Snow King Seeks $1.5-million Grant

Snow King Resort is applying for a $1½-million grant from the Wyoming Business Council for improvements on the mountain and is also seeking assistance in their venture from the Town of Jackson.  In their announcement of the application, Snow King officials say the grant would be used for the development of lift-accessed downhill mountain bike trails as well as enhanced snowmaking facilities on the mountain.  Snow King issued a statement saying it will seek an endorsement of their grant proposal from the town involving an arrangement whereby Snow King Mountain would pay 4% of the total grant annually to the Town for use in promoting new events that will bring business and tourism to the town. The Town would own improvements made on Snow King Mountain associated with the grant through a 25-year lease agreement, but the statement goes on that Snow King Mountain would remain responsible for maintaining the improvements for the duration of the lease.  The statement says the snowmaking enhancements would facilitate a longer ski season, and improve terrain parks and snow conditions for events like ski races or the hill climb.  Meanwhile, the bike park would bring additional year-round employment opportunities, new bike trails in town and a new revenue source for the resort and the town.  Snow King says through the grant, the company would also like to take the first steps needed to revitalize Panorama House at the summit of the mountain.