How Utah Olympic Park Expanded Terrain & Snowmaking Prior to the 2034 Olympic Games
Utah Olympic Park is a world-class winter-sport venue in Park City, Utah, built for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and operated by the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation. The park supports athlete development from young local participants to elite competitors through alpine, freestyle, Nordic, snowboard, and sliding-sport training and competition facilities.
The Challenge
Creating new competition terrain & expanding snowmaking infrastructure
Utah Olympic Park aimed to expand its training capacity by creating new terrain for athletes preparing for various competitions, including an FIS-homologated giant slalom run and a World Cup-length mogul course. West Peak had no existing ski runs or snowmaking infrastructure, so they needed a partner to develop the area, connect it to its existing snowmaking system, and ensure reliable snow surfaces. This expansion would enable more preseason training in Utah, ease demand on local resorts, and let younger athletes train alongside elite competitors.
The Plan
A full turnkey snowmaking solution
In 2022, Utah Olympic Park partnered with SMI Snow Makers on a full turnkey snowmaking project, building on a long-standing relationship that began with a successful collaboration before the 2002 Olympics. SMI was chosen for their ability to provide energy-efficient solutions and advanced automation technologies. For West Peak, the work included integrating new pumping, piping, electrical, automation, and snowmaking equipment with UOP’s existing infrastructure.
New snowmaking infrastructure included:
Approximately 30 acres of new snowmaking coverage across West Peak training terrain
A fully automated pump system
Three 500-GPM pumps, providing up to 1,500 GPM of total capacity
Variable frequency drives on each pump for constant-pressure control as snowmaking demand changes
A bubbler system for pond cooling and aeration
Approximately 8,500 feet of snowmaking pipe
14 fully automated SMI Super Polecat fan guns installed in vaults on Denali Towers
2 SMI Kid Polecat fan guns
Smartsnow Software
Electrical infrastructure, automation controls, hoses, vaults, hydrants, and pedestals
Equipment layouts, pipe routing, hydrant placement, and snow-gun locations
Construction support, installation, and on-site project management
Complete system setup, commissioning, and operator training
The integrated approach gave UOP one coordinated partner from planning through handoff.
The Results
Dependable Coverage for Athlete Progression
The West Peak expansion provides Utah Olympic Park with reliable, high-capacity snowmaking coverage, giving atheletes dependable access to new training and competition terrain.
Interested in Working With SMI Snowmakers?
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Step 1
Connect With Your Local SMI Representative
Discuss your mountain’s challenges, goals, existing system, and priorities with the SMI representative who serves your region.
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Step 2
Define the Right Scope
Your local SMI representative will help identify the right next step for your operation.Get focused help with pumping, automation, equipment, pipe, electrical, or retrofits—or choose a full turnkey snowmaking project.
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Step 3
Create Your Unique Solution With Us
SMI brings the right people and solutions together to build a plan around your mountain, your resources, and your goals.