What’s happening in BCC? Resort Boundaries, Parking Lots, and Policy

In this episode of The Uptrack Podcast, Wasatch Backcountry Alliance sits down with Save Our Canyons and Winter Wildlands Alliance to unpack how the proposed ordinance from the Town of Brighton could influence the future of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

The Town of Brighton is considering a new ordinance (OAM2025-001431) that would shape the future of ski resort development in upper Big Cottonwood Canyon. The proposal defines what qualifies as a “Ski Resort” versus “Ski Resort Support Facilities” and formally maps “Ski Resort Boundaries,” which are key steps toward aligning the town code with its General Plan, which emphasizes sustainable growth, open space, and recreation opportunities.

These updates could directly impact Solitude’s proposed parking lot on Old Stage Road and influence any future development on Solitude-owned land in Silver Fork and Guardsman Pass.

The Town of Brighton is relatively new, incorporating in 2020, and is taking meaningful steps to shape the future of Big Cottonwood Canyon. This ordinance represents an important effort to bring together stakeholders to balance economic interests, environmental health, and community values. The town has shown thoughtful leadership throughout this process. If adopted, the ordinance would play a significant role in giving the town a frame to maintain the balance between developed and undeveloped terrain: a principle that aligns closely with Wasatch Backcountry Alliance’s mission to protect the integrity of the Wasatch backcountry.

The discussion around the proposed ordinance began in July 2025, when it was first introduced to the Town of Brighton Planning Commission. WBA submitted an official comment in support of the ordinance during the Planning Commission meeting on September 17, 2025. Following that meeting, the Planning Commission determined that accurate mapping would be essential to accompany the new ordinance and requested input from all stakeholders (including the ski resorts) and the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District.

Brighton Resort’s submitted map matched its current operational footprint. For Solitude Mountain Resort, however, there were some discrepancies between the U.S. Forest Service and Salt Lake City Public Utilities maps. Solitude also submitted its own version, which included additional parcels in Silver Fork, Guardsman Pass, and the Old Stage Road property: the site of the resort’s proposed parking lot development.

During the October 15, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, WBA provided further public comment, underscoring the importance of recognizing the Honeycomb Cliffs ridgeline as the natural boundary between developed ski area zones and undeveloped backcountry areas. WBA also highlighted the need to keep Guardsman Pass free of lift infrastructure, helping preserve the canyon’s character and prevent future ski area interconnects into Summit County.

You can read WBA’s full official comment here.

Learn more from Save Our Canyons.