Skiing is more than a sport. It’s a mainline shot of nature and beauty and has been a source of inspiration for painters, poets, and sculptors who channel the energy of the mountains into their work. Ogden, Utah, is known for its powder-filled slopes at Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Nordic Valley, but as Utah’s population grows and diversifies, the former railroad town is now a hub for artists drawn to its affordability and alternative culture.
This blend of outdoor adventure and artistic expression is led in part by Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, who acquired a majority stake in Powder Mountain in 2023. His Powder Art Foundation is transforming the mountain into an open-air museum with large-scale installations. Hastings is investing $100 million to bring works from renowned artists such as Nancy Holt, Paul McCarthy, and James Turrell to the resort.
“Art has long held a special place at Powder” the foundation says on its website. “One of our key initiatives is to create an open-air museum and sculpture park where visitors will experience site-specific artworks integrated throughout the terrain.”
The Powder Keg, located within the resort, offers live music from Thursday through Monday, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, providing the perfect après-ski experience for those looking to unwind and enjoy local talent. Often called the “best apres in Utah,” it is clear from the moment one enters the restaurant, they’re in a unique, and arts-focused corner of Utah.
Downtown along Historic 25th Street, the city’s open studio space and gallery scene continue to grow. The Monarch offers affordable studio spaces where artists, writers, and makers can create and collaborate, strengthening Ogden’s reputation as a place where culture flourishes. Numerous open mic nights and live music events happen throughout the week, fostering a dynamic environment for both artists and enthusiasts. A highlight of Ogden’s cultural calendar is the First Friday Art Stroll, a monthly event where the community gathers to celebrate local art, music, and creativity.
The Monarch is a beautifully renovated historic building located in the heart of Ogden’s Nine Rails Creative District. It houses over 40 independent creative studios, the Ogden Contemporary Arts (OCA) Gallery, Monarch Venues, and a diverse array of tenants. As the most affordable art studio space in Utah, it attracts a thriving community of artists, writers, and makers who contribute to Ogden’s vibrant creative scene.
During the First Friday Art Stroll, The Monarch hosts Van Sessions, a live music and podcast series by The Banyan Collective. Musicians perform acoustic sets inside a van, paired with interviews and local arts updates, creating a unique addition to the event while spotlighting local talent.
“The Monarch is not just an art space; it’s a community hub where artists, makers, and the public come together every month for Ogden’s First Friday Art Stroll,” Said Thaine Fischer, who owns the space and champions the arts in Ogden.
Beyond Powder Mountain and the installations planned at the resort, Hastings’ philanthropic efforts include a $50,000 donation to Ogden Contemporary Arts (OCA), enhancing its mission to bridge local, regional, and international arts dialogues.
As Venessa Castagnoli, Executive Director of OCA, notes, “Creativity and community are at the heart of everything we do at Ogden Contemporary Arts. With ski culture woven into the fabric of our city, Ogden offers a unique blend of artistic energy and outdoor adventure.”
As Utah looks forward to hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics, Ogden is carving out a space where art and adventure are inseparable, offering a creative pulse unlike anywhere else in Utah. From powder-covered peaks to studio-filled streets, the city thrives as a place where bold ideas and untamed landscapes inspire those who seek something different.