Like skiing? Like art? How about skiing and art? If this value offering makes your ears perk up, then Eden, Utah, may be just the place for you. Powder Mountain, a beloved ski resort known colloquially as just “Powder,” will be home to the world’s first ever “skiable outdoor art museum.”
Art by James Turrell, Jenny Holzer, Arthur Jafa, Nancy Holt, and Paul McCarthy will be sited on a 12,100-acre property that, since 1972, has offered skiing, hiking, and recreation opportunities. More up-and-coming artists like EJ Hill, Gala Porras-Kim, Nikita Gale, Davina Semo, and Raven Halfmoon will feature work there as well.
The mixed-used venue’s master plan is by Reed Hilderbrand, the same landscape architecture office behind sculpture park Storm King Art Center. Johnston Marklee is designing a new welcome center for the sprawling museum. Netflix cofounder and former CEO Reed Hastings is bankrolling the venture.
The art will be curated by LACMA’s Diana Nawi and independent curator Matthew Thompson, who will serve as director of Powder Mountain’s new arts program. Alex Zhang has been listed as Powder Mountain’s chief creative officer.
For artist Paul McCarthy, this venture signals a homecoming. “I grew up in Utah, and the influence of Utah and its mountains has been a critical part of my work,” McCarthy shared in a statement. “A core subject, sitting in both my subconscious and conscious mind. I am excited to have the opportunity to realize a work in that landscape and to be a part of building something special at Powder Mountain.”
Alex Zhang, Powder’s chief creative officer, added: “At Powder Mountain, the fundamental aspects of an alpine resort are reimagined through the eyes of some of the most groundbreaking artists of our time, creating new works that respond to the mountain’s rugged topography, unique infrastructure, history, and community.”
Powder Mountain will be open for skiing during the 2024–25 season, and the welcome center by Johnston Marklee is slated for completion in 2026.
Renderings and plans by Reed Hilderbrand and Johnston Marklee detailing what the grounds and visitor center will look are forthcoming.
