Heli-Free Wasatch

This was a typical Wasatch Powderbird Guides maneuver…

Since it looks like they are losing their helibase at Snowbird, WPG quietly applied for a business license in Summit County and made plans to relocate their operation to The Canyons ski resort in Park City.  They were basing the move on the premise that their permit from 5+ years ago when The Canyons was Park West was still valid and they quitely tried to get Snyderville Basin’s permission to establish a “low impact” “temporary” heli-base right in the middle of one of the most densely populated areas in Summit County.

Everything was going great until they applied for a permit to build three helipads and a storage shed on their chosen lot, which triggered a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).  Unfortunately for them, CUP’s require a public hearing which in turn generated 100′s of letters of opposition and heartfelt pleas from nearby home owners not to allow it.

In a rare instance, the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission actually denied the permit, which effectively shut them down, at least for this spot.  I’m sure WPG will try to appeal this or look for another home in Park City, which is not great, but good to know.  Forewarned is forearmed.

Click here for The Snyderville Basin Planning Commission Staff Report on the WPG application.