Powder Mountain Unveils $40M Expansion with New Lifts, Lodge, and Lower Priced Youth Passes
28 March 2026

For skiers and riders who call Powder Mountain home, this week brought a lot to get excited about. The resort announced a $40 million multi-year expansion plan that will add new lift-served terrain, replace aging infrastructure, and give the Sundown base area a long-overdue makeover, all while cutting season pass prices for kids.

"This development plan is a demonstration of our commitment to keeping Powder a thriving public ski resort for generations to come," said Brandi Hammon, President of Powder. "As a local and an avid skier, the team and I are committed to our community and season passholders and will continue investing in their on-mountain experience. We started with the Lightning Ridge Lift along with replacing Timberline and Paradise Lifts and now will continue with the DMI expansion and reimagining the Sundown base area, and there’s more to come. This is an exciting adventure to share with those that love Powder."

A New Lift Opens Up the DMI Zone
The headline project is the new DMI lift, known locally as "Don’t Mention It," a fixed-grip triple chair that will unlock more than 1,000 acres of advanced terrain in the Wolf Creek Canyon zone. Of that, 900 acres will be lift-served, with 2,200 feet of vertical drop. Resort President Brandi Hammon described the zone as a dream come true for expert skiers: open glades, chutes, and steep lines that have long been accessible only to the most adventurous backcountry regulars.
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The lift is expected to be the steepest that manufacturer Skytrac has ever built, a fitting testament to the terrain it serves. It is slated to open as soon as conditions allow in the 2026/27 season.

Sundown Gets a Facelift and a New Beginner Lift
Also set for next season is a full replacement of the existing Sundown Lift with a new high-speed quad. The upgrade will boost uphill capacity from one of the resort’s main base areas and improve the night skiing experience.

Alongside it, Powder Mountain will introduce the Doodle Lift, a short fixed-grip quad purpose-built for beginners. It will be assembled from repurposed infrastructure from the old Sundown Lift and serve mellow terrain specifically designed for ski school progression, giving first timers their own dedicated space to learn without the pressure of sharing runs with more advanced skiers.

Getting More Families and Veterans on the Mountain
One of the most welcome announcements for local families: youth season passes will now start at just $249. For parents trying to introduce their kids to skiing without breaking the bank, that price point matters. The resort is also doubling down on its ski school programming and bringing in more instructors, so younger and newer skiers will have better access to lessons and guided progression alongside the new Doodle Lift.

Veterans will also see a meaningful change this season. Powder Mountain is reinstating Military Pass access for veterans, a benefit that had previously been limited to active-duty service members only. It is a relatively simple move that makes a real difference for the many veterans in Weber County and across northern Utah who want to get out on the mountain.

A New Lodge Coming to Sundown by 2027/28
Looking further ahead, Powder Mountain will break ground this summer on a new Sundown base area lodge. Designed by GSBS Architects, the 15,000-square-foot facility will house a ski school, rental shop, food and beverage options, annual lockers, and skier safety services. The project is expected to be ready for the 2027/28 season and will anchor a broader redevelopment of the Sundown area.

Art and Community Investment Continue
Powder Mountain will also install new public art pieces this summer through the Powder Art Foundation, the only skiable art park in the country. The works will expand on the region’s legacy of large-scale land art and site-specific sculpture.

The resort’s growth is funded through its blended public-private model, which channels revenue from Powder Haven, its private membership and real estate arm, back into public resort infrastructure.
Season passes for 2026/27 are on sale now at powdermountain.com.