What Makes Powder Mountain in Utah Stand Out.
Established in 1972, Powder Mountain is celebrated for its expansive and uncrowded slopes, offering over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. This resort sets itself apart by limiting daily ticket sales to 1200, ensuring skiers have ample space and fresh snow. Unlike more commercialized resorts, Powder Mountain retains a sense of untouched wilderness, with trails that cater to all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts. The focus on preserving the area's natural beauty and offering an authentic skiing experience makes it a unique destination.
A scenic view of Powder Mountain showcasing its vast, untouched slopes under a clear blue sky.
The Vision Behind Powder Mountain.
The vision behind Powder Mountain is deeply rooted in a commitment to community and sustainability. The resort's unique approach to skiing is shaped by a desire to offer an experience that respects both the environment and skiing traditions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the natural beauty and integrity of the mountain. This focus ensures that Powder Mountain remains a place where the essence of skiing and the community around it can thrive for generations to come.
The History of Powder Mountain.
Powder Mountain's history begins in 1902 with Frederick's land acquisition, evolving through significant conservation efforts and visionary expansions by Alvin F. Cobabe and others. It was a horseback ride in 1950 along Lightening Ridge that sparked the idea of Powder Mountain becoming a ski resort. This journey saw the transformation of the land into a premier ski resort by 1972, starting with the Sundown lift.
Sundown Lift, where night skiing takes place.
In the mid-1980s, Powder Mountain distinguished itself as a pioneer within the Utah ski community by welcoming snowboarders to its slopes, a notable departure from the norms of the time. This inclusive approach showcased Powder Mountain's dedication to embracing all winter sports enthusiasts and marked it as a forward-thinking destination keen on evolving with the snow sports culture. This decision underscored the resort's commitment to providing a diverse and welcoming environment for all snow lovers.
New Ownership and Recent Changes at Powder Mountain.
Powder Mountain has recently undergone significant changes under its new majority owner, Reed Hastings, the co-founder of Netflix. Hastings has committed to a vision that blends the preservation of the resort's natural beauty with strategic enhancements to improve the skiing experience.
Investment and Improvements
In 2023, Hastings made a $100 million investment to secure majority ownership of Powder Mountain. This investment aims to upgrade the resort's infrastructure while maintaining its unique charm and appeal. The following are some of the key changes and plans under the new ownership:
New Lifts and Terrain Expansion
Four New Lifts: Hastings has announced the construction of four new lifts, including high-speed and fixed-grip replacements for existing ones and new lifts to access previously snowcat-only terrain.
Terrain Expansion: The resort is expanding its skiable terrain by over 3,000 acres, including both public and private areas. This expansion aims to offer more variety and less crowded slopes for skiers.
Hybrid Business Model
Public and Private Skiing: Starting from the 2024-2025 season, Powder Mountain will operate a hybrid model, offering both public and private skiing areas. This approach is designed to maintain the resort's uncrowded nature while providing exclusive experiences for those seeking privacy.
Sustainability and Community Focus
Hastings' vision for Powder Mountain emphasizes sustainability and community. The resort continues to prioritize eco-friendly practices and community engagement, ensuring that the natural environment and local community benefit from the resort's growth.
Enhanced Amenities
Lodging and Dining: Upgrades to lodging and dining facilities are also in the works. New accommodations will provide a range of options from cozy cabins to luxurious condos, all with convenient ski-in/ski-out access.
Improved Services: Enhancements in guest services, including ski lessons, equipment rentals, and on-mountain dining, aim to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
These changes reflect a commitment to balancing modernization with the preservation of Powder Mountain's unique character. The new ownership's efforts ensure that Powder Mountain remains a premier destination for skiers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Signs were everywhere because you can go off-trail at Powder Mountain.
Mountain Facts at Powder Mountain.
Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, ensuring ample time for both day and night skiing.
Skiable Terrain: Offers the largest skiable area in the US with 8,464 acres.
Annual Snowfall: Receives over 500 inches of natural snow annually, boasting the "Greatest Snow on Earth."
Vertical Drop: Features a vertical drop of 3,346 feet, with lift-serviced areas and lift-accessible terrains providing varied experiences.
Summit Elevation: Peaks at 9,422 feet, with key lifts reaching significant heights, offering breathtaking views.
Trail Distribution: Hosts 154 named runs, catering to all skill levels (25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced).
Download the map by clicking the map. Map provided by powdermountain.com.
A Beginner's Guide to Powder Mountain.
As a beginner to intermediate skier, I found Powder Mountain an exceptionally comfortable and welcoming place to ski. The resort's vast terrain includes areas ideally suited for newcomers, with slopes allowing for relaxed confidence-building. The absence of crowded lines and the ability to explore at my speed made my experience enjoyable and rewarding.
For beginner skiers at Powder Mountain, several trails and areas offer an excellent starting point to enjoy the mountain's terrain comfortably. Among them, the Sundown area is particularly friendly for those new to the sport, featuring wide, gentle slopes that provide a safe and encouraging environment for learning and improvement. Sundown is where they continue the day into night skiing, a rarity in the Rockies. Additionally, trails serviced by the Timberline lift offer scenic, easy-going runs that beginners and intermediate skiers alike will appreciate for their beautiful views and manageable inclines.
Trails We Skied During a Snowstorm at PowMow.
Paradise Lift at Powder Mountain: Skiers riding the Paradise Lift at Powder Mountain, surrounded by snow-covered trees and slopes
We are generally green and blue trail girls with an occasionally black run. However, when we were at Powder Mountain, there was a snowstorm and, in some instances, almost white-out conditions. Because of this, we stuck to greens. We can’t wait to go back to check out more trails. We still had a solid good time. We parked at Timberline Lodge, where we started the day. Here are the trails we hit: Drifter to Rendevouz, where we hopped on Paradise Lift. Paradise took us to Gateway to Burntwood, where we went onto Hidden Lakes Express. From Hidden Lake Lodge, we did the East 40 a few times. Then, Lodge Trail returned to Timberline Lodge and repeated the Drifter a few times by Timberline Lift.
Watch a video on our YouTube channel to get an idea: Powder Day at Powder Mountain—Beginner to Intermediate fun in legit POW.
Crop of Powder Mountain map of our lifts and trails.
Lessons at Powder Mountain.
Powder Mountain offers ski and snowboard lessons for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Certified instructors provide personalized guidance, ensuring learners of all ages can improve their skills, gain confidence on the slopes, and enhance their overall mountain experience. The pricing is not that bad compared to other resorts in the area.
There are Three Lodges at Powder Mountain.
Powder Mountain's three lodges—Timberline Lodge, Hidden Lake Lodge, and Sundown Lodge—are stops for guests, offering amenities like gear shops, ski lessons, food, drinks, and rest areas. Each lodge caters to various needs, ensuring visitors have access to everything they need for a perfect day on the slopes. While there, we hit every one of them for different reasons.
Timberline Lodge at Powder Mountain, a central hub with Powder Keg Pub and Timberline Sports Shop.
Timberline Lodge: Timberline Lodge at Powder Mountain is a central hub for the ski community, featuring the famous Powder Keg Pub. Powder Keg Pub offers a lively atmosphere with live music five nights a week, serving various dishes, including ramen, wings, and beer on tap. The lodge also houses the Timberline Sports Shop, providing rental equipment, outerwear, custom Powder Mountain swag, and all necessary accessories for a day on the slopes. The Shop came in handy when I discovered I bought a pair of gloves for the same hand, so I guess not a pair. I found the staff to be super friendly and helpful. This is also where you get your lift tickets.
Powder Keg Pub at Timberline Lodge featuring a lively atmosphere with live music, food, and beer on tap
Hidden Lake Lodge: Hidden Lake Lodge is a central spot for skiers to grab food and drinks. Located conveniently on the mountain, it offers a space for guests to relax and enjoy a break between runs. It can get crowded, but people move out fast to get back outside. There is additional seating upstairs.
Sundown Lodge: At Powder Mountain, Sundown Lodge is ideal for learning and gearing up. It hosts the Sundown Center, where certified PSIA-AASI instructors offer lessons to beginners and those looking to enhance their snowsports skills. The lodge also features the Sundown Ski Shop, which is equipped with beginner rental gear and knowledgeable technicians to assist with winter gear needs, ensuring a comfortable day on the slopes.
Sundown Lodge: Sundown Lodge at Powder Mountain, a center for ski lessons and rental gear.
Mountaintop Lodging at Powder Mountain.
Powder Mountain's mountaintop lodging provides convenient access to the resort's amenities, offering a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and group sizes. From cozy cabins and luxurious condos to spacious homes, guests enjoy easy access to skiing, dining, and other mountain activities. Guests are provided with stunning views and convenient ski-in/ski-out access, ensuring an immersive and hassle-free ski experience. There are seven options for your powder stay.
To learn more and to make reservations, visit Powder Mountain Lodging.
Getting to Powder Mountain: Driving, Parking, and Shuttle Services.
Heading up to Powder Mountain on HWY 158, especially during a snowstorm, is an adventure, with its steep 14% grade challenging even the bravest drivers. Based on firsthand experience, this guide aims to equip you with essential travel tips, parking details, and public transport options to ensure your journey to this ski destination is safe and part of the fun. They have a unique system in place that is a well oiled machine.
Driving HWY 158: Navigating the 14% grade can be challenging, especially in snowy conditions. Following the UDOT Snow Traction Policy is crucial for a safe trip to Powder Mountain. To ensure safety:
For AWD and 4WD vehicles: Use M/S (Mud and Snow) or 3PMSF (All-Season) tires. Chains or snow socks are also acceptable.
For 2WD vehicles: Equip with 3PMSF (All-Season) tires and must have chains or snow socks.
UTA Ski Bus: Offers daily transport from Ogden & Eden to Powder Mountain. Key stops include the Ogden Transit Center and the Eden Park-N-Ride. Pricing is $5/one way for adults/youth and $2.50 for seniors, with free transit for season pass holders. Ensure that you use designated parking areas at stops like Dinosaur Park.
Parking: Complimentary parking is available at Sundown, Timberline, and Hidden Lake base areas, offering convenience for all visitors. More than likely, Sundown will be full. We parked at Timberline.
Pro tip: Park at Timberline. There is an excellent pro shop; you can get your tickets right there, and there is food and a bar. There is Drifter, a green run that will warm your legs up.
Powder Country & Woody’s World Shuttles: Access 1,200 acres of off-piste powder through Sundown, Timberline, and Hidden Lake lifts. Shuttle rides from HWY 158 to these locations are included with your lift pass, offering a seamless connection to vast skiing areas. Check for lift and terrain status updates to ensure availability.
Driving up HWY 158 to Powder Mountain: Navigating the steep 14% grade of HWY 158 during a snowstorm.
The Closest Town to Powder Mountain is Eden.
Eden, Utah, is a quaint town about a 20-minute drive from Powder Mountain. It serves as a convenient base for visitors, offering a cozy, small-town atmosphere with necessary amenities, dining options, and accommodations. Nestled in the Ogden Valley, Eden provides scenic beauty and a relaxed setting, making it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind after a day on the slopes or explore the local area. To learn more about Eden, visit the local tourist site.
Eager to Hit the Slopes Again.
Skiing at Powder Mountain felt like having the mountain all to ourselves, with its wide, ungroomed trails offering that genuine powder experience. Being the first to cut through untouched snow was a unique feeling, emphasizing the resort's appeal for those looking for pristine ski conditions. This sense of solitude and adventure, alongside the joy of skiing in natural powder, made our visit deeply memorable.
To learn more about Powder Mountain, visit their site.
