Powder Mountain unveils $40M expansion with new expert terrain, lifts and base area upgrades

Powder Mountains "DMI" terrain, part of a $40M public-facing expansion that will be ready for the 2026-27 season. Photo: Powder Mountain

EDEN, Utah — For years, locals have whispered about the steep, tree-filled lines in Powder Mountain’s DMI zone — short for “Don’t Mention It.” Soon, skiers won’t have to keep the secret.

Powder Mountain announced Tuesday a $40 million expansion that will open more than 1,000 acres of advanced terrain to lift access while modernizing lifts and base area facilities at the northern Utah resort.

The multi-year plan includes two new chairlifts, the replacement of an existing lift and a redesigned base area, part of what resort leaders describe as a continued investment in keeping Powder Mountain a public-facing ski destination while expanding terrain and skier access.

“This development plan is a demonstration of our commitment to keeping Powder a thriving public ski resort for generations to come,” said Powder’s President, Brandi Hammon. “As a local and an avid skier, the team and I are committed to our community and season passholders and will continue investing in their on-mountain experience.”

Long-anticipated DMI lift

At the center of the expansion is the long-awaited DMI lift, a fixed-grip triple chair that will open access to terrain long known among Powder loyalists for its steep lines and glade skiing.

The lift — a Skytrac fixed-grip triple — is expected to open during the 2026–27 season once construction and conditions allow.

The chairlift will serve more than 1,000 acres of terrain in the Wolf Creek Canyon zone, including about 900 acres that will be directly lift-served with roughly 2,200 feet of vertical drop. Resort officials say the terrain features open glades, chutes and technical lines that appeal to advanced and expert skiers.

“The terrain in DMI is some of the best in Northern Utah,” Hammon said. “Open glades, chutes, steep lines — it’s what you dream of as a skier.”

Once completed, the expansion will push Powder Mountain’s skiable terrain to more than 6,000 acres.

Upgrades to Sundown base area

Additional lift improvements are also planned at the resort’s Sundown base area.

The current Sundown lift will be replaced with a high-speed quad built by Leitner-Poma of America. Resort officials say the new lift will increase uphill capacity and improve reliability from one of Powder Mountain’s primary access points while also supporting night skiing operations.

Alongside the replacement lift, the resort will add a new beginner-focused lift called the Doodle Lift. The short fixed-grip quad will use repurposed infrastructure from the original Sundown chair and serve a gentle learning zone designed for ski school programs and first-time skiers.

New lodge planned

Powder Mountain also plans to break ground this summer on a new lodge at the Sundown base area, with the building expected to open for the 2027–28 season.

The approximately 15,000-square-foot lodge, designed by GSBS Architects, will include ski school facilities, equipment rentals, food and beverage service, lockers and skier safety services.

Resort officials say the project will help improve skier circulation and the overall guest experience while supporting long-term growth at the mountain.

Season pass sales and youth access

Powder Mountain also announced its 2026–27 season passes are now on sale, including youth passes starting at $249 as part of an effort to keep skiing accessible to younger riders.

The resort also said it will restore eligibility for its military pass to include veterans in addition to active-duty service members.

In addition to terrain and infrastructure projects, the resort plans to install new large-scale artworks across the mountain this summer through its partnership with the Powder Art Foundation, which curates sculptures placed throughout the ski area.

Funding the expansion

Resort officials say the improvements are supported by a blended business model that reinvests revenue generated from private memberships and real estate development tied to Powder Haven back into public resort infrastructure.

The announcement follows several recent lift upgrades across the mountain, including improvements to Lightning Ridge, Timberline and Paradise lifts.

Resort officials say more upgrades could follow as Powder Mountain continues implementing its long-term vision — blending expansion with the culture and terrain that have long made the mountain a favorite among core skiers.