What Happened to Park West Ski Resort?

By Michael Ferguson

Park West Ski Resort was once a popular destination for skiers of all levels. Located in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, it boasted 3,100 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of over 1,500 feet. However, the resort has been closed since 2009 and its future remains uncertain.

History

Park West Ski Resort opened in 1963 with just one lift and a handful of runs. Over the years, it expanded significantly, adding more lifts and runs and becoming a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

In 1996, the resort was purchased by Earl Holding, owner of nearby Snowbasin ski resort. Holding invested heavily in Park West, adding luxury amenities like high-speed lifts, fine dining restaurants, and on-mountain lodging.

Financial Troubles

Despite these improvements, Park West struggled financially in the early 2000s. The resort was burdened with debt from its expansion efforts and was hit hard by a downturn in the ski industry following the September 11th attacks.

In 2005, Holding sold Park West to a group of investors led by Gary Barnett. The new owners rebranded the resort as Wolf Mountain and attempted to attract new visitors with lower ticket prices. However, this strategy proved unsuccessful as the resort continued to struggle financially.

Closure

In 2009, Wolf Mountain abruptly closed mid-season due to financial difficulties. The closure left season pass holders without refunds and employees without jobs.

Since then, there have been several attempts to revive the resort under new ownership but none have come to fruition. In recent years, there have also been proposals to turn the land into a year-round recreational area or even sell it for development.

Conclusion

The fate of Park West Ski Resort remains uncertain. While it may not be possible to bring the resort back to its former glory, many locals and fans of the resort are hopeful that the land can be used in a way that benefits the community and preserves the natural beauty of the Wasatch Mountains.