Powder Mountain’s $20M transformation: New Lifts, hybrid access model, and terrain parks

Powder Mountain Ski Resort, Utah. Photo: Photo: Ian Matteson

With the addition of new terrain and four new lifts opening for the 2024-25 season, the Utah resort now boasts over 8,000 acres of lift-serviced and backcountry terrain, making it the largest ski area in America

EDEN, Utah – America’s largest ski resort with over 8,000 acres—has rolled out a major $20 million transformation for Winter ’24/’25. The newly unveiled trail map features four new lifts, signaling the resort’s shift to a semi-private access model.

Two lifts provide public access to previously snowcat-only terrain: a new fixed-grip quad on Lightning Ridge near the base area, offering steep and challenging terrain, and an upgraded high-speed quad for the crucial Paradise lift, cutting ride times from 16 to seven minutes. Meanwhile, Cobabe Canyon’s new Raintree lift is reserved for homeowners and residents, though public access by hiking remains possible.

Additionally, Powder Mountain modernized the Timberline lift. It returned to its roots by bringing back terrain parks at Sundown and Hidden Lake—its first since 2020—honoring its legacy as Utah’s first snowboard-friendly resort.

Led by billionaire Reed Hastings, Powder’s hybrid public-private model aims to balance the demands of the general skiing public and its exclusive members. While the initial announcement sparked backlash from locals, recent public access improvements and exclusive benefits for residents have earned cautious optimism. Industry watchers are eager to see if this bold experiment can set a precedent for other ski destinations.