Malans Basin Development

             A new development is being proposed that could forever alter the foothills east of Ogden.  Over the past several months developer Chris Peterson has been working on a plan to construct a year round resort in Malan’s Basin, a gondola to access the resort and an upscale residential development along the east bench.  Until recently, discussion concerning this proposal has been limited to private, invitation only meetings.  It was only in the past few weeks that Peterson’s plans have been made available to the general public.  Few details have been provided at this point, but the plan includes the following developments:
 
•  Construction of a year round ski resort in Malan's Basin
•  Purchase of the Mount Ogden Golf Course from Ogden City - Golf course will be redesigned and expanded up the hillside
•  Development of a gated community that will have 400 homes and condominiums dispersed throughout the area of the golf course
•  Construction of a gondola from Ogden to Malan's Basin and eventually continuing on and connecting to Snowbasin

            The developments that are being proposed will bring about significant and permanent changes to the west slope of Mt. Ogden and the benches below.  Construction of ski resorts can have profoundly negative impacts on the mountain side where they are located.  Those responsible for the development must have a good plan in place for how they will minimize the impacts of the development, and how they are going to mitigate any damage they do cause.  To view photos that have been taken of the preliminary work that has been done in Malan’s Basin visit the Ogden Sierra Club's website. 
                From the maps that were presented during a recent open house regarding the development plan, it appears that the redesigned golf course will be at least twice as wide as the current course.  This would force the course to extend fairly high up the hillside, likely requiring considerable modifications to the steep landscape to make a playable course.   
                There are also some questions that remain about trail access once the development is in place.  Again, from the materials that were presented during the open house, it appears that a significant number of the preexisting trails would be removed.  While there are additional trails that are being proposed, the majority are much farther up the mountainside and less accessible for those looking to go for an afternoon hike or run.  So, as the details are worked out, it will be interesting to see if the current trail system is going to be replaced with trails that are as easily accessible to the residents of Ogden. 
                These are only a few of the potential issues that are sure to develop as the details of the plan are worked out.  To see what is currently being proposed for the area follow the links listed below, and continue to check back for updates on this issue as new developments occur.

Slides of Peterson's Presentation - from the open house at Weber State University 4/16/2006 (2.58 MB)

A Q&A document regarding the development on Mount Ogden -handed out at the open house at Weber State University 4/16/2006 (15kB)