“The theme and variation strategy, in combination with the dramatic topography, results in a neighborhood that has a powerful sense of both unity and variety. The dense neighborhood will allow the majority of Powder Mountain’s 11,500 acres to remain undeveloped, and conserved for future generations.” –Powder Mountain
The largest ski resort in North America is also now home to an eco-friendly neighborhood that should serve as an example of tasteful mountain community living. Designed by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects the Horizon neighborhood has 8 homes so far with plans on an additional 22. The houses are small and efficient and residents are encouraged to convene in a central lodge that serves as the heart of the neighborhood. Design and style magazine Wallpaper did a nice write up on that Powder Mountain linked to on their homepage:
“Dotting an idyllic mountain slope and following the site’s natural contours, the project features structures that range in size from 90-230 sq m and come in four typologies. A communal lodge called the ‘Pioneer Cabin’ is available to all residents and provides a heart and focus for the neighborhood. The aim is for Horizon to feel modern and forward thinking, but remain rooted in a sense of wholesomeness and context. 
While the designs vary and adapt to the topography’s natural rhythm, there’s a strong unity in the overall design, which shines through the use of wood (the fairly spare structures feature a cedar-shingled roof and vertical shiplap cedar walls), large openings and human-centric design that is part of MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple’s signature style. ‘This isn’t another ski resort, but rather a planned community for entrepreneurs and creatives working together to address global challenges’, say the architects. 
The positioning and orientation of the cabins were very carefully planned, so as to emphasize views and avoid obstructing vistas between neighbors. At the same time, these decisions also consciously work with the region’s climate to enhance sustainability in the design through passive heating and cooling. “
ABOUT POWDER MOUNTAIN:
As one of the first resorts to cap day passes and season passes, Powder Mountain is a one of a kind resort hanging its hat on skier experience, snowcat adventures and an unprecedented, mountain modern village development. With the addition of 2 new lifts last year, the throwback, mom and pop style resort boasts the most skiable acres in North America with 8,464 acres. Preserving the Pow Mow experience is made possible by the capping day ticket sales at 1,500 and season passes at 3,000 annually, serving up an incredible average of 3 acres per skier.