Eden, Utah — Since buying it in 2023, Netflix Co-Founder, Chairman, and former CEO Reed Hastings has made Powder Mountain stand out in the ski industry. The semi-private model has its fair share of detractors, but it clearly ensures the ski resort’s financial longevity, which was previously an issue.
In a recently released episode of In Depth with Graham Bensinger, he interviews Reed Hastings at his home in PowMow. The interview, featured below, discusses his retirement project: reinvigorating Powder Mountain. He discusses how an investment of a couple of hundred million dollars is generating revenue that will go well beyond what he’s put in, ensuring financial longevity. We also get to see Reed and Graham shredding the pow.
There is one inaccurate statement in there I do want to point out. At one point, he says there are only three major private US ski resorts, but there are more than that. While the three he listed are the major ones, a few other likely fit that luxury category out East. Those include Hermitage Club and Holimont.
Most of the video focuses on Reed’s perspective on the private side (known as Pwoder Haven), with only a few mentions on the public side. Interest in real estate appears notable, as the 40 lots offered last year sold out quickly. Another forty are expected to go on the market later this year.
Increased terrain offerings are what is becoming a key Powder Haven selling point. This winter, a new high-speed chairlift opened in the Davenport terrain pod, which had previously been accessible only via cat skiing or guided expeditions. The zone features 30 trails across over 1,200 skiable acres, and a vertical drop of 1,880 feet.
While skiing is great, the new clubhouse will likely be the highlight of the private experience. This 73,000-square-foot facility will feature ski lockers, an outdoor heated swimming pool, a spa, a rock-climbing wall, and more. As shown in the video above, construction is underway on the facility, with a projected opening date of 2028.
While I’m not a fan of all the changes that have transpired in recent years, his ownership tenure has brought a lot of good. While some changes haven’t been awesome, like paid parking, there have also been welcome changes, like the return of terrain parks, new lifts, terrain expansions, and affordable night skiing.
Image/Video Credits: In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Powder Haven
