Powder Mountain, renowned for its expansive ski terrain, is transforming into a groundbreaking destination that fuses outdoor adventure with contemporary art. Additionally, Reed Hastings, co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, has announced plans to convert the mountain into a skiable art museum. As a result, this initiative will blend the beauty of the natural landscape with the creativity of some of the world’s most celebrated artists.
Skiable Art a Fusion of Art and Nature
The project, spearheaded by Powder Mountain’s new arts program, will feature works by renowned artists, including James Turrell, Jenny Holzer, Paul McCarthy, Arthur Jafa, Nikita Gale, and Gala Porras-Kim. These installations will be integrated into the mountain’s landscape, creating an immersive experience for visitors.
Powder Mountain will house James Turrell’s walk-in light installation, Ganzfeld Apani (2011), in a specially designed trailside pavilion. Jenny Holzer will engrave her iconic text-based art onto the rock formations, while Paul McCarthy will create a piece rooted in the mythology of the American West. EJ Hill, known for his functional roller coaster at MASS MOCA in 2022, will design two new ski lifts, adding a unique artistic element to the resort’s infrastructure.
Grand Opening Set for 2026
The first phase of the art installations, including EJ Hill’s ski lift designs, will be available for viewing starting in the 2024–2025 ski season. The art museum will hold its full-scale grand opening in 2026, promising visitors a one-of-a-kind experience where they can engage with art while skiing, hiking, or mountain biking.
Curatorial Vision
Director Matthew Thompson, Chief Creative Officer Alex Zhang, and independent curator Diana Nawi, who recently took on the role of curator of contemporary art at LACMA, originally conceived the art program at Powder Mountain. Moreover, their curatorial vision actively integrates art into the mountain’s seasonal rhythms, drawing inspiration from the historical land art projects of the American West.
“We want to empower a diverse and intergenerational range of artists to create ambitious experiences in the landscape that broaden the story of land art and expand its possibilities,” said Thompson.
A Visionary Project
Reed Hastings, who purchased Powder Mountain after its establishment in 1972 and its development into a world-class ski resort, envisions this project as a holistic integration of art, nature, and community. In addition, he stated, “At Powder, we want every experience—from the ski resort to the residential community to the outdoor art museum—to be intentional. Consequently, the integration of art into the mountain is a manifestation of that consideration,” said Hastings.
Expert Collaboration
The project has enlisted the expertise of renowned landscape architects Reed Hilderbrand, known for their work on the Storm King Art Center, and the acclaimed architectural firm Johnston Marklee, which is designing the visitor center.
With its unique combination of art, nature, and adventure, Powder Mountain is poised to redefine the concept of a cultural destination, offering visitors an unparalleled experience that celebrates creativity and the natural environment.