Industry News
Powder Mountain, long known for its laid-back atmosphere and uncrowded slopes, is implementing a paid parking reservation system for the first time in its history as part of sweeping changes set to debut this winter season. The Northern Utah resort located near Eden aims to mitigate crowding on weekends and holidays while encouraging carpooling, marking a significant shift in its operations.
Under the new system, parking will remain free on weekdays but will cost $12 on weekends and holidays, with free parking available after 1 p.m. and for vehicles with three or more passengers. The resort is also offering season pass holders free access to the UTA Ski Bus as an alternative transportation option.
The introduction of paid parking is just one of several changes Powder Mountain is unveiling this season. The resort, once beloved for its daily lift ticket and season pass caps, will no longer limit its skier numbers, signaling a departure from its “locals-first” ethos. The previous ticketing model, which helped preserve powder conditions for days after storms, is being replaced with an increased focus on capacity and accessibility.
This year, Powder Mountain is also significantly expanding its lift infrastructure, with four new lifts set to increase uphill capacity and provide better access to terrain across the mountain. Two of these lifts, Paradise and Timberline, are key upgrades to existing routes. Paradise will be replaced by a Doppelmayr detachable quad, cutting the ride time from 16 minutes to just seven. Timberline, which replaces one of Utah’s oldest lifts, will feature a new Skytrac fixed-grip quad, improving reliability and efficiency.
Additionally, two new lifts, Lightning Ridge and Raintree, will provide access to diverse terrain, with Lightning Ridge opening up advanced and steep areas where the resort’s snowcat used to operate. Meanwhile, Raintree will cater to property owners in Powder Mountain’s rapidly growing real estate developments, offering access to mellower tree skiing and riding. The snowcat previously used at Lightning Ridge will be moved to a new area nearby, offering guests another unique backcountry-like experience.
These lift additions and upgrades are part of a broader effort by Powder Mountain to attract more visitors and real estate buyers, shifting the resort’s identity away from its roots as a quiet, powder-oriented destination for locals. Longtime skiers who have enjoyed the area’s secluded slopes may find these changes concerning, as increased capacity could affect the quality of the powder the mountain is famous for.
Alongside the new lifts, Powder Mountain is also reintroducing terrain parks for the first time since 2020, offering features for beginner through expert riders. The Sundown and Hidden Lake base areas will house these parks, catering to snowboarders and skiers alike with boxes, rails, jumps, and a natural half-pipe.
In keeping with its long-standing support of the arts, Powder Mountain will continue to expand its Powder Art Foundation. This season, new works by artist EJ Hill will be installed on the Timberline and Lightning Ridge lifts as part of the foundation’s ongoing project to create an open-air art museum throughout the resort.
For those seeking adventure off-piste, the resort is also introducing guided backcountry tours in the DMI and Wolf Creek zones, offering advanced skiers the chance to explore untouched terrain with certified guides. While these areas are not yet lift-served, Powder Mountain has hinted that they will become accessible via lifts in the near future.
With all of these changes, Powder Mountain’s transformation is evident. Once a hidden gem known for untracked powder and a relaxed vibe, the resort is evolving into a more bustling, destination-oriented mountain, drawing in a mix of real estate investors, weekend warriors, and visitors from across the country. For longtime locals, the upcoming season signals a notable transition as the resort adjusts to increasing demand, though many hope that the mountain’s core appeal and powder-filled legacy will persist despite the changes.
