Earlier this month, Powder Mountain Ski Resort announced that it will be opening for the new ski season on Dec. 11. And with that opening will come some big new programs to help newcomers to skiing.

Powder Mountain Marketing Manager Elizabeth Gillette told the Standard-Examiner that one of the centerpieces of the new ski season will be the Powder Pathways Program.

“The goal here is to help people get out there on snow, have a good experience, and set them up for the rest of their life skiing,” she said. “We’re really excited about that program. There are similar programs that exist in the industry that have seen a lot of success just letting people learn how to ski well, so we’re excited to offer that at Powder as well.”

She said that, under the program, participants would pay $799 that would cover three group lessons and, once the participant finishes those lessons, rentals for the year and a season pass for the year.

Gillette said programs like this are big in helping bring in new skiers.

“As a part of our continued investment in the public side of the resort, we’re particularly focusing on the experience for families, and Powder Pathways is one demonstration of that commitment to families, helping that be a more accessible experience for people to learn to ski,” she said. “Overall, it’s a really excellent price point that gives you an excellent step into the mountain and the overall skiing experience.”

She added that this isn’t the only big program being rolled out at Powder Mountain aimed at bringing in new skiers.

“This year, with every adult, senior, or military season pass, you also get two free kids passes for kids 12 and under, which is a really awesome offer,” she said. “Then, we expanded the age range for our daily Kids Ski Free tickets. Previously, that was at 4 years old. Now, kids 6 and under can ski free at Powder Mountain every day.”

A press release Powder Mountain Ski Resort on the upcoming ski season also heralds some major improvements to infrastructure.

“The new projects include completing the much anticipated DMI Lift, which will serve 1,000 acres of advanced and technical terrain in Powder Mountain’s Wolf Creek Canyon zone,” the release said. “A full redevelopment of the Sundown base area, including a new lodge and new beginner-focused infrastructure, will collectively reshape the western-most section of the resort over the next two years.

“Also set for 2026/27 is the replacement of the existing Sundown Lift with a new high-speed quad, increasing uphill capacity and reliability from one of the resort’s primary base areas, also enhancing night skiing capacity.”

Brandi Hammon, president and CEO of Powder Mountain Ski Resort, said it’s a big year for the resort and what it can deliver to skiers.

“This winter you’re seeing the investments into the public resort ramp up,” she said in the release. “Pair that with a renewed focus on the family experience with free passes for kids and the future of our resort is taking shape, from infrastructure to the community we want to protect and cultivate.”

Gillette said there is a lot to look forward to this ski season.

“We are excited, we’re seeing positive things in the forecast and are hopeful it’s going to be an excellent season,” she said. “That paired with our new list, DMI, opening up new terrain, the upgraded Sundown Express, we’re shaping up to be a really good season.”