Grand Targhee’s proposed expansion is being evaluated by the US Forest Service via an Environmental Impact Statement.

 

Grand Targhee Resort, located on public lands managed by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, operates under a Special Use Permit (SUP) issued by the Forest Service. The resort completed a new Master Development Plan (MDP) in 2018, seeking to expand onto National Forest lands and develop within the existing resort footprint. The Forest Service is evaluating the proposal through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and the public has until June 20, 2025, to submit comments or objections. The resort seeks approval to expand into areas outside the current permit boundary, which would require changes to the 1997 Targhee National Forest Plan. The EIS also analyzes alternative options and the environmental effects of each. Additionally, the MDP envisions commercial and real estate development within the privately-owned base area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Teton County, WY, not the Forest Service.

We have until June 20, 2025 to submit comments or objections on the DEIS to the Forest Service.

READ GRAND TARGHEE'S MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN
READ THE 2025 DEIS
VIEW DEVELOPMENT PLAN ON FOREST SERVICE PAGE

Grand Targhee’s proposed expansion is being evaluated by the US Forest Service via an Environmental Impact Statement.

 

Grand Targhee Resort, located on public lands managed by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, operates under a Special Use Permit (SUP) issued by the Forest Service. The resort completed a new Master Development Plan (MDP) in 2018, seeking to expand onto National Forest lands and develop within the existing resort footprint. The Forest Service is evaluating the proposal through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and the public has until June 20, 2025, to submit comments or objections. The resort seeks approval to expand into areas outside the current permit boundary, which would require changes to the 1997 Targhee National Forest Plan. The EIS also analyzes alternative options and the environmental effects of each. Additionally, the MDP envisions commercial and real estate development within the privately-owned base area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Teton County, WY, not the Forest Service.

We have until June 20, 2025 to submit comments or objections on the DEIS to the Forest Service.

READ GRAND TARGHEE'S MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN
READ THE 2025 DEIS
VIEW DEVELOPMENT PLAN ON FOREST SERVICE PAGE
What is a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)?

As required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Forest Service must analyze and disclose the potential environmental impacts of Grand Targhee’s proposed projects. This analysis is called an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Because this is a complicated project the Forest Service has analyzed 5 different “Alternatives”, or possible decisions, which were developed based on feedback the agency received during the 2020 “scoping” comment period. Right now, the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is available for public review and comment. After the 90-day comment period the Forest Service will consider what the public has said, update and finalize the analysis (EIS), and make a decision based on one of the Alternatives. The final decision does not have to exactly mirror any one of the Alternatives considered; it may be a modified version of one of the Alternatives with elements pulled from one or several of the other Alternatives.

The impacts analyzed this DEIS are classified under the following categories: recreation, scenery, noise, socioeconomics, traffic and parking, cultural resources, public safety, livestock and grazing, Wilderness, air quality, climate change, vegetation, wildlife, geology and soils, hydrology, and wetlands and riparian areas.

This comment period is the public’s most important opportunity to shape the future of Grand Targhee Resort, and indirectly, all of the public lands and communities on the west side of the Tetons. Your comments do not have to address everything in the DEIS but your feedback on the issues you are most familiar with will provide invaluable information to the Forest Service in this decision-making process.

Overview of Alternatives Presented in the DEIS

Alternative 1
(No Action Alternative)
No changes to Forest Service lands from status quo.
Alternative 2
(Proposed Action – What Grand Targhee Wants)
  • development of a 266-acre SUP boundary expansion in South Bowl
  • development of a 600-acre SUP boundary expansion in Mono Trees
  • development of 157 acres of traditional terrain, including 60 acres within the South Bowl SUP and 97 acres within the Mono Trees SUP
  • construction of both the South Bowl lift and Mono Trees lift to provide lift access to terrain in the proposed SUP areas
  • A guest facility at the top and bottom terminal of the proposed South Bowl lift 
  • a new Lightning Ridge guest facility at the top terminal of the proposed Mono Trees lift
  • various construction, access, and maintenance roads within the proposed SUP areas
  • implementation of two avalaunchers in the South Bowl SUP area 
  • replacement of two lifts within the existing SUP; construction of four new lifts within the existing SUP 
  • development of 214 acres of traditional terrain, including 550 acres of gladed terrain within the existing SUP
  • implementation of a Mountain Road Rehabilitation Program within the existing SUP
  • implementation of 57 acres of snowmaking within the existing SUP
  • construction of a snowmobile rescue catch within the existing SUP
  • construction of five new guest service facilities within the existing SUP
  • construction of a snow tubing facility within the existing SUP
  • construction of Nordic, snowshoe, and fat biking trails within the existing SUP
  • construction of 29 miles of mountain bike trails within the existing SUP
  • implementation of various summer activities within the summer activity zone, which could include a canopy tour, aerial adventure course, or zip line course. 
Alternative 3 - No SUP Expansion
(Only the expansions within the existing SUP area)
  • Constructing the new Crazy Horse and North Boundary Lifts; upgrading the Dreamcatcher and Shoshone Lifts, and constructing the new Palmer Platter Surface Lift and Lights along with the new teaching carpet;
  • Implementing 107 acres of new traditional terrain, 107 acres of terrain improvements, 204 acres of proposed glades, and 45 acres of groomable glades;
  • Implementing the Mountain Roads Rehabilitation Program, including eliminating steep and no longer necessary on-mountain access roads, and constructing new roads to bypass steep grades and improve mountain circulation and maintenance;
  • Installation of 57 acres of snowmaking to improve lower-mountain circulation routes;
  • Construction of full-service on-mountain guest services facilities at the summit of Fred’s Mountain and at the top terminal of the Sacajawea Lift, a facility at the top of the Shoshone Lift, two on-mountain guest facilities in Rick’s Basin and at the top of Lightning Ridge, and two storage and vault toilet facilities at the base of the North Boundary and Blackfoot Lifts;
  • Constructing 29 miles of downhill biking, hiking and multi-use trails;
  • Constructing a canopy tour/fly line, zip line, aerial adventure course, and disc golf course in the summer activity zone near the Shoshone Lift; and
  • Constructing snow tubing facilities, and expansion and improvement of Nordic, snowshoeing and fat biking offerings.
Alternative 4 - South Bowl, No Mono Trees
(Expansions within the existing SUP area including within the South Bowl proposed SUP)
  • 266-acre expansion of the SUP into South Bowl;
  • Development of 60 acres of traditional terrain in the South Bowl SUP;
  • Construction of the South Bowl Lift;
  • Construction of a guest facility at the top and bottom terminal of the South Bowl Lift;
  • Implementation of two avalaunchers in the South Bowl SUP area;
  • Construction of various construction, access, and maintenance roads within the proposed SUP areas; 
  • Various projects within the existing SUP including replacing two lifts; constructing four new lifts; developing 214 acres of traditional terrain; developing 550 acres of gladed terrain; implementation of 57 acres of snowmaking; implementation of a Mountain Road Rehabilitation Program; installation of a snowmobile rescue catch; construction of five new guest service facilities; construction of a snow tubing facility; construction of Nordic, snowshoes, and fat biking trails; construction of 29 miles of mountain bike trails; and implementation of a various summer activities in the summer activity zone.
Alternative 5 - Mono Trees, No South Bowl
(expansions within the existing SUP including the Mono Trees proposed SUP)
  • 600-acre expansion of the SUP into Mono Trees;
  • Development of 97 acres of traditional terrain in the Mono Trees SUP;
  • Construction of the Mono Trees Lift;
  • Construction of a guest facility at Lightning Ridge in the top terminal of the Mono Trees Lift;
  • Construction of various construction, access, and maintenance roads within the proposed SUP areas; and
  • Various projects within the existing SUP including replacing two lifts; constructing four new lifts; developing 214 acres of traditional terrain; developing 550 acres of gladed terrain; implementation of 57 acres of snowmaking; implementation of a Mountain Road Rehabilitation Program; installation of a snowmobile rescue catch; construction of five new guest service facilities; construction of a snow tubing facility; construction of Nordic, snowshoes, and fat biking trails; construction of 29 miles of mountain bike trails; and implementation of a various summer activities in the summer activity zone.
  •  

Overview of Alternatives Presented in the DEIS

Alternative 1
(No Action Alternative)
No changes to Forest Service lands from status quo.
Alternative 2
(Proposed Action – What Grand Targhee Wants)
  • development of a 266-acre SUP boundary expansion in South Bowl
  • development of a 600-acre SUP boundary expansion in Mono Trees
  • development of 157 acres of traditional terrain, including 60 acres within the South Bowl SUP and 97 acres within the Mono Trees SUP
  • construction of both the South Bowl lift and Mono Trees lift to provide lift access to terrain in the proposed SUP areas
  • A guest facility at the top and bottom terminal of the proposed South Bowl lift 
  • a new Lightning Ridge guest facility at the top terminal of the proposed Mono Trees lift
  • various construction, access, and maintenance roads within the proposed SUP areas
  • implementation of two avalaunchers in the South Bowl SUP area 
  • replacement of two lifts within the existing SUP; construction of four new lifts within the existing SUP 
  • development of 214 acres of traditional terrain, including 550 acres of gladed terrain within the existing SUP
  • implementation of a Mountain Road Rehabilitation Program within the existing SUP
  • implementation of 57 acres of snowmaking within the existing SUP
  • construction of a snowmobile rescue catch within the existing SUP
  • construction of five new guest service facilities within the existing SUP
  • construction of a snow tubing facility within the existing SUP
  • construction of Nordic, snowshoe, and fat biking trails within the existing SUP
  • construction of 29 miles of mountain bike trails within the existing SUP
  • implementation of various summer activities within the summer activity zone, which could include a canopy tour, aerial adventure course, or zip line course. 
Alternative 3 - No SUP Expansion
(Only the expansions within the existing SUP area)
  • Constructing the new Crazy Horse and North Boundary Lifts; upgrading the Dreamcatcher and Shoshone Lifts, and constructing the new Palmer Platter Surface Lift and Lights along with the new teaching carpet;
  • Implementing 107 acres of new traditional terrain, 107 acres of terrain improvements, 204 acres of proposed glades, and 45 acres of groomable glades;
  • Implementing the Mountain Roads Rehabilitation Program, including eliminating steep and no longer necessary on-mountain access roads, and constructing new roads to bypass steep grades and improve mountain circulation and maintenance;
  • Installation of 57 acres of snowmaking to improve lower-mountain circulation routes;
  • Construction of full-service on-mountain guest services facilities at the summit of Fred’s Mountain and at the top terminal of the Sacajawea Lift, a facility at the top of the Shoshone Lift, two on-mountain guest facilities in Rick’s Basin and at the top of Lightning Ridge, and two storage and vault toilet facilities at the base of the North Boundary and Blackfoot Lifts;
  • Constructing 29 miles of downhill biking, hiking and multi-use trails;
  • Constructing a canopy tour/fly line, zip line, aerial adventure course, and disc golf course in the summer activity zone near the Shoshone Lift; and
  • Constructing snow tubing facilities, and expansion and improvement of Nordic, snowshoeing and fat biking offerings.
Alternative 4 - South Bowl, No Mono Trees
(Expansions within the existing SUP area including within the South Bowl proposed SUP)
  • 266-acre expansion of the SUP into South Bowl;
  • Development of 60 acres of traditional terrain in the South Bowl SUP;
  • Construction of the South Bowl Lift;
  • Construction of a guest facility at the top and bottom terminal of the South Bowl Lift;
  • Implementation of two avalaunchers in the South Bowl SUP area;
  • Construction of various construction, access, and maintenance roads within the proposed SUP areas; 
  • Various projects within the existing SUP including replacing two lifts; constructing four new lifts; developing 214 acres of traditional terrain; developing 550 acres of gladed terrain; implementation of 57 acres of snowmaking; implementation of a Mountain Road Rehabilitation Program; installation of a snowmobile rescue catch; construction of five new guest service facilities; construction of a snow tubing facility; construction of Nordic, snowshoes, and fat biking trails; construction of 29 miles of mountain bike trails; and implementation of a various summer activities in the summer activity zone.
Alternative 5 - Mono Trees, No South Bowl
(expansions within the existing SUP including the Mono Trees proposed SUP)
  • 600-acre expansion of the SUP into Mono Trees;
  • Development of 97 acres of traditional terrain in the Mono Trees SUP;
  • Construction of the Mono Trees Lift;
  • Construction of a guest facility at Lightning Ridge in the top terminal of the Mono Trees Lift;
  • Construction of various construction, access, and maintenance roads within the proposed SUP areas; and
  • Various projects within the existing SUP including replacing two lifts; constructing four new lifts; developing 214 acres of traditional terrain; developing 550 acres of gladed terrain; implementation of 57 acres of snowmaking; implementation of a Mountain Road Rehabilitation Program; installation of a snowmobile rescue catch; construction of five new guest service facilities; construction of a snow tubing facility; construction of Nordic, snowshoes, and fat biking trails; construction of 29 miles of mountain bike trails; and implementation of a various summer activities in the summer activity zone.
  •  

South Bowl

There should not be chairlifts, roads, or avalanche control in the North Fork of Teton Canyon.

Map of Proposed projects in south bowl Grand targhee Resort DEIS

The “South Bowl'' expansion off of Peaked Mountain into Teton Canyon would involve construction of a new chairlift and a new road to service the lift, the placement of two Avalaunchers and a bomb cache for avalanche mitigation, a vault toilet  and a ski patrol facility on top of Peaked Mountain.

The South Bowl expansion would also require cutting new ski runs across the western part of South Bowl and using heavy machinery to smooth out the terrain throughout much of the area. In order to make the area “safe”, ski patrol will have to perform significant avalanche mitigation.

This area provides important habitat for many wildlife species.

National Park Service biologists have documented the following wildlife species in South Bowl: bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule deer, moose, elk, mountain lion, black bear, coyote, fox, pine marten, and other small mammals and birds. When the Forest Service first announced that they were considering this expansion, the Park Service commented that the proposed South Bowl expansion area includes movement corridors for all these species. A recent study by the World Wildlife Fund reported that wildlife populations have decreased worldwide by 70% in the last 50 years. We are so blessed to have abundant wildlife in our backyard and should respect - not encroach upon - their habitat.

Development in South Bowl would be visible from the most popular trails on the west side of the Tetons, in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and in Grand Teton National Park.

These include the South and North Fork of Teton Canyon, Face Trail, Devil Stairs, and Shelf Trail. People hiking or backcountry skiing into the Jedediah Smith Wilderness or Steve Baugh from the ski resort would have a greatly diminished experience if South Bowl were to be developed.

Ski resort development would be an affront to wildlife, wilderness, and the people who cherish this place.

Furthermore, because of climate change, which is leading to warmer and drier winters, this south-facing area could be unskiable in the near future. Is short-term resort use worth all that would be lost?

The Forest Service should deny Grand Targhee’s request to expand into South Bowl.

South Bowl

There should not be chairlifts, roads, avalanche control, or guided skiing in the North Fork of Teton Canyon.

The “South Bowl'' expansion off of Peaked Mountain into Teton Canyon would involve construction of a new chairlift and a new road to service the lift, the placement of two Avalaunchers and a bomb cache for avalanche mitigation, a vault toilet  and a ski patrol facility on top of Peaked Mountain.

The South Bowl expansion would also require cutting new ski runs across the western part of South Bowl and using heavy machinery to smooth out the terrain throughout much of the area. In order to make the area “safe”, ski patrol will have to perform significant avalanche mitigation.

This area provides important habitat for many wildlife species.

National Park Service biologists have documented the following wildlife species in South Bowl: bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule deer, moose, elk, mountain lion, black bear, coyote, fox, pine marten, and other small mammals and birds. When the Forest Service first announced that they were considering this expansion, the Park Service commented that the proposed South Bowl expansion area includes movement corridors for all these species. A recent study by the World Wildlife Fund reported that wildlife populations have decreased worldwide by 70% in the last 50 years. We are so blessed to have abundant wildlife in our backyard and should respect - not encroach upon - their habitat.

Development in South Bowl would be visible from the most popular trails on the west side of the Tetons, in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and in Grand Teton National Park.

These include the South and North Fork of Teton Canyon, Face Trail, Devil Stairs, and Shelf Trail. People hiking or backcountry skiing into the Jedediah Smith Wilderness or Steve Baugh from the ski resort would have a greatly diminished experience if South Bowl were to be developed.

Ski resort development would be an affront to wildlife, wilderness, and the people who cherish this place.

Furthermore, because of climate change, which is leading to warmer and drier winters, this south-facing area could be unskiable in the near future. Is short-term resort use worth all that would be lost?

Map of Proposed projects in south bowl Grand targhee Resort DEIS

Mono Trees

There should not be chairlifts, glading, or roads in the Mono Trees Area

 The “Mono Trees” expansion, below the current Sacajawea Lift, would involve construction of a new chairlift similar to the recently-constructed Peaked Lift, along with a new road to service the lift and the cutting and glading of 5 new ski runs. Neither the Mono Trees area nor South Bowl currently have any roads, trails, or other development.

The Mono Trees expansion would be harmful to many wildlife species that depend on the cover its thick forests provide. Currently, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest prohibits entry to the popular Mill Creek Trail during winter months to protect wintering elk, deer, and moose. The wildlife will be negatively impacted if this protection is eliminated. The Forest Service should deny Grand Tarhgee’s request to expand into Mono Trees.

Map of proposed projects in mono trees area

Mono Trees

The area requested that expands Grand Targhee Resort (GTR) to Teton Canyon will be harmful to the wildlife. Deer, moose, and bear activity is common in this location. Grand Teton National Forest has already prohibited entry to the popular Mill Creek Trail during winter months to protect wildlife. The wildlife will be negatively impacted if this protection is eliminated. The number of healthy aspen trees and evergreens that would be gladed would affect runoff, erosion and wildlife. Any additional encroachment from the GTR into the Mill Creek Trail area should be denied for it's impact.
The Proposed Expansion

In-Bounds Development

Grand Targhee has also proposed many projects within the resort’s current boundaries. These include:

 

Chairlifts

In Targhee's current permit area, this plan proposes to:

  • Replace the Dreamcatcher lift with a Chondola.
  • Upgrading and realigning the Shoshone lift
  • Adding a new chairlift on Fred’s Mountain called Crazy Horse
  • Adding a North Boundary Lift to provide access to the new terrain from the North Boundary Traverse down to Rick's Basin

Trail Development

  • Significant amounts of glading and grading
  • Development of many new ski runs, Nordic, snowshoeing, fatbiking, downhill biking, hiking, and multi-use trails

New alternative (non-skiing) activities

  • Zip line, ropes course, and disc golf course
  • Snow tubing facility

Lighting

  • Additional lighting for night skiing

Buildings

  • A 6,000 square foot (plus 3,000 to 4,000 sq ft. deck) restaurant/bar/restrooms ski patrol facility on top of Fred’s Mountain, just south of the top of the Dreamcatcher lift. 
  • A 5,000-6,5000 square foot (plus 2,000 to sq.ft deck) restaurant/bar/restrooms at the top terminal of the Sacajawea lift.
  • A 1,500 square foot (plus 2,000 sq ft. deck) yurt with restaurant and restrooms at the top of the Shoshone lift.
  • A warming cabin and vault toilet in Rick’s Basin.

Snowmaking

  • Increase snowmaking coverage by an additional 57 acres. 
  • Snowmaking is fueled by groundwater, so an increase will require drilling additional wells.
Tetons-Wildlife_Grizzly-bear

The Issues

Impacts to wildlife, the community of Teton Valley Idaho, and Grand Teton National Park are among the many concerns we have if the Grand Targhee expansion is approved

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