SPARKS, NV., April 13, 2020 – The Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe Atoma Area Expansion Record of Decision (ROD) and Environmental Impact Statement has been released. The Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger selected and authorized Alternative 3, because it improves the quality of the ski area’s winter sports offerings on National Forest System (NFS) lands, while minimizing environmental and human impacts.

“We are excited to be able to start moving forward on the Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe’s Atoma Area Expansion Project,” said Mt. Rose Marketing Director Mike Pierce. “This project will provide locals an enhanced winter recreation opportunity as well as transform Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe into a key destination attraction.”

The selected Alternative amends Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe’s existing special use permit by approximately 112 acres to incorporate a portion of the Atoma area located on the north side of Nevada State Route 431 (Mount Rose Highway). This alternative allows the ski resort to build a two-stage chairlift, 11 new ski trails, and a skier bridge across the highway to connect the main ski area to the new terrain; a water pipeline to provide new snowmaking coverage; and a five million gallon water tank to support snowmaking.

“The Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe’s Atoma Area Expansion Project aligns with the direction of the Forest’s land and resource management plan to provide diverse recreational opportunities for this area,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “I chose Alternative 3, because the two-stage chair lift system and skier bridge reduces potential safety risks to both motorists and skiers.”

A Forest Plan Amendment is also a part of Alternative 3. It restricts any future development of commercial uses on approximately 3,446 acres of NFS lands in the area known as Galena Land Exchange with the exception of the 112-acre Atoma and 168-acre Chutes areas.

“Friends of Mt. Rose and all who love our mountains will be celebrating the Forest Plan Protection part of the decision. The Carson Range is traditionally valued for hiking, camping, mountain biking, birding, back-country skiing as well as for our watershed,” said Friends of Mt. Rose spokesperson Rose Strickland. “We thank all who helped along the way in this successful 30-plus year community campaign.”

In addition, this alternative addresses impacts to white bark pine, a candidate species under the Endangered Species Act, by reducing the foot print of the water storage tank, and avoids impacts to wetlands and perennial streams by focusing trails in the Atoma area on existing road alignments and in natural openings.

The ROD and EIS for the Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe Atoma Area Expansion can be viewed at: The ROD and EIS can be viewed at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=41487.