Free Park City envisions a future where Park City Mountain is owned and operated by the community, ensuring that its revenues, culture, and priorities align with the town’s long-term interests. The vision is clear: a Park City free from outside corporate control, where the mountain becomes a hub of local culture, economic opportunity, and sustainability. However, the path forward is complex, and success depends on collective effort, careful planning, and the right timing.

Awareness and Community Support

Currently, Free Park City operates as a movement for awareness, education, and advocacy. Building measurable support is the first step in making this vision a reality. Platforms like Instagram (@freeparkcity), Threads, Facebook, Reddit and a newsletter serve as public tools for gathering and organizing supporters. These platforms not only amplify our message but also demonstrate the movement's popularity to city leaders, potential investors, and even Vail shareholders.

Our goal is to grow a following large enough to prove that this vision has broad support. Reaching 10,000 Instagram followers would be a significant milestone, but ultimately, we aim to rival @pcski’s reach. A large, engaged community would send a powerful message that the people of Park City—and beyond—are ready to take action.

A Flexible Plan for Ownership

While we build awareness, we’re also exploring financial models to create a realistic plan for purchasing Park City Mountain from Vail. Currently, the plan involves establishing a nonprofit organization that would function as a community trust or foundation. This nonprofit would focus on fundraising, with the goal of operating similarly to an endowment. Interest earned from donations could fund the nonprofit’s operational costs, ensuring long-term sustainability.

If Vail were to accept an offer, the resort would ideally be restructured as a B Corporation, with legally binding bylaws that prioritize community investment and input, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation. Donors to the nonprofit would receive shares with voting rights, giving the community a direct say in the mountain’s future. The resort’s board of directors would include community-elected leaders as well as experts in resort management, finance, and sustainability, ensuring professional operations aligned with local values.

This plan is intentionally flexible. The final structure may evolve, but the core goal remains the same: to secure Park City Mountain as a community-owned asset that benefits all stakeholders.

The Urgency of Timing

Timing is critical. Public frustration with Vail’s management is high, creating a window of opportunity to build momentum and support. However, this window won’t last forever. The 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah pose a unique challenge. If Vail uses the Olympics to deepen its ties to Park City through marketing and operations, the resort’s valuation will likely skyrocket, making a future purchase far more difficult.

We must act now to ensure that Park City Mountain is shaped by and for the community in the lead-up to the Olympics. Decisions made today will set the precedent for the mountain’s culture, operations, and economic impact for decades to come.

Cultural and Economic Benefits

A locally owned Park City Mountain would bring transformative cultural and economic benefits. Under Vail’s ownership, profits are funneled to shareholders around the world, bypassing the community entirely. Local ownership would ensure that these revenues stay in Park City, creating a multiplier effect that supports local businesses, funds employee housing, and enhances public infrastructure.

The resort could prioritize sourcing from local businesses—serving coffee from Park City roasters, showcasing art from local artists in lodges, and offering handcrafted souvenirs from local artisans. These partnerships would not only enrich the guest experience but also strengthen the local economy.

A culturally rich resort would feel authentically Park City, setting it apart from the franchise-like model imposed by Vail. Guests would enjoy unique experiences, from live performances by local musicians to mountain-inspired dining featuring regional flavors. This authenticity would create lasting memories for visitors and instill a sense of home among residents.

Addressing Climate Change and Sustainability

Climate change is an undeniable challenge for the ski industry. Local ownership would allow the community to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profits. Investments in snowmaking infrastructure could ensure reliable coverage on lower mountain areas, while eco-friendly practices could minimize the resort’s environmental impact.

Additionally, Park City’s extended summers present untapped potential. Developing e-bike trails, hosting mountain biking events, and creating summer attractions could diversify the resort’s revenue streams and provide year-round economic benefits for the community.

Securing Park City’s Future

Perhaps the most critical aspect of this vision is ensuring that Park City Mountain remains under community control in perpetuity. History has shown that corporate ownership changes hands, often with little regard for local interests. Vail will not be the last owner of Park City Mountain. If the resort is sold again—or worse, acquired by an even less community-focused entity—the town could face even greater challenges.

By securing local ownership now, we can prevent this cycle and protect the mountain as a community asset. A nonprofit trust or similar entity could ensure that future decisions are driven by the needs of the community, not outside shareholders.

A Call to Action

Free Park City is more than a movement—it’s a mission to reclaim Park City Mountain for the community and future generations. To succeed, we need your help. Follow us on Instagram, share our mission with your friends, and engage with our posts to show your support.

Together, we can create a sustainable, culturally rich, and community-focused Park City Mountain that benefits residents, visitors, and future generations. This is our chance to protect what makes Park City special and ensure its legacy for decades to come. Let’s make it happen—together.