“Utah’s Powder Mountain is set to transform into a captivating fusion of art and adventure. With plans for iconic installations by renowned artists and a commitment to a unique, crowd-free experience, the resort is redefining the ski destination”
In a groundbreaking move, Utah’s Powder Mountain is merging high art with high altitude, turning its sprawling slopes into an open-air gallery. Known for its expansive terrain and uncrowded slopes, this resort is now set to showcase large-scale sculptures and land art by celebrated artists like Jenny Holzer and James Turrell.
Since its establishment in 1972, Powder Mountain has been a hidden gem in northern Utah’s Ogden Valley. The resort, covering 12,000 acres, is one of North America’s largest ski destinations. Following a $100 million investment by Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, who now chairs the resort, Powder Mountain is poised for a major transformation. Forbes highlights its unique policy of capping day and season pass sales to ensure a serene skiing experience.
Hastings is spearheading a significant overhaul with plans for a stunning blend of art and nature. Landscape architects Reed Hilderbrand, known for New York’s Storm King Art Center, and Johnston Marklee, the designers behind the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, are reimagining the resort’s master plan. Their vision aims to integrate art seamlessly into the mountain’s environment.
“The goal is to create a destination where every aspect—from skiing to residential living to outdoor art—is thoughtfully curated,” Hastings explained. “We want Powder Mountain to be a year-round haven that combines recreation, art, and a deep connection with nature.”
The resort’s inaugural art installations are already taking shape. James Turrell’s mesmerizing “Ganzfeld Apani” (2011), originally created for the Venice Biennale, will be featured in a trailside pavilion. Additionally, Jenny Holzer’s text engravings on rock will add a thought-provoking element to the landscape.
Future projects promise even more excitement. Plans are underway for a major work by Nancy Holt and an immersive installation by Paul McCarthy, known for his provocative art. McCarthy, who draws inspiration from Utah’s landscapes, sees his work as a reflection of his deep connection to the region.
The artistic direction is guided by independent curator Matthew Thompson, Powder’s arts program director, alongside chief creative officer Alex Zhang and Diana Nawi, the new curator of contemporary art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
“Our curatorial approach is about harmoniously blending art with the natural rhythms of the mountain, building on the legacy of land art in the American West,” Thompson said.
Zhang, who fell in love with skiing at Powder seven years ago, was inspired to explore this unique art-ski fusion after meeting Hastings at a TED Talk. “Powder offers a rare opportunity for creative freedom,” Zhang noted. “Unlike other ski resorts, which are restricted by land leases, Powder’s private ownership allows for bold artistic ventures.”
Influenced by global art destinations like Naoshima in Japan, Zhang and Hastings envision Powder Mountain as a dynamic intersection of art and landscape, similar to renowned sites such as Inhotim and Storm King.
Future commissions include work by artists like EJ Hill, Nikita Gale, Raven Halfmoon, Arthur Jafa, Gala Porras-Kim, and Davina Semo. The resort’s commitment to integrating art with its natural setting promises to make Powder Mountain a must-visit destination for art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
And if skiing isn’t your thing? Powder Mountain offers hiking and biking options during the summer and fall, ensuring that its artistic allure is accessible year-round.
