Teton County officials are gearing up for a significant discussion regarding the expansion of ski areas in the region, as highlighted in a recent government meeting. Public Works Project Manager Chris Colligan announced that a draft of comments on the proposed expansion will be presented on June 9, 2025, inviting public input on the matter.

Jay Pence, the district ranger of the Teton Basin Ranger District, provided an overview of the proposed changes, which include expanding the ski area into Mill Creek and the South Bowl. This expansion aims to enhance skiing conditions by providing more favorable terrain and improving safety during foggy weather. The proposed areas are outside the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and are expected to offer scenic views and better avalanche control.

The discussions are rooted in compliance with the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 and the Ski Area Recreational Enhancement Act of 2011. The current master development plan, accepted in 2018, serves as a guiding document for the resort's vision and has undergone extensive review and data collection, resulting in a complex 600-page environmental impact statement.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts among various agencies, including Teton County, Wyoming Game and Fish, and Grand Teton National Park, which have been granted cooperating agency status. Their involvement ensures a comprehensive analysis of the proposed expansion's impacts.

As the community prepares for the upcoming meeting, the implications of the ski area expansion are significant, promising to enhance recreational opportunities while addressing environmental concerns. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the public comment period to voice their opinions on this pivotal development.