EDEN — Powder Mountain ski resort is set to unveil an ambitious public art program featuring large-scale sculptures and land art integrated into its skiable terrain and beyond. This initiative marks a significant cultural development for the resort, which is one of North America’s largest ski destinations.
An example of a potential art installation at Powder Mountain resort, as seen in a video produced by the resort.
The inaugural round of permanent installations and site-specific commissions includes works by renowned artists such as James Turrell, Nancy Holt, Jenny Holzer, and Utah native Paul McCarthy. Turrell’s walk-in light installation, Ganzfeld Apani (2011), originally showcased at the 54th Venice Biennale, will be installed in a new trailside pavilion amidst the mountain’s 156 ski runs and numerous hiking and biking trails.
In collaboration with the Holt/Smithson Foundation, a major 1980s work by Nancy Holt will be permanently installed at Powder Mountain. Additionally, Jenny Holzer will create a series of text-based engravings on rock, and Paul McCarthy will develop an immersive installation inspired by the mythology of the American West.
“I grew up in Utah, and the influence of its mountains has been a critical part of my work,” McCarthy said in a statement. “I’m excited to realize a work in that landscape and contribute to something special at Powder Mountain.”
Other artists in the first round of commissions include EJ Hill, known for his MASS MoCA solo presentation of a functional roller coaster, who will design a site-specific installation for two of the mountain’s new ski lifts. Additional commissions from artists Arthur Jafa, Nikita Gale, Gala Porras-Kim, and Raven Halfmoon are also planned, with more names to be announced in the coming months.
“At Powder, we want every experience—from the ski resort to the residential community to the outdoor art museum—to be intentional,” said Reed Hastings, Chairman of Powder Mountain. “We aim to transform Powder into a multi-season destination that blends recreation, art, and meaningful connection for our entire community.”
Utah has a rich history of land art, from ancient petroglyphs to contemporary works like Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty and Nancy Holt’s Sun Tunnels. Powder Mountain’s new art program seeks to continue this tradition, providing visitors with a powerful individual exchange with nature through art.
The resort will be open for hiking and biking during the summer and fall seasons, with access available via lift tickets and season passes during the winter ski season. Select artworks, including the EJ Hill commission, will be on view during the 2024–2025 ski season, with a grand opening of the full art program slated for 2026.
Founded in 1972, Powder Mountain spans nearly 12,000 acres and offers extensive opportunities for skiing, hiking, and other recreational activities, solidifying its place as a premier destination in the region.