Powder Mountain started this season with several updates. Paradise received an upgrade to a high-speed detachable quad, Timberline went from a 50-year-old fixed-grip double to a fixed-grip quad, new terrain parks were built, a new 150-spot parking lot at Hidden Lake was added, and a new fixed-grip quad was installed from the base of the Timberline lift to the top of Lightning Ridge, opening up a massive terrain pod to lift access skiing and snowboarding.
The area also added a new private chairlift, the Raintree Lift, to accompany its two other resident-only lifts: Mary’s and Village. These upgrades and changes came with a lot of buzz, with many nervous about the concept of a public/private mountain concept and many excited for the future of the uncrowded Utah mountain. I was fortunate enough to make it out there this winter, enjoying two days of serious powder skiing around the resort and in the DMI and Wolf Canyon terrain pods, where they plan to expand in the coming years.
Every single staff member I spoke to seemed genuinely excited about the future of the mountain, from the shuttle drivers to the lifties, ski patrollers, and tour guides. Obviously, I couldn’t speak to every single person on the mountain, but everyone I spoke to had only good things to say.
The concept of privatization is a scary one. Nobody wants to lose access to their favorite ski area. But Powder Mountain isn’t going private, they’re sticking to a private/public hybrid concept. Two existing lifts, Mary’s and Village, are now for residents only, but the terrain accessed by the new Lightning Ridge lift is much more substantial, and future expansions into the DMI and Wolf Canyon terrain pods, which make up over 1,000 acres, will only make the public side larger.
Powder Mountain has a wide range of terrain. Relaxed greens and blues are plentiful across the area, with open, low-angle trees spliced in between for powder hunting. More notably (in my book) the area has a ton of steep and gnarly runs to push yourself. Off Paradise Express you can find steep trees, tight chutes, open black diamonds, and plenty of cliffs to send.
Off the new Lightning Ridge lift is where things really seem to get intense. On both sides of the jutted-out ridge, skiers and snowboarders can take it to the limit, exploring some of the wildest inbound terrain Utah has to offer. Directly under the lift is a wide-open playground, but things get much more technical further down. If it’s been a while since the snow has fallen and you can’t find anything off the lift (however unlikely that may be), you can work your way up James Peak for even more advanced terrain.
The Wolf Canyon expansion, which will feature a new lift going up to Lightning Ridge, is set to add hundreds of acres to the area. Today that terrain is accessible through guided tours, but it’ll be public access in the future. I was able to ski through both wide open meadows and some proper tree skiing, and that was only scratching the surface of what the area has to offer.
It’s not all about the expansions at Powder Mountain, though. Their team continues to be focused on keeping crowds small and vibes local, and they’re doing a great job at it. Throughout February, weekends were limited to passholders only. Day tickets are limited when available, while an unlimited number of season passes are available to those who want one. Plus Powder Mountain is committed to staying off the major passes, keeping lines short.
They’re also keeping things unique. I remember loving searching for different hidden art pieces around my home resort as a kid, and Powder Mountain managed to bring that energy back to me through the Powder Art Foundation. Multiple art installations are spread around the mountain, including a giant rideable paper airplane, hidden bells, captivating sound installations, and more. In the summer these installations continue to be accessible to hikers and bikers. Many pieces have already been installed but more are coming and a grand opening of the art park is set for 2027.
Off the trails, Powder Mountain is crushing the food and après game. Multiple top-notch dining options are spread around the mountain, with killer burritos and burrito bowls at Hidden Lake Lodge, ramen and wings at the Powder Keg, and seriously delicious pizza at Lucky Slice. If you’re at the Powder Keg, make sure you try the Korean BBQ and Sweet Inferno wings (though all of the sauces were all great, and yes, I tried them all to confirm that).
Powder is committed to keeping lines and crowds small for passholders, but don’t let that deter you from visiting. The mountain staff is incredibly friendly, the snow is light and fluffy, and there’s so much to explore. Plan ahead, book your tickets online, and get out there. You won’t regret it.
