Disneyland’s success in 1955 inspired Walt Disney to explore a new venture: a ski resort in Mineral King Valley, close to California’s Sequoia National Park.
The concept involved a vacation destination featuring a Swiss-style village, six ski areas, and accommodations for 20,000 guests. Plans included 14 ski lifts, 10 restaurants, and two hotels, as reported by SF Gate.
The project was on the verge of realization, with Disney receiving approval from the Forest Service and partnering with then-Governor Ronald Reagan.
However, following Disney’s unexpected passing in 1966, the focus shifted to Disney World, which had just opened and was significantly over budget.
Despite the project’s cancellation, some elements survived; for example, the Country Bear Jamboree, originally intended for one of the resort’s restaurants, found a new home in Disney World.