“America’s Largest Ski Area” Announces $40m Overhaul

Utah’s Powder Mountain has confirmed a sweeping $40 million upgrade to its lift network, terrain access and guest facilities. It marks the first major phase of redevelopment since billionaire Reed Hastings took control of the resort. The improvements, scheduled to roll out from the 2026/27 winter, signal a decisive shift for a mountain long known for its vast acreage but relatively low‑key infrastructure.

Powder Mountain occupies a unique place in North American skiing. With 8,464 acres of skiable terrain, it claims to America’s largest resort by total acreage. Much of that expanse, however, has historically been accessed by hiking, snowcats or guided tours, giving the mountain a backcountry‑leaning identity rather than having a high‑capacity lift network like most of the continent’s giants.

Hastings, the Netflix co‑founder whose net worth is estimated at more than $3 billion, purchased a majority stake in Powder Mountain in 2023 after nearly a decade as a homeowner on the mountain. His $100 million investment stabilised a previously stalled development and set the stage for long‑term upgrades aimed at modernising the resort while preserving its low‑density ethos.

The newly announced $40 million package represents the first major build‑out under his ownership. Central to the plan is the long‑anticipated opening of the DMI zone, a high‑alpine sector previously reserved for special events and limited access.

From next winter, more than 1,000 acres of steep, technical terrain will be opened to the public on a hike‑to basis, maintaining the area’s backcountry character. The zone features roughly 2,200 feet of vertical and will serve as a venue for the Natural Selection Tour’s Super Sessions.

Access to the ridgeline will be supported by a new Skytrac‑built DMI quad, described by the manufacturer as one of the steepest lifts it has constructed. The lift will not directly serve the new terrain; instead, skiers will continue on foot to reach the bowls, chutes and faces that define the zone.

A second new chair, the Doodle lift, will anchor a redesigned beginner‑only area, fully separated from through‑traffic to give learners a quieter, more predictable environment. Meanwhile, the busy Sundown lift will be replaced with a high‑speed detachable quad configured for night skiing, easing bottlenecks during peak periods.

The redevelopment extends beyond the slopes. A complete rebuild of the Sundown Lodge begins this year, replacing the existing structure with a 15,000‑square‑foot facility set to open for winter 2027/28 part of a broader vision to elevate Powder Mountain’s guest experience while retaining its signature sense of space.