A thumbs up by the Salt Lake County Planning Commission Wednesday means plans to develop a mountain coaster at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort are in full swing. One environmental group is already speaking out, but as KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports, it isn’t the resort they are angry with.

Utah, celebrated for its world-renowned skiing, is said to have the “greatest snow on earth.” But this year’s season has been bone dry so far. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, skiers at one area in Little Cottonwood Canyon are still enjoying the slopes, but the lack of powder is costly and concerning.

Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker testified this morning before a congressional subcommittee against a proposal to sell a parcel of national forest land, paving the way for a ski lift between the Canyons and Solitude Mountain Resort. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, Becker told the panel it’s the city’s responsibility to make sure the project doesn’t bypass the environmental reviews and public participation that need to take place before the project is solidified.

Segment 1: Mountaineer Apa Sherpa now lives in Draper, but he continues to feel the tug of Mt. Everest in his native Nepal. He’s made an astounding 21 trips to Everest’s summit – a world record – and continues to advocate for heart health, conditions in Nepal and the environment.   Guests: Apa Sherpa Terrell [...]

The Utah Avalanche Center is urging avid skiers to wait for a few more snowstorms before hitting the slopes. On Sunday, professional skier Jamie Pierre fell victim to an avalanche he triggered while snowboarding at the unopened Snowbird ski resort.

Completion of the Jordan River Parkway and environmental education programs at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge have been highlighted by the U.S. Interior Department as among the best investments in the nation to promote outdoor recreation and conservation. The projects will be in a 50-state report to be released next week. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, it’s unclear what that recognition will mean for the projects.

The largest Outdoor Retailer Summer Market wrapped up over the weekend at the Salt Palace Convention Center. Retailers say the outdoors market is on fire, and even with the nation’s financial woes making some businesses weary, KCPW’s Jessica Gail explains this industry seems to be exempt.

Salt Lake City’s population has grown by tens of thousands for this weekend, while the annual Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is going on at the Salt Palace, generating more than $23 million in direct economic impact to the city. But the Outdoor Industry Association, which puts on the show, isn’t happy with the direction the state of Utah is going on outdoor policy, and the show has gotten larger than the Salt Palace.

Salt Lake County voters will have one more year to decide whether to vote “yes” on a $110 million dollar parks bond. The county council has decided to wait to bring the issue to the ballot box. And as KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports, the holdup could also mean a delay for Salt Lake City’s future soccer complex.

The crown jewel of the ongoing Parley’s Trail expansion is coming to fruition. Construction crews are in the first stages of carving out a pedestrian tunnel under 1300 East, just south of 2100 South, that will join Sugar House Park with Hidden Hollow and the Sugar House business district. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, the project is expected to be a major regional connector and a sight to behold.