Nonprofit Ski Resort Proposed for Utah

A state-supported ski area aims to offer cheaper lift tickets amid rising costs in the Wasatch region.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Skiing

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Should local governments fund new ski resorts to ensure more affordable access for residents?

Clint Richins has formed the Utah Public Ski Area Coalition to propose a new, state-supported ski resort. The project seeks to combat rising costs that have made skiing significantly more expensive for families since the 1990s.

Why it matters

With peak-time passes in Utah exceeding $350, advocates aim to preserve ski culture by providing an affordable alternative. The project intends to utilize state funding to secure access for local residents and children.

Estimated costs to open the resort reach $83.9 million, with full buildout projected at $104.1 million. The coalition proposes a $59 adult lift ticket for Utah residents compared to current Wasatch-area averages of $200.

The players

Clint Richins

He is the organizer of the Utah Public Ski Area Coalition and the lead advocate for the proposed state-supported ski resort.

Utah Public Ski Area Coalition

This is a nonprofit organization formed to pursue the development of publicly owned ski infrastructure in Utah.

Outdoor Recreation Initiative

This is a state-funded program that provides grants to support outdoor infrastructure and recreation projects in Utah.

The details

The Utah Public Ski Area Coalition plans to apply for a feasibility grant from the state's $20 million Outdoor Recreation Initiative to determine the project's viability. Financing would rely on a proposed $38 million legislative appropriation, state bonds, and private donations to match the model of the existing Snowland resort.

1990s: Baseline period used for comparing current ski ticket price increases.
January 2026: Snowland resort opened in Fairview Canyon as a model for community-based skiing.
September 2026: Clint Richins posted the formal proposal for the state-supported resort on social media.
2034: Utah is scheduled to host the Winter Olympics.

Season Trajectory

The project follows the financial model established by the Utah Outdoor Recreation Initiative, which previously funded the Snowland resort project. Securing this funding could shift the competitive balance in Utah as the state prepares to host the Winter Olympics in 2034.

If approved, the project would offer Utah residents daily lift tickets at $59, significantly undercutting current market rates. This would provide a cheaper entry point for families compared to the $350 peak-time passes currently found at top-tier Wasatch-area resorts.

The takeaway

The proposed resort reflects a growing effort to address the accessibility gap created by decades of rising costs in the ski industry. Implementing this nonprofit model could provide a blueprint for other states looking to maintain local participation in winter sports.