Starting this week, Deer Valley Resort in Park City is introducing a new fee for mountain bikers who prefer to ascend trails by pedaling rather than utilizing chairlifts. This "pedal pass" can be purchased for either a single day or an entire season, marking a shift from previous, less formalized access.
The extensive trail network in Park City, characterized by its interconnectedness across both private resort land and public city areas, has historically created confusion regarding access rules. While Deer Valley offers a bike park with designated downhill routes and a vast cross-country trail system, many of these trails are multi-use and were previously accessible to the public at no charge. Despite the resort owning these trails, some riders would unknowingly or intentionally bypass lift tickets by pedaling up, leveraging the public-feeling nature of certain routes. Steve Graff, Vice President of Mountain Operations at Deer Valley, noted that while uphill pedaling was technically never permitted for bike park access, the resort’s traditional enforcement relied on trail directionality to prevent riders from reaching summits. However, some riders found ways to cut across trails, blurring the lines between permitted and unpermitted access, particularly on popular routes like Deer Crest, which connects to Mid Mountain and allows access to downhill trails like Undertow.
This new pedal pass initiative stems from two primary concerns: the rising demand for trail use and safety. The increasing popularity of mountain biking in Park City has led to greater wear and tear on trails, necessitating more extensive maintenance. Deer Valley’s trails are independently maintained by the resort, without assistance from local trail advocacy groups like the Mountain Trails Foundation, despite significant user overlap. Historically, trail maintenance has been funded through lift ticket sales, but with many riders not purchasing tickets, securing funds for necessary upkeep became challenging. Graff highlighted that constructing new trails can cost around $100,000 per mile, with annual maintenance reaching $150,000. By introducing the pedal pass, Deer Valley hopes to create a funding mechanism akin to supporting a local trail organization. Additionally, safety is a major factor, as the growing number of visitors, sometimes unfamiliar with the terrain, would venture onto advanced downhill trails after starting on milder cross-country routes, leading to potential accidents.
The pedal pass, priced at $12 for a day or $50 for the season, will officially be implemented with the resort's opening on June 19th. It will grant access to four uphill routes, including Tour de Homes and Deer Crest, which lead to the vicinity of the Silver Lake Express chairlift, and two access roads to the summits of Bald Eagle Mountain and Bald Mountain. E-bikes will be permitted on these designated uphill routes, and pass holders will receive a velcro hanger to visibly display their pass on their bikes. This system aims to ensure all users contribute to the sustainability and safety of Deer Valley's world-class mountain biking facilities, reflecting a commitment to managing growth responsibly and preserving the quality of the riding experience for everyone.