As a local living adjacent to this resort, I can say that by far most locals have supported Wasatch Peaks.
There were simply a minority few that made a lot of noise with the lawsuit. The rest of the negative reviews are from people who don't live here and oppose any private land development without direct local involvement throughout the planning phases.
This resort has been all great community partner, and greatly benefits the struggling tax budget in Morgan county. Even in early build-out without full tax stream, this has been a great boost to the local schools.
The actual members and resort management have been great people in the community - actively supporting local businesses and donating to community causes in an ongoing basis.
Having worked on the mountain during one ski season I found the members to be some of the most genuine, kind, non condescending folks who come from every walks of life. Did not meet anyone from "California", rather from all over the globe which bring their families and grandchildren. No movie stars rock starts just good people who would do anything for you.
Wasatch peaks ranch is an incredibly beautiful place. The offering is unlike any other. The people writing bad reviews are not members of the community, and are upset about it being private. I’m sure that if they purchased property here they would love this place.
Why are reviews allowed for private property? Just to throw off the algorithms I'll leave a good review. I am grateful for the impact they have already had on our community and will wlecome every dollar they spend here, as well as their tax dollars.
I've seen a similar recreational ranch developed in another state. It has been such a great success, property values in a very small, neighboring community have literally tripled in the past ten years. Tens of thousands drive past the ranch every year on the highway and never know the ranch community is there. Yes, uber wealthy people live a few months out of the year there, but the positive financial impact on the rural county is enjoyed all year.
They have a lot of money and could make a great private ski resort with never before seen amenities, features, and innovative resort buildings, architecture, and infrastructure. They could also work with the local wildlife, fisheries, and mountain man and make it a nature preserve to hold real wildlife for those with membership. Another great idea would be to be completely private, elite, and prestige. But also give back to the environment. It is usually the property owners' right to do what they would like with the land. But with this kind of income and demographic, they have an ability to make one of the "best" ski resorts, as well as one of the best ski resorts on a mountain. The amount of insight that could be attained by working with local farmers, wildlife preserves, and government official who want a better environment. Not only that, but they have a real chance to make things ski resort that don't have memberships have. This means all the common things. But to go beyond that and offer things that are not only "cutting" edge, but never thought of before. Good luck to them. Think outside the box.
I see a lot of reviews saying "despite overwhelming local opposition". That is simply not the case. The vocal minority does not speak for the silent majority. I have way less of a problem with this development then I do with the 100's of multi family housing units going in all over the valley. All of those homes will have school aged children but since the homes are on .01 acres, the tax revenue for the land they live on will not off set the needed tax revenue. Spending all your time worrying about a place we will barely see, or interact with, while allowing ultra dense housing to go in everywhere is a poor use of our time in my opinion.
I've had the pleasure of having had interactions with several of the members of WPR over the last 2 years and I think the majority of the negative reviewers here would be surprised by the absolute lack of entitlement they all exhibit. All very nice, respectful people without exception. Despite what you may have heard or read, they are mindful of the perception they carry as the super wealthy--and the rumors that creates--and are anxious to have a positive impact on Morgan Valley. I'd rather have a private ski resort on what is already private land which will not utilize county resources but contribute much to the county in taxes and other revenue than any other development which would do the opposite.
I think, by law, property rights should go to the property holder! You may not like what your neighbors build, though you have no right to tear it down. We fought wars and many have died so we could have these rights, to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What other rights would the pitchfork community like to take away? Some of us locals are hiding behind the law, like the tyrannical kings of the past. You wouldn’t want the same for your property, would you? You weaken our sacred Union with feckless and misguided ambition. Check yourself, find common ground and be a good neighbor regardless of the fence color.
Someone asked if it is on public land. The answer is NO. I highlighted the likely boundary on this map in red using a private land overlay. They might own some of those smaller parcels around the edge and there is one inholding they may not own. Gaia shows 3 existing lifts already built that are all on the private land that I highlighted in blue. It looks very steep.
There are no public trails that pass through it at any point.
I don't have a horse in this race, but private land rights are pretty clear cut. The question is zoning as I understand it.
From a purely selfish standpoint I wish it was going to be a public resort because I don't have that kind of $$$$$.
The kind souls of Wasatch Ranch returned my tent after it blew off the summit near Francis Peak and all the way down the cliff strewn with shotgun shells. Wild Utah left Davis/SLC when I-15 was expanded, but the ease of access to the Wasatch and good neighbors remain.
As a local, I don’t get the opposition. This resort looks like a lot of fun, is opening more jobs at a competitive wage, and brings in millions of yearly tax revenue for the county.
