EDEN, Weber County — Day tickets to Powder Mountain went on sale Wednesday, but those seeking one-day entry into the resort may have noticed several February dates blacked out.
That’s because resort officials say they are trying to keep the mountain “uncrowded” by testing out a new system where only pass holders will be allowed on Saturdays and Sundays this February.
The new approach applies to Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23. Reed Hastings, the resort’s CEO, said it seeks to add “exceptional value” for resort passes beyond infrastructure that was added over the offseason.
Powder Mountain season passes range from $799 to $1,649 for the season, depending on age.
“This new offering is about preserving the core value of the Powder experience, providing pass holders with unique access to the mountain on the very best days,” he said in a statement Tuesday. “We started by investing heavily in our public lift infrastructure, and now we’re ensuring the experience on those new lifts is exactly what our pass holders have come to expect: lap after lap of incredible skiing, while other resorts are ants-on-a-sugar-cube on those weekends.”
Powder Mountain’s opening date has yet to be announced. The move is the latest measure implemented by Hastings since the Netflix co-founder acquired majority ownership of the resort last year.
Officials announced earlier this month that the resort will implement new parking fees of $12 per vehicle on weekends and holidays. Parking will remain free for those with three or more passengers in their vehicle, according to resort officials.
The resort is also set to introduce four new lifts this winter, two of which will “replace and upgrade lift infrastructure at key arteries on the mountain,” according to the resort. The resort is also in the process of adding over 3,000 acres of public and private terrain.
Hastings wrote in a letter to Powder Mountain customers last year that his goal is to keep the resort “uncrowded and unspoiled.” That’s also when he announced it would feature a mix of public and private skiing opportunities.
However, not all the moves have been received well by Powder Mountain customers. The latest measure received plenty of pushback on social media after it was announced on Tuesday.
It was described by one person as “beyond obnoxious,” while multiple pass holders said it may hinder their plans to ski with friends and family visiting the area during February weekends.
One person who wrote on Facebook they are a long-time season pass holder said they appreciate what Hastings is striving to accomplish, but they’re concerned that he and other leaders may not be considering the “broader impact” of all the recent changes.
“Many individuals, such as those who rent homes near or on the mountain and local children among many others who wish to introduce their friends to the sport and mountain lifestyle, will be adversely affected,” the commenter wrote.
