In the first of a series where we look at resorts you’ve (probably) never heard of, we kick off with Powder Mountain, Utah. Definitely a contender for the best ‘unknown’ ski resort in the world, Powder Mountain has more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and receives over 12 metres of snow each year. In London terms this equates to nearly the height of three double decker buses, making it one of the largest and snowiest ski resorts in North America. And it’s just one hour from Salt Lake airport.
Ski Safari are offering holidays in Powder Mountain for the first time this season and we spoke to Andy Knights to find out more.
MDS: What made you choose Powder Mountain as a new resort?
Ski Safari has a huge client base who love skiing powder, and as the name suggests, Powder Mountain is renowned for incredible snow which lasts many days because of the resort’s ‘Preserving the Powder’ ethos. The resort has also added another 1,000 acres of lift serviced terrain for the 2017/8 season opening up the area even more.
MDS: What makes Powder Mountain different to other US resorts and European resorts?
In keeping with its goal of truly preserving the powder, the resort limits the number of lift passes sold each day to 1,500 and only allows a maximum of 3,000 season passes. With around 8,400 acres of terrain, that equates to around two acres per skier, which is the lowest skier density of any major ski resort in North America.
Credit: Ian Matteson
MDS: Tell us about one of your favourite bars or restaurants
There is only one pub at Powder Mountain so easily it’s the best! Seriously, the Powder Keg is very relaxed and social, where you can share stories of the day’s adventures, but for more variety and nightlife, you’ll find it in the nearby town of Ogden. (You can drive between the two or take the ski bus service which picks up from outside the main hotels.)
MDS: What about the skiing…what are the pistes like? What is the off-piste like?
The skiing and snowboarding is truly awesome. With Powder Mountain you will get more from the experience if you look at the whole mountain as a vast powder playground. There are pistes and there is a whole lot more either side of them. The off-piste is what Pow Mow is all about; over 50% of the terrain is advanced and they receive 12 metres average snowfall.
Credit: Ian Matteson
MDS: Is there anything else we need to know about the resort?
Capping the number of passes available each day – preserving the powder is not just a slogan, it’s a fact. Plus, it’s the norm here to access the in-bounds skiing not just by lift, but also by shuttle and snowcat.
More information on Ski Safari and Powder Mountain
- Altitude: James Peak is 9,422 feet
- Ski area: More than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain
- Lift pass price: £324 (6 day)
- Nearest airport: Salt Lake City (one hour)
- Slopes: 167 (35% advanced, 40% intermediates, 25% beginners)
- Lifts: Nine
- Snow parks: Sundown terrain park, Hidden lake terrain park
- Season starts as soon as there is enough snow and closes 9 April
For more information on Powder Mountain visit: http://www.powdermountain.com/en/
Ski Safari offer a seven night stay in a standard bedroom (room only), based on two sharing in the smart and simple 4* Hilton Garden Inn in the heart of Ogden from ££1,250 pp, departing 17 March 2018. Price includes one-stop scheduled flights to SLC and car hire.
Established in 1996, Ski Safari offer holidays to North America, Japan, Scandinavia and Switzerland. Ski Safari was named the most highly rated UK Tour Operator in the Ski Club of Great Britain’s Consumer Research Survey in 2014, 2015 and 2016. For more information contact Ski Safari on 01273 224 060 or visit www.skisafari.com
