In 2021, despite 89% of Utahns speaking out against it, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) decided to construct the world’s longest 8-mile gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon at a cost of over $1.4 billion to Utah taxpayers. This decision has sparked widespread controversy, with opponents arguing that the gondola will irreparably damage the canyon’s natural beauty, harm the watershed that supplies much of Salt Lake Valley’s drinking water, and primarily benefit two private ski resorts, Snowbird and Alta, rather than the broader public, without actually reducing canyon congestion.

Supporters, including UDOT’s leadership team, Governor Cox and the owners of Snowbird Resort, maintain that the gondola is the most reliable long-term solution to address severe traffic congestion and safety issues caused by avalanches and increasingly heavy skier traffic, projecting it could reduce vehicle numbers by 30%. However, the hefty price tag, potential environmental impacts, and perceived favoritism toward corporate interests and politically-affiliated land developers, over taxpayer needs continue to fuel legal challenges and public outrage against UDOT’s decision to build a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon.