Brian Head awaits more snowfall before opening new high-speed lift

Today Brian Head Resort started running one lift for the first day of its 2014-15 ski season. However, the new high-speed detachable quad ski lift will not be running until the resort receives a larger base of snow.

Brian Head reported the Blackfoot lift, along with three runs and the terrain park are currently open.  

According to Brian Head’s website, the new high-speed lift replaced the old Giant Steps lift and will reduce riding time to the top of Giant Steps Mountain from 12 minutes to five minutes.

Marilyn Hughes, an employee of Brian Head Resort, said the lift replacement went quickly and was completed this past summer.

Hughes said John Grissinger, the owner of Brian Head Resort since 2012, was the reason behind the $3.5 million spent on improvements to the resort’s lodges, ski lift, new terrain park and night skiing.

“The decision to get the new lift came at the end of the last season,” Hughes said. “John wanted to do something special for the guests.”

Susie English, the director of communications for Ski Utah, said it’s always exciting when resorts make improvements over the summer.

“For Ski Utah, it gives us news to tell through all our channels – including social media, our website and public relations,” English said.

Hughes said Brain Head’s changes hope to impact more advanced skiers so they can bring their families and not have to fight long lines like those at bigger resorts in Utah.