Fairfax Board Approves Next Phase Of Lorton Ski Slope Project

LORTON, VA — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved an interim agreement with a company that wants to build one of the largest indoor ski facilities in the world in Lorton.

The Alpine-X project, called Fairfax Peak, will transform the closed portion of the Interstate 95 Lorton landfill into an indoor ski facility. The board approved the interim agreement with Alpine-X LLC at its board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

The indoor ski project is a "really exciting opportunity for the county," Fairfax County Board Chairman Jeffrey McKay said at Tuesday's meeting.

Mount Vernon Supervisor Daniel Storck, who represents the area where the indoor ski facility would be located, noted that approval of the interim agreement is one step in what is likely to be a long process before project construction begins. Alpine-X LLC will now be able to conduct studies at the site to determine whether it would be suitable for an indoor ski facility, Storck said at the meeting.

Alpine-X submitted a public-private partnership proposal to the county in December 2018 to build a 450,000-square-foot snow sports facility with an expected 1,700-foot ski slope. The facility’s summit would reach an altitude of about 280 feet.

The ski project will include the construction of an indoor ski facility, hotel and commercial development, and other recreational facilities.

The facility will have multiple indoor ski slopes at approximately a 20-degree angle. There will be a specially designed area for skiing and snowboarding with a variety of ramps, jumps and other features capable for use in national snowboarding and freestyle skiing competitions. The facility also will include a bunny slope for beginners.

According to the board, a fiscal analysis showed more than 1,300 jobs coming from the facility. The estimated local tax revenue is about $1 million.

With many regulatory hurdles to overcome, there is no timeline yet for the project. In 2019, county officials said the project first phase could be complete within 36 to 48 months after approval.

"Fairfax Peak will provide incredible benefits for our residents in addition to the amazing facilities — from new job opportunities and tax revenue, to new snow sport opportunities including high school ski teams and premier national competitions, to new hotel and restaurant amenities for the South County area," Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity said in a statement.

"As we look to emerge from the pandemic and its economic repercussions, Fairfax Peak will bring some much-needed relief and opportunity to our residents.," said Herrity, who represents the Springfield district.

The Lorton landfill stopped accepting construction and demolition debris in 2018. The permanent closure process involves capping the landfill and planting vegetation, which will take approximately two years, according to the county.

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