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Time to comment on Heavenly’s development plans


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By Kathryn Reed

Heavenly Mountain Resort will begin improving the ski area next month, days after this season ends April 24, if all the approvals from the U.S. Forest Service go through.

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is seeking comments until April 29 on proposed capital improvements at Heavenly. The resort wants to build of a permanent ski school structure and create of a Kids Adventure Zone near the top of the gondola, widen some ski trails in the Sky Express area and improve vehicle access to the top station of the tubing lift.

Six more days of this ski season, then Heavenly begins improvements for 2011-12. Photo/LTN

Six more days of this ski season, then Heavenly begins improvements for 2011-12. Photo/LTN

These projects are part of the resort’s master plan.

“The children’s ski school building will be consistent in look and feel to the Tamarack Lodge, which our guests have really enjoyed. While the temporary yurts have served us well over the years, this permanent structure will elevate the ski school facilities to the same world-class level as our ski school instruction,” resort spokesman Russ Pecoraro told Lake Tahoe News.

With General Manager Pete Sonntag having risen from the ski school side of the industry, this is close to his heart – to have such a facility that complements the philosophy of parent company Vail Resorts – “experience of a lifetime”.

The improvements are part of a nearly $90 million cash infusion by the Colorado-based company into its six ski resorts before the 2011-12 begins.

The ski school building will be nearly 3,000-square-feet, with a height between 25 and 30 feet.

Trails on the California side of the mountain that will be widened to increase capacity and ease congestion include: Ellie’s, Liz’s, Upper Ridge, Canyon, Jackpot and High Roller. Trees will be taken out via over-the-snow removal methods. Some boulder will be moved to the edge of the trails. The total cleared area is approximately 4.16 acres.

“The trails in upper California were originally built in the 1960s. We have chosen to widen these trails to accommodate the new ski and snowboard equipment and techniques, which will improve the overall ski and ride experience,” Pecoraro explained.

For more information on the proposals and how to comment, go online or call Jonathan Cook-Fisher at (530) 543.2741.

Although the last day to ski at Heavenly is Easter, the resort will be open May 13-15 and May 28-30 for sightseeing and tubing. Summer operations begin June 7.

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Comments

Comments (8)
  1. lou pierini says - Posted: April 18, 2011

    Only if they take down the dam in sky meadows, that was build with a wink and a nod from the Forest Service. It was built just shy of Ca. Dept. of Dams requirements, so there was no inspections other than resorts.

  2. Keep Tahoe Cool says - Posted: April 19, 2011

    Keep the improvments coming and the tourist will continue to come. Go away naysayers!

  3. Bob says - Posted: April 19, 2011

    Go for it. Brings on more jobs, more tourists.

  4. Steve says - Posted: April 19, 2011

    Let’s hope the old tram stays in place. TRPA was sorely misguided in requiring its removal.

  5. jeff says - Posted: April 20, 2011

    Heavenly will not be happy until every tree is gone. The only exceptional thing about skiing Heavenly are the trees…please stop cutting them down…

  6. loren schneider says - Posted: June 1, 2011

    I thought the galaxy chair was getting replaced this summer. I dont think the trails need any more widening.

  7. Michael says - Posted: June 24, 2011

    How about increased lift capacity? 6 packs at sky, comet, dipper anyone? Those lines are larger than Colorado resorts….

  8. the conservation robot says - Posted: June 24, 2011

    I don’t see how any of those trails could be much wider and accomplish much.
    And Liz’s is great because it is narrow and you get those nice banks on the turns. Oh well. See you in the break.