Eden, Utah — Perhaps the most noteworthy terrain expansion debuting next winter is at Utah’s fastest-changing ski resort.
Following years of privatizing some of the terrain, Powder Mountain is growing its public side. The Don’t Mention It (DMI) expansion has been available to guided tours for years. However, it wasn’t lift-serviced, so it will give Powder 1,047 more acres of inbounds skiable terrain.
Last month, Outdoor Adventures Manager Cory Adams described in a video what the new terrain will be like to ski.
The DMI Expansion
Upper Canyon is the terrain off James Peak. While some of the terrain was public beforehand, this new area heading into DMI is officially inbounds. They compare it with skiing in Alaska due to open skiing, Douglas-fir trees, and huge lines.
Middle Canyon will feature the most challenging terrain in DMI. It’s similar to the front side of Lightning Ridge, but it’s steeper by about five degrees, plus more rocks and cliff lines.
The Lower Canyon will be the easiest accessible from the top of Sundown. This open ridge skiing is reminiscent of the lower elevation backcountry skiing in Ogden. The bottom lift terminal is close to where the SR-158 avalanche gate.
Overall, there are sixteen listed trais on their visual map, but there are over 25 descent routes. There’s a visual 3D simulation of the new terrain, which you can check out here.
This new terrain zone will be serviced by a fixed-grip triple chairlift from SkyTrac. The latest update on the lift came from PowMow on July 24th, showing the completion of the top terminal for DMI. Previous updates showed the lift towers installed, so it won’t be long until this lift is completed.
The Other Big 2026 Upgrade
Meanwhile, the other big Powder Mountain project on the public side is the replacement of the Sundown chairlift. The fixed-grip quad will be replaced by a detachable high-speed quad. This replacement is intended to reduce lift lines and increase capacity, which will be needed to get people over to DMI. Another project is regrading the unload station, making it easier to get around.
Other future projects on the public side include reusing the old Sundown lift for a new beginner area and replacing the Sundown Lodge with a modern structure.
The DMI expansion and the new Sundown high-speed chairlift are on track to open during the 2026-27 season.
Image/Video Credits: Powder Mountain
