Matthew Prince, the CEO of Cloudflare, has made headlines with his recent acquisition of the Town Lift Plaza in Park City, a striking property located at the base of Park City Mountain’s Town Lift. This transaction, which took place on Friday, was completed with an undisclosed sum from the Sweeney family, who have owned the plaza for decades. Prince has expressed admiration for many of the existing tenants in the plaza, such as The Bridge and Flying Sumo, signaling his intent to maintain and enhance the community feel of the area.
In addition to the plaza purchase, Prince has engaged in discussions with Vail Resorts regarding a potential acquisition of Park City Mountain. He envisions upgrades to the existing lift system that could improve efficacy for visitors and enhance the business landscape of Main Street.
Prince remarked on his ambitious vision for the area, suggesting a possible lift route that could connect Main Street to Alta with a stop at Solitude, all within the same 22-minute travel time it currently takes to ride the Town Lift. “Let’s think big,” he urged, highlighting his desire to innovate and improve the skiing experience, akin to the interconnected ski regions found in Europe.
As a former ski instructor at Park City Mountain, Prince has a deep personal connection to the mountain and its community. However, he has voiced concerns regarding Vail Resorts, expressing disappointment in their management of Park City, stating that the company appears to have “largely given up” on the area.
This acquisition could represent a turning point for both the plaza and the mountain, as Prince’s vision could make Park City an even more attractive destination for skiers and visitors alike. The potential for improvement, coupled with his commitment to the local community, may signal a revitalization that many locals and tourists are hoping for.
Hope is on the horizon as Prince’s involvement underscores a commitment to reimagining the area for better experiences, promising a future where Park City’s offerings could significantly elevate the enjoyment for both residents and visitors.