Is Powder Mountain the Largest Ski Resort?

By Michael Ferguson

Powder Mountain is one of the most prominent skiing destinations in Utah. It boasts of breathtaking views, excellent terrain and a vast ski area that has got many skiers wondering if it’s the largest ski resort in Utah or even in the US. But is Powder Mountain really the largest ski resort?

Firstly, let’s define what we mean by “largest ski resort.” Does it refer to the overall size of the resort or just the size of its ski-able terrain?

If we are talking about overall size, then Powder Mountain may not be considered the largest ski resort as it has a smaller base area compared to other resorts like Park City Mountain Resort and Snowbird Ski Resort.

However, when it comes to skiing terrain, Powder Mountain claims to have over 8,464 acres of skiable land. This vast area makes it one of the biggest resorts not only in Utah but also in North America.

To put this into perspective, Vail Ski Resort in Colorado is often considered one of the largest resorts with around 5,289 acres of skiable land. Another well-known resort in Utah, Snowbird Ski Resort has around 2,500 acres of skiable land.

Powder Mountain’s claim to have over 8,464 acres of skiable land makes it almost three times larger than Snowbird and more than one and a half times larger than Vail.

But how accurate is Powder Mountain’s claim? According to Ski Magazine’s annual ranking for North American Resorts 2021, Powder Mountain was ranked as having only 7th best acreage in North America with a total area of 8,464 acres. However, this still places them among some of the biggest resorts on this side of the world.

Aside from its impressive size and skiing terrain, one unique aspect that sets Powder Mountain apart from other resorts is its focus on preserving natural resources. The resort limits daily ticket sales to maintain an uncrowded and pristine skiing experience. They also do not groom all of their trails, allowing for a more natural skiing experience.

In conclusion, while Powder Mountain may not have the largest overall size compared to other resorts, it has a vast ski-able terrain that can rival some of the biggest resorts in North America. Its unique approach to preserving natural resources makes it an ideal destination for skiers who want to experience the beauty of nature while enjoying their favorite winter sport.