Powder Mountain, located in Utah, has been touted as the largest ski resort in North America. But is this claim really true? Let’s take a closer look at the facts and figures.
What is Powder Mountain?
Powder Mountain is a ski resort located in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. It boasts over 8,400 acres of skiable terrain and 154 runs.
The resort has a variety of runs for different skill levels and interests, including beginner-friendly areas as well as challenging backcountry terrain. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Powder Mountain also offers other winter activities such as snowshoeing and cat skiing.
The Claim: Is Powder Mountain the Largest Ski Resort in North America?
The claim that Powder Mountain is the largest ski resort in North America is based on its skiable acreage. According to the resort’s website, it has over 8,400 acres of terrain available for skiing and snowboarding.
This figure puts it ahead of other large resorts such as Whistler Blackcomb (8,171 acres) and Park City (7,300 acres). However, it’s worth noting that some other resorts have disputed Powder Mountain’s claim to being the largest.
Other Large Ski Resorts
One notable example is Big Sky Resort in Montana. While its official skiable acreage is listed at 5,850 acres, some sources have estimated that it actually has closer to 7,000 acres when accounting for off-limits areas that are still skied by locals. Another contender is Snowmass in Colorado, which has 3,342 skiable acres but is part of the larger Aspen Snowmass complex that includes three other mountains.
What About Vertical Drop?
Another way to measure ski resorts’ size is by vertical drop – that is, the difference in elevation between the top and bottom of the resort. By this metric, Powder Mountain falls short compared to other resorts like Jackson Hole in Wyoming or Revelstoke in British Columbia. However, vertical drop is generally considered less important to skiers and snowboarders than overall acreage.
The Verdict
So, is Powder Mountain really the largest ski resort in North America? It depends on who you ask and how you measure it.
While its official acreage does put it ahead of most other resorts, there are some contenders that could dispute this claim. Additionally, some skiers may argue that factors like terrain variety or quality of snow are more important than sheer acreage when evaluating a ski resort.
Conclusion
Whether or not Powder Mountain is truly the largest ski resort in North America, there’s no denying that it offers a vast amount of terrain for skiers and snowboarders to explore. Its mix of beginner-friendly runs and challenging backcountry terrain make it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Ultimately, the best way to determine if Powder Mountain is right for you is to visit and experience it firsthand.