Snow King Mountain Announces Approval on New Lift, Coaster, Base Lodge Building
Jackson, WY - Snow King Mountain Resort, LLC (SKMR) is pleased to announce that the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) has just granted approval for replacement of the thirty-five year old Rafferty ski lift. A new Doppelmayr fixed grip quad chairlift will replace the old Rafferty lift and will be extended up the mountain approximately 1000 feet providing access to two new beginner and intermediate ski runs on the mountain. This much needed infrastructure improvement is a key component of a large revitalization effort underway for the ski area.
In February, Snow King was granted approval from the Town of Jackson to construct a mountain coaster and new base lodge on private land at the base of the mountain. Snow King is also seeking approval from the BTNF to construct an aerial adventure course at a site near the midway station of the Rafferty lift. These new facilities will help breathe life into the ski hill and offer a significant new attraction for residents and visitors to Jackson Hole.
“Together, these projects represent the largest capital investment into Snow King Mountain in the history of the ski area. These new attractions will help create sustainable year-round business that will keep the King viable for another 75 years and pave the way for additional improvements on the mountain,” said Snow King President Max Chapman.
Many people in the community are enthusiastic about these benefits for locals and visitors to town hotels, who will have additional amenities. Jeff Golightly, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce president, is a supporter of the project. “We are thrilled that Snow King will be able to move forward with their plans and replace the ageing Rafferty Lift. Snow King is vital to the lifestyle and economy of the community. This approval will help ensure it will be able to be enjoyed for generations to come,” said Golightly.
The new lift will provide access to additional intermediate terrain while offering improved safety and reliability for the Snow King Mountain Sports School. Emily Coombs, of the Doug Coombs Foundation (DCF), who is working hard to grow the sport of skiing, is enthusiastic about the project. This year the DCF, in partnership with Snow King Mountain Sports School, provided ski equipment and lessons for 160 disadvantaged members of the Jackson community. “Snow King is the ideal place for these families to ski because they can afford to bring their families here. Replacing and extending the Rafferty Lift opens up new terrain away from the ski racing training area, making skiing safer for everyone,” said Coombs.
Race training will remain a focus for the King. The Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club’s partnership with Snow King Mountain began more than 75 years ago, and most recently, we collaborated on a project designed to improve the mountain’s snow-making and lighting systems, and these additional investments help guarantee the next 75. Carrie Boynton, Executive Director of the JSSC said, “With the snow-making and lighting project complete, it’s exciting to see Snow King Mountain continue to invest in our Town Hill’s bright future.”
SUMMER OPENINGS Opening for the new lift, which will also service the existing Alpine Slide and the new Aerial Adventure Course, is scheduled for mid-June. Anticipated opening for the new mountain coaster is planned for early August. The new base lodge building is projected to open in December. The existing miniature golf course will be removed as part of this summer’s improvements; however, plans are in place to build a new and improved mini-golf course in the Spring of 2016.
Snow King Mountain Resort, Wyoming’s 1st ski area, holds a special place in the heart of Jackson. Established in 1939 as the “Town Hill” just blocks from Town Square, for more than 75 years, Snow King has been a year-round hub of activity for both locals and visitors. Snow King has more than 1,500 vertical feet, a world-class racing facility, and an epic view of the Tetons unparalleled in the town of Jackson. Skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, and alpine racing are the main winter activities at Snow King. Special events like the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb – Jackson’s largest event of the year ‑ Torchlight Parades and Fireworks for New Years Eve, the Fourth of July, and for the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race are annual must-do activities. In summer, the main activities are a scenic chairlift, alpine slide, bungee trampoline, and an endless stream of concerts, farmer’s markets, “bike-in” movies, and other festivals. For information on upcoming events, the latest information on construction, and more, please visit snowkingmountain.com