Netflix co-owner assumes control of Powder Mountain, invests $100M in resort
-
- A $100 million investment is set to improve offerings at Powder Mountain, pictured here on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
-
- Netflix founder and CEO Reed Hastings smiles during an interview in Barcelona, Spain, on Feb. 28, 2017. Netflix, which is based in Los Gatos, Calif., announced Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, that Hastings, the company’s co-founder, is relinquishing his role as co-CEO to become executive chairman.
A new majority owner will mean some new improvements at Powder Mountain in the coming seasons.
According to a press release, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings has become majority owner of Powder Mountain with a $100 million investment in the ski resort near Eden.
“This is an investment in what we consider to be the ultimate skier experience,” Hastings said in the release. “My wife Patty and I love this place; we love the untracked powder several days after a storm cycle, we love the vastness of the terrain, and we love the community. We’re looking to accentuate what has always made it special. We’ll do that by making it more easily accessible, by bolstering infrastructure and amenities and by maintaining the uncrowded feel Powder Mountain is known for.”
Powder Mountain general manager Kevin Mitchell told the Standard-Examiner that much of this investment will go into aiding new skiers.
“Powder Mountain’s upgrades and improvements are focused on the progression of beginner skiers and riders as well as providing new access points to explore the expansive terrain,” he said. “Young skiers will have access to a new magic carpet, an upgraded ski school facility, and Sundown will become the first area of the mountain with snowmaking infrastructure to create the best conditions for new riders.”
He said the improvements don’t stop there.
“Powder Mountain is thrilled to open a new cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trail network near the Village lift,” he said. “And for experienced skiers and riders, we will open access to 500 acres of some of the steepest terrain accessible from the mountain. Plus, night skiing lift tickets will be $19 for everyone, every night. There is more planned but this is just a start.”
Mitchell said that many pieces will be in place by this coming ski season.
“Our plan is to have the beginner experience upgraded and operational by this season and we are working on that as we speak,” he said. “So that includes the snowmaking infrastructure for beginners, the magic carpet and the ski school facility at Sundown. The Launch Pad Yurt will also be open for the 2023-2024 season. The Launch Pad will serve as the jumping-off point for the new cross-country terrain, snowshoeing, moonbike tours, snowmobile tours and more. Next season we will be focused on the new Timberline lift.”
He added that this investment will help Powder Mountain continue to thrive in its mission.
“Powder Mountain offers an expansive and uncrowded on-mountain experience, and these improvements support that atmosphere,” he said. “Plus, we look forward to helping those new to snowsports to get more laps in and feel supported as they experience the joy of skiing.”