The only thing more stunning than skiing down Utah’s legendary slopes is engaging with some of the world’s most breathtaking outdoor sculptures and oversized art. Powder Mountain is elevating the ski experience by combining various artworks by some of the most respected names in contemporary art, including James Turrell, Jenny Holzer, and Nancy Holt, with skiing.
The inspiration behind this initiative is far from random. Instead, it is part of a carefully curated plan to create a world-class outdoor sculpture park against the breathtaking beauty of 8,464 acres in the pristine mountains.
The mastermind behind this innovative fusion of art and recreation is Reed Hastings, the former CEO and co-founder of Netflix. After stepping down from Netflix in January of 2023, Hastings became a minority owner of Powder Mountain in April. In September, he invested over $100 million and took over as the majority owner.
“At Powder, we want every experience—from the ski resort to the residential community to the outdoor art museum—to be intentional, and the integration of art into the mountain is a manifestation of that consideration,” Hastings said in a press release. “We aim to transform Powder into a multi-season destination that blends recreation, art, and meaningful connection for our entire community.”
Hastings’ vision is about adding artistic elements to the mountain and seamlessly integrating art as a core element of the resort’s identity. As a result, every aspect of the skiing experience, from the trails to the residential areas, will be designed to incorporate art to enhance the mountain experience. Hastings has assembled the “A-team” of renowned professionals in their respective fields to bring this vision to life.
For example, Reed Hilderbrand, known for his work at the Storm King Art Center, is designing the outdoor museum. Johnston Marklee, the firm behind the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, is developing the visitor center. Matthew Thompson, an independent curator, is directing the mountain’s arts program.
“The curatorial vision is rooted in the intentional integration of art into the landscape and the seasonal rhythms of the mountain, drawing deep connections to the legacy and enduring influence of the historical land art projects of the American West,” said Thompson in a statement.
The art installations draw inspiration from the Japanese island of Naoshima. Among the anticipated works is James Turrell’s “Ganzfeld Apani,” a walk-in light installation initially displayed at the Venice Biennale. This piece will be housed in a trailside pavilion and offer skiers a meditative experience that contrasts with the adrenaline rush of the slopes.
In addition, Jenny Holzer, known for her text-based works, will create a series of engravings on rocks. Paul McCarthy is creating an immersive installation based on the mythology of the American West. Gerard & Kelly’s “Relay (Powder Mountain),” a color-changing magic carpet, is already in place and will be in the beginner’s area. And finally, Susan Philipsz’s sound piece “We’ll All Go Together” will also be featured.
Additional artists contributing to this ambitious project include EJ Hill, Nikita Gale, Raven Halfmoon, Arthur Jafa, Gala Porras-Kim, and Davina Semo. While some artworks will debut during the 2024-2025 ski season, the grand opening is planned for 2026.
Hastings has already made its mark at Powder Mountain with an unusual business model. Half of the ski resort is now private and is open only to individuals who own homes and pay significant yearly membership fees. The other half is still open to the public. With his latest venture, skiers and art lovers can look forward to an experience transcending the ordinary.
Known as the largest ski resort in North America by skiable acres, Powder Mountain is now poised to become known for an unforgettable experience in which recreation, art, and connection are fused to create memories that last a lifetime.
