Keystone Forced to Halt Bergman Bowl Lift Project Due to Construction Negligence
UPDATE 8/4/2022: Bergman Bowl lift completion is officially delayed until the 2023-24 season.
On Wednesday afternoon, Keystone released an update on its Bergman Bowl lift project. The message disclosed that due to a misunderstanding from the construction team, an area that was supposed to have minimal disturbance was instead “approached” as a temporary construction route. As a result, the resort has enlisted the USFS to assess the environmental repercussions and paused all construction in the mean time. At this time, it is unclear whether the new Bergman Bowl chairlift will be able to open as scheduled for the 2022-23 season (as of early August 2022, it has been confirmed that the project is delayed).
The Bergman Bowl project is intended to expand Keystone’s lift-serviced footprint to high-alpine bowl terrain for the first time. The resort claims the project will bring lift access to more than 500 acres of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain that was previously only accessible by hike or snowcat.
Our Take
Compared to its Colorado destination rivals, one of Keystone’s biggest drawbacks has always been its lack of lift-accessible bowl terrain. We previously wrote that the Bergman Bowl project would be a major net positive for Keystone, finally remedying this shortcoming and adding the resort’s first high-alpine beginner and intermediate options.
But perhaps Vail Resorts is expanding a bit too hastily for its own good. The company saw its operational performance deteriorate considerably this past season, with grooming, line management, and restaurant service all taking hits at multiple resorts. The abhorrent failure to abide by construction requirements in sensitive wildlife areas is just another example of poor execution.
Should the Bergman Bowl project fall through due to this blunder—and it’s very possible that it will—Keystone will follow in Park City’s footsteps and become the second Vail-owned mountain to see its planned lift investments shelved for the 2022-23 season.
Considering a trip to Keystone next season? Check out our comprehensive mountain review. Additionally, check out our full Colorado and Rockies rankings.
