Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort Proposes Resort Expansion Project

On October 15, 2026, the Camino Real Ranger District of the Carson National Forest (CAF) accepted an application for an expansion proposal submitted by Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort (Sipapu). The proposal involves the expansion of their current special use permit (SUP) boundary and development of both winter and summer recreation on National Forest System (NFS) lands.

This notice is to provide public notification on a proposed amendment to the CAF Land Management Plan (36 CFR 219.16). The CAF is not accepting comments at this time. A comment period will be conducted at a later date on the proposed action, any alternatives, key issues, and potential effects and on the plan amendment itself.

Sipapu proposes to expand their SUP boundary to include approximately 915 additional acres of NFS lands. Winter use developments within the proposal include developing approximately 200 acres of new terrain, conduct trail widening and grading on approximately two acres of existing trails, vegetation treatments to accommodate recreation opportunities, installation of three new lifts, installation of one new carpet conveyor lift and relocate one existing carpet conveyor lift, provide uphill skiing access, create snowshoe trails, construct a new on-mountain restaurant and operational facilities including two new ski team start houses, timing hut, maintenance facility, skier bridge, and approximately 1,000 feet on new mountain road, erect a food trailer and picnic tables, construct five new parking areas, and expand snowmaking coverage, infrastructure, and create associated reservoirs. Summer use developments include a mountain bike park with approximately 30-miles of trails, mountain coaster, zip line/ canopy tour, challenge course, summer tubing, expanding the existing disc golf course and constructing a new disc golf course, offer potential fishing and other water activities at a proposed snowmaking reservoir, and new hiking and biking trails.

Sipapu identified the needs for improvements described above to be consistent with the accepted Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort 2019 Master Development Plan (2019 MDP). The purpose of these projects is to further develop both winter and summer recreation at Sipapu to meet existing and future public demand for developed year-round recreation on the CAF and the surrounding region.

Additional project information and maps can be found on the website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/carson/projects/447841