legs — running, playing, hiking and enjoying life again.”

The Bellinghieris, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, spend six weeks in Park City annually, usually around now, as the leaves change color. They used to ski more, but Joe said they’ve come to love fall the most.

“We like to get out of the muck, as we call it, and get into keeping healthy and hiking and enjoying the foliage,” he said.

Florida is still hot and muggy this time of year, he said. Joe encouraged other hikers to be aware of the moose that are plentiful in these mountains — and can be dangerous.

“Fortunately, there were other hikers on the trail who came to my wife’s assistance and helped her make her way down the trail,” he said.

Rusty Robinson, a wildlife specialist and coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, said moose can be unpredictable, especially during the mating season, which begins in late August and runs through mid-October.

“They can be aggressive any time, and it doesn’t matter whether they have a calf or not,” Robinson said. “Moose can always be aggressive if they feel cornered or threatened, but there are some things to look out for.”

Robinson said moose will give cues, such as lowering their head, if they feel agitated. The hair on the back of their neck and hump of their back will stand up, and they often pin their ears back like a horse.

“One thing that tends to set them off, I hate to say, is dogs,” Robinson said. “A lot of the incidents we see with moose involve dogs to some degree, and I think it’s just due to their evolutionary history. Wolves are their No. 1 predator evolutionarily, so they just view dogs as little wolves and start to get defensive.”

Robinson said the best tactic to avoid a confrontation with a moose is simply to give it space. If the moose is already too close for comfort, Robinson recommended backing away slowly and staying calm.

“If you do get charged by a moose, if you’ve got something solid to hide behind, like a car or a tree, you can play Ring Around the Rosie with him, and that’ll hopefully buy you some time for it to lose interest,” Robinson said. “If you get knocked down, we encourage people to curl up, protect your head and wait for the moose to back off a little bit before you make a getaway.”

If a hiker is injured by a moose, Robinson said to call 911 or local authorities for help. However, he said anyone who encounters a moose in an urban area should call the Division of Wildlife Resources and report it so wildlife officials can tranquilize and relocate the animal.

The post Hiker, dog seriously injured in moose attack on Rob’s Trail appeared first on Park Record.

Scattered yellows and reds are becoming more common in the trees as summer fades away. 

In Northern Utah, the fall leaf-viewing window can be narrow and hard to plan for. This year, The Farmers’ Almanac and OpenSnow meteorologists are expecting the maples and aspens along the Wasatch Back to start turning within the next two weeks, with colors peaking from early to mid-October.

Justin Brown, co-owner of guide company All Seasons Adventure, is no stranger to leading hikes built around the fall. 

“The way we approach it is to try to follow the colors,” Brown said. “Generally, those are (starting at) higher elevations and working lower.”

Brown said he’s observed that the autumn colors arrive slightly later but with brighter hues when there’s late summer rain, and the leaves stay on the trees longer. He thinks the heavy precipitation throughout August will be a good sign for a bright, colorful autumn.

Early in the season, Brown said Bonanza Flat is a good location to see aspens. Lofty Lake Loop and Bald Mountain along Mirror Lake Highway are great for those seeking a little more adventure, he said. Both are considered moderate trails, but with different challenges. Lofty Lake Loop is just around 5 miles long with little elevation gain. The Bald Mountain trail is just under 3 miles, but there’s a steep climb of 1,200 feet to see the summit.

Along with hikes and scenic drives, Brown said fall is an excellent time for mountain biking because of the cooler temperatures.

Travis Engvall, community outreach supervisor for Basin Recreation, recommended a variety of trails for hiking or biking, from the longer routes like the 16-mile Flying Dog trail or 9-mile Rob’s Trail to shorter trails like Willow Creek or the Right Turn Sage loop.

“The mixed-surface trail system around Willow Creek offers a more accessible way to enjoy fall colors,” Engvall said.

Brown also recommended fly fishing during late fall, especially through the Middle Provo River area.

“The later colors where the Cottonwoods are still trying to change can be really nice,” Brown said. “Throughout the fall, as that yellow creeps down, that’s really cool to see from the riverside.”

For people looking to bring dogs along, Engvall recommended visiting the Run-A-Muk off-leash dog area. The area has beginner and intermediate hiker-only trails where dogs are safe to run free.

Cascade Springs, Guardsman Pass and Empire Pass are also highly recommended for fall drives, along with the classic Alpine Loop. 

Another popular hike is the Horse Flat trail along the Alpine Loop. The trail starts at the top of Cascade Springs and follows through meadows and aspen groves to an overlook of Mount Timpanogos. Early morning is the best time for this trail.

Trails in the Park City area can be busy during fall weekends, so Engvall said to plan accordingly and park only in designated areas. Preparation also includes checking trail regulations before heading out on an e-bike or bringing along dogs, packing plenty of water and always sharing details and estimated return times with someone outside of your party. 

Brown advised hikers to stay cautious of moose over the next few weeks. Bull moose become more active during the fall, so Brown said it’s important to give them as much space as possible, at least 100 yards.

“It’s a really great time as a local to get out and experience the town,” Brown said.

The post How, when and where to see the best fall leaves in the Wasatch Back this year appeared first on Park Record.

Deer Valley installed the final lift of its Expanded Excellence plan this week as the parts for the Hail Peak Express lift were flown into place by helicopter early Wednesday morning. 

“We’re getting really excited for winter,” said Garrett Lang, senior director of mountain operations at Deer Valley Resort.

Hail Peak is the 11th new lift in Deer Valley’s East Village expansion since 2024. The new lift will open seven runs and 200 new acres of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain. With the addition of Hail Peak, Deer Valley now has 32 lifts in operation throughout the resort.

The seven new runs off Hail Peak will feature a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced groomed terrain. Lang compared the area to Flagstaff Mountain, for people familiar with the western side of the resort.

Deer Valley adds to its collection of over a dozen Doppelmayr high-speed detachable quad lifts with the Hail Peak Express. The new lift can move 2,400 skiers per hour through its 86 carriers. The slightly smaller Neptune Express can move the same number of people with 74 chairs, and the longer Pioche Express lift moves 1,800 people per hour.

The chairs on Hail Peak Express, along with the other lifts in the east expansion area, are designed to be more comfortable with higher backs and smoother suspension. 

Its proximity to the East Village parking lot makes Hail Peak a great candidate for early morning runs or as a location to start out the ski day before exploring the rest of the mountain. Parking at the East Village lot is free all day in its 1,200 spaces. Lang said the resort’s complimentary trams will run from the parking lot near the lift to transport skiers closer to the hub.

The installation of Hail Peak marks a milestone in the resort’s expansion. After three years working on mountain developments like its new lifts, the resort will now focus on finishing the East Village and Park Peak lodges. 

“We’re excited for, hopefully, a great snow year so we can really showcase what we have to offer and what this expansion is truly capable of,” said Riley Elliot, communications manager at Deer Valley Resort.

The resort has plans for the rest of the mountain, but there’s no set timeline on when those developments would start.

Alterra Mountain Company, Deer Valley Resort’s parent company, announced on Sept. 9 its investments for the 2026-27 season across all resorts total over $350 million. The improvements to snowmaking systems and the addition of the Hail Peak Express lift are the primary focuses this season at Deer Valley.

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Black bear activity has increased dramatically in much of the western U.S. this year, with Utah seeing double the reports from 2025. 

The state Division of Wildlife Resources said in a news release that it has responded to 168 bear issues as of Aug. 25, compared to 83 responses all of last year. In May of this year, a bear migrated into Park City and had to be relocated. The same bear was just found in a Provo community. Earlier this week, a bear cub, separated from its mother in Mount Pleasant, was euthanized.

The Division of Wildlife Resources said the increased activity is due largely to weather conditions like late freezes, warm spring temperatures and severe heat and drought. 

Black bears, the only species in Utah, primarily eat plants, berries and acorns, which were impacted by the summer weather. Bears are searching for other food sources, leading them into areas with higher human populations, now that their natural diets have been limited.

“This time of year bears are trying to build fat reserves and are consuming as many calories as possible,” said Michael Packer, a conservation outreach manager with the Division of Wildlife Resources. “A shortage of a natural food supply and a need to put on fat increases the likelihood of bear-human conflicts.”

In residential areas across the Wasatch Back, unsecured trash cans are the biggest risk for bear activity.

“Bears frequently target garbage cans left on the curb the night before pickup. Putting cans out the morning of trash pickup and securing them once emptied helps prevent human-bear conflicts in communities like Park City and Summit Park,” Packer said.

Pet food, bird feeders and fruit trees can even attract bears out of their habitat into residential areas. 

Although black bears are leaving their habitats more than usual this year, they’re mostly found in canyons and mountains above 7,000 feet in elevation, including the Wasatch and Uinta mountains. 

Packer said people should still go out to enjoy camping and hiking, but they should take necessary precautions. Watching for fresh tracks and scat can indicate nearby bears, but it’s best to remain careful in bear country even when these signs aren’t visible.

“This year especially we recommend carrying bear spray, staying in groups, and properly securing food, trash and scented items,” Packer said.

Other safety tips include never feeding a bear, no matter how cute it might be, keeping campsites clean and bear-proofed, and telling rangers immediately if a bear enters a campsite.

State wildlife officials advised being aware of bear behavior, too. 

If a black bear gets close, stand your ground, they said. Don’t try to run away or climb a tree. Instead of playing dead, remain calm and wait for the bear to leave. When a black bear stands up or growls, that’s not aggression, just the bear showing interest and curiosity. If the bear does attack, use bear spray and always fight back. 

“Never give up,” officials said. “People have successfully defended themselves with almost anything: rocks, sticks, backpacks, water bottles and even their hands and feet.”

Chad Wilson, game and mammals coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, also addressed the general risks of black bear encounters.

“Even though they’re incredibly strong and surprisingly fast, black bears will typically do everything they can to avoid people,” Wilson said. “When a bear finds food, though, that can all change. A bear may become aggressive toward animals or people it perceives as threatening the area where it found the food.” 

Black bears often return to areas where they found food, and if this happens, officials have to relocate the bears to keep animals and people safe. 

Sometimes, if the bear becomes violent and relocation isn’t a solution, officials have to turn to euthanization. 

“We got into the wildlife profession because we love wildlife,” Wilson said. “We enjoy managing and protecting animals so Utahns can get outdoors and enjoy them. Having to euthanize an animal — because someone didn’t do something as simple as keeping their campsite clean and storing food in a secure area — is tough. Please don’t put us in that situation.”

For information about black bear safety, visit wildawareutah.org.

The post Black bear activity in Utah expected to increase further this fall appeared first on Park Record.

Avery Dougherty always knew she wanted to research oceanography, but she has a deep love of the mountains, too. Dougherty grew up skiing in Park City and hasn’t missed a winter season here since she was 4 years old. Through her latest research project, she’s able to combine her love of the ocean with her love of the mountains.

Dougherty, a staff research associate at the UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography, published a study with research scientist Dr. Dimitri Deheyn studying microplastics in the snow. The samples for the experiment were collected at Dougherty’s home resort, Park City Mountain. 

Deheyn and Dougherty primarily study microplastics in marine biology. They’re finding that microplastics are everywhere, including in places thought of as untouched, like fresh snow.  Their research has led them to the Wasatch Back mountains in search of pristine snow. 

Microplastic research is often related to marine environments, but Deheyn wanted the study to focus on the atmosphere and water cycle as a bigger concept.

“The ocean is the consequence of what comes upstream,” Deheyn said.

Plastics that start out in the ocean deteriorate to microscopic sizes and are carried into the atmosphere by ocean winds. They are eventually dispersed across the planet as they’re transported by wind currents.

Because of the shape of each microplastic particle, they attach to water molecules and fall to the Earth’s surface when it snows. 

“We studied the biology of these small microplastics,” Deheyn said. “How are they created, how do they disperse, where do they end up, which kind of food webs do they enter?” 

It can be challenging to sample the particles while they’re in the atmosphere. Instead, Deheyn’s group studied the microparticles in the atmosphere by catching them the moment it snowed. The study sampled fresh snow from remote areas of the mountain, away from trees, lifts and ski or snowboard activity. 

“The idea we had was if we analyze fresh snow, we would capture small microparticles that would be a reflection of what was in the air, rather than what comes from the skiers or snowboarders,” Deheyn said.

That’s where Dougherty became involved. She has never missed a winter skiing trip to Park City with her family, so the resort was an easy choice to collect snow samples.

Dougherty visited each winter over four years to collect snow samples from various locations around the Canyons Village area of the resort and the city. 

“Getting to do research (at Park City) is really surreal for me,” Dougherty said. “I feel like it’s kind of full circle to be able to go skiing and do work. It is really fun.”

Dougherty said her dad knows the resort “like the back of his hand,” so he had valuable input when they were choosing different locations to study. She collected samples off of the NinetyNine 90, Peak 5 and Tombstone runs, as well as the top and bottom of Main Street. 

Dougherty and her dad would watch Doppler radar and look forward to big storms as sample collection days.

“Overall it was an amazing experience, and I hope that we can do more work within the resort and outside the resort,” Dougherty said. “The skiing, obviously, was awesome when we got a lot of snow.” 

This particular study used “epifluorescence” technology, which shows how microparticles can be found in the environment by different fluorescent colors.

The plastic particles can be made of different materials and range in size from 1 micron — the size of one one-thousandth of a millimeter — to 5 millimeters. Deheyn and Dougherty were interested in small microplastics, between one and 100 microns.

The results from the Main Street samples weren’t surprising, Dougherty said. 

More microparticles were found there than on the mountain, with most found in the snow at the bottom of Main Street. Those samples had higher levels of textiles and rubber from car tires. These particles are classified as microfibers, a subset of microplastics, and come directly from present-day human impact.

Everyone involved with the research was surprised by the results from NinetyNine 90, though. 

Out of all the resort’s sample sites, NinetyNine 90 is the highest and most remote. Dougherty even took the samples from the backcountry areas that aren’t frequently skied to find the cleanest snow possible. 

Still, the study confirmed the location had the highest level of microplastics. They also determined microplastics in those areas were in the environment much longer than the microfibers on Main Street. Most of the particles come from “legacy plastics,” which include some of the first plastic products invented in the ’50s and ’60s. 

Deheyn said the results aren’t a consequence of anything specific happening in the Park City area. Instead, it’s evidence of how long plastics stay in the global environment and linger in the air.

“I really don’t want people to … think skiers are ruining Park City and the snow,” Dougherty said. “I want people to understand that microplastic pollution is an invisible global problem that’s reaching places we traditionally think are pristine, including our mountains and our snow.”

The results match other studies showing higher levels of microplastics in snow at remote locations, such as high in the mountains of Alaska and the Himalayas and even the North and South Poles. Wind and elevation are the most significant factors affecting how microplastics appear in snow samples. 

There isn’t much that can be done about microplastics already in the environment. What people can do, Deheyn and Dougherty emphasized, is change their habits now.

“When I’m talking to people, I don’t want them to feel hopeless and that what they’re doing isn’t working. It definitely is helping,” Dougherty said. 

The pair said they didn’t want the results of this study to make people afraid or discouraged. Instead, they hope this inspires action at a community and individual level.

“It’s only by being a unified society that we can actually influence the policymakers in the industries,” Deheyn said. “The more you talk about it, the more you make people realize that they are part of the global system.”

As far as direct impact, Deheyn said the biggest thing a person can do is be mindful of the clothing and textiles they use. 

Polyester is one of the most common microplastics they found in the analyses. As people wear polyester, the fibers shed and enter the environment. Because most snow gear is made of polyester, this particular environmental impact can be hard to avoid, but Dougherty said she tries to find alternatives when possible, opting for wool or cotton base layers, for example, and when necessary, aiming for polyester products that will last longer and not break down as quickly.

“I want us to have hope that people are working on finding a solution,” Dougherty said. “My main goal is just to help preserve our planet. That’s all.”

The post Park City skier studies microplastics in snow appeared first on Park Record.

Park City Mountain has released its plan for 2026-27 season parking, and early access season passes for the Canyons Village and Mountain Village garages are available now for those who had 2025-26 parking passes and an active Epic Pass. Passes will be available for general public sale on Sept. 1.

The 2026-27 plan includes free and paid parking options. Passes will only be available for Epic Pass holders who have Park City Mountain included in their pass. 

The pricing structure is largely the same as last year, combining free and paid options, according to resort officials. Season passes are $825 for each garage. Individual day parking passes are available at the surface lots in the Canyons Village and Mountain Village areas. Day passes are $29 before noon or free after noon. For carpool groups, parking is free all day. 

Before noon, reservations will be required for everyone at Mountain Village, including season pass holders. At Canyons Village, reservations will be requested for pass holders but not required for anyone. 

According to the resort website, purchasing passes doesn’t guarantee availability through reservations, though it says “inventory will be monitored and additional reservations may be released as capacity changes.”

The Canyons Village garage has been under construction since March 2025. The five-story structure is expected to be completed early in December. Last season, the first two levels were open for use. This year the garage will be closed until all construction is finalized. 

Parking in the surrounding surface lots will still be available until then, which will be free for season pass holders. The Canyons Village garage and Skyway gondola stand in place of the old Cabriolet lot and lift. While garage construction remains ongoing, the gondola is set to begin operations on opening day. 

On Aug. 18, the resort announced Nov. 20 as its target opening day for this season. Passes for the 2026-27 season range from $829-$1,119 for adults, depending on resort access.

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Snyderville Basin voters will decide whether to approve or reject a $71 million general obligation bond to fund the construction of a new recreation facility after the Summit County Council authorized the ballot measure this week on behalf of the Snyderville Basin Special Recreation District.

Basin Recreation last month unveiled plans for a $150 million general obligation bond to build a climbing facility in Jeremy Ranch and an aquatic center in Silver Creek, but community members and the Summit County Council questioned the project’s cost and need. Residents noted they are already paying for multiple Basin Recreation bonds in addition to the district’s base tax rate.

The district’s executive board and Executive Director Robert Parrish spent the past two weeks revising the proposal to make it more palatable to councilors and residents and suggested a $71 million bond instead, which is half of the district’s original request.

However, Parrish said the cut means the district won’t be able to build both facilities or include all specialized amenities. He said the district would likely construct a building in Silver Creek similar in size to the current Fieldhouse, although a smaller community center or outdoor equipment could still be installed on the Cline Dahle parcel in Jeremy Ranch.

For primary homeowners, the bond would add $12.09 for every $100,000 of a property’s taxable value, so a parcel worth $1 million would pay $120.90 in addition to the district’s base rate and other bond debts.

Secondary-home owners and businesses would pay $21.99 for every $100,000 of a property’s taxable value. That means a business or second home worth $1 million would pay $219.90 in addition to other costs.

Parrish said some of the district’s three outstanding bond debts — two from 2015 and one from 2017 — would expire by 2028, when the district plans to start construction and draw on the new proposed bond funding. Bond B from 2015 expires in December 2028, while the bond from 2017 expires in 2030.

Bond A from 2015 does not expire until December 2034.

Parrish said resolving some of the district’s debt would even out the cost for taxpayers, saying that residents would likely only need to pay for all four bonds, plus the base tax rate, in 2028. After that, at least one of the bonds will have expired, lowering the overall price tag.

Basin Recreation also has $6.3 million in its capital improvement fund, which Parrish plans to use to cover soft costs, like building permits and architectural designs, to delay when the district needs to draw on the bond in an effort to save taxpayers money.

Parrish said the district would hire a general contractor early in the process, too, to ensure the design doesn’t end up more expensive than anticipated.

The Summit County Council unanimously voted to place the bond on the Election Day ballot, with several councilors praising Parrish and the executive board for taking community feedback to heart throughout the proposal process.

“Thank you very much for coming back with a different proposal,” said County Councilor Tonja Hanson. “I think it will bode well with the constituents who were concerned about this. They had sticker shock … so I think your board and what you’ve done is very wise.”

Only voters in the Snyderville Basin within the Basin Recreation boundaries will see the bond measure on their ballot. Interim Summit County Clerk Malena Stevens said most residents living in the 84098 ZIP code are within the boundaries, but residents with a 84060 zip code — which covers most of Park City proper — are not.

Basin Recreation will hold another public hearing and provide information on potential building designs on Sept. 23.

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Shred for Red, the annual ski fundraiser for Blood Cancer United, will be back in 2027. Registration for fundraising participants starts Sept. 1, the first day of Blood Cancer Awareness Month. 

This year’s fundraising goal is $450,000. Event organizers spoke of the importance of this event and the impact the funds will have in helping the organization’s research and advocacy work for Blood Cancer patients. 

Austin Simon is the adventure series director for Blood Cancer United and has a personal connection to the organization’s work. Her mother-in-law beat lymphoma twice, Simon lost her grandmother to multiple myeloma and she is currently going through cancer treatment herself.

“Our mission is to cure blood cancer and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families and having direct family members that have been touched by blood cancer makes me mission connected,” Simon said. 

Dr. Robert Winn, Deer Valley’s former chief medical officer, started Shred for Red after his wife was diagnosed with leukemia, with the help of Olympian and leukemia survivor Bryan Fletcher and Blood Cancer United. At the time, the organization was called the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 

Every year since then, people have fundraised for the organization, with the effort ending in a Deer Valley ski day. 

“It really fits into the mission because it allows people to be on the mountain and do something in person, but it also gives them the opportunity to bring honor to people who have gone through treatments, and the memory of people who have passed away,” said Shelby Rogers, the Shred for Red event manager. 

Rogers, who also manages the Climb 2 Cure event, is connected to the organization’s mission through her grandfather, who passed away from lymphoma. 

“Our mission, when we were founded in 1945, was really to fund incredible research because there were no cures at the time,” Simon said. “Our mission has evolved. We recognize not only do we need to find a cure, but we also need to be there to support our patients and their families. We also need to advocate for them so that they’re having access to the most amazing treatments.”

Erin Stone and her family, who live in Holladay, have experienced the significance of the organization’s advocacy directly. Stone’s son was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 5 and a half years old. 

Leukemia accounts for 40% of all childhood cancer diagnoses. Stone explained the treatment cycle for pediatric leukemia takes more than two years. She said some of the medications during her son’s treatment cost thousands of dollars for a single dose. Over the course of long treatment, this adds up to what can be insurmountable for many families. 

Last year, Blood Cancer United provided Utah families with $1 million in financial assistance. And in the past decade, the organization has contributed $2 million to statewide research projects. The 2026 Shred for Red event raised $300,000, only half of its goal. This year, snow conditions will be better, and the event will be earlier in the season, so organizers are hoping they’ll meet, if not exceed the goal. 

Teams and individuals can fundraise for Shred for Red. There’s a tiered goal system, and participants are required to meet their goal to attend the event. Rogers explained this is set so the organization can fund the event itself as well as raise money for its mission. 

After registration, participants will meet with Rogers one-on-one each month to strategize their goals.

“We definitely want this to be a fun experience for people, not something that feels like another thing they have to do,” Rogers said. “So we try to make it fun.”

Rogers said she has fundraising guides with social media posts, email and text templates and phone scripts to help people get started. 

“If it’s not easy, call us,” Simon said. 

Every year, Shred for Red spotlights someone in the community with blood cancer as an Honored Hero. Not all of the fundraiser participants have a direct connection to blood cancer, so the Honored Heroes can help people understand the experiences and impacts it has. 

At the 2023 Shred for Red event, Stone’s son was the Honored Hero. She said participating that year helped their family make connections with people across the country who were experiencing the same thing as them.

“Once you get started with it, you’re hooked. You want to feed into that community of support and love and common goals and wanting to support the mission,” she said. “It’s really a special thing.”

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