How to Plan a Ski Trip to Powder Mountain

It’s snowing lightly as I pull into the main parking lot at Powder Mountain. There’s no charge to park on weekdays, which is my first clue that this northeast Utah ski area is not typical. Kids lounge in snowbanks while their parents pick up lift tickets at the window, and riders stow PB&J-filled backpacks to retrieve at lunch. 

It’s uncomplicated and uncurated—and wonderfully old school. It’s a feeling I’ve been seeking ever since skiing and snowboarding went mainstream and mom-and-pop-owned ski areas were transformed into overly curated mega-resorts owned by mega-corporations.

The problem is, those mom-and-pop-style resorts typically have mom-and-pop-style skiing—just a few lifts, not a lot of terrain, and meager snow. That’s where Powder Mountain stands out. It’s got that homey feel in terms of services and amenities, but big-resort energy in terms of terrain. Powder Mountain has 5,000 skiable acres, and its snow is 100 percent natural. Thanks to an average of 360 inches of fresh snow a year, there’s no need for snowmaking.

“It’s all about the snow; we have quality snow in abundance,” Blair Kohn, former chief membership officer at Powder Mountain, told Travel + Leisure. “Lines are always short; you can find leftover powder days after a storm.” Gear up for the ski season with this guide to the perfect trip to Powder Mountain, Utah.

When to Go

Ski season at Powder Mountain typically runs from early December to mid-April but is extremely dependent on snowfall and coverage. The best time to visit for a fully open mountain with plenty of coverage and powder is between mid-January and late March. 

Families may want to time their trip to include the annual Grom Fest, a 12-and-under slalom and slopestyle event typically held in January (it’s capped at 100 kids, so get there early). If you’re a snowboarder, visit during the Turn N Burn, a banked slalom racing event in March.

Where to Stay

On-mountain Rentals

Powder Mountain may have an old-school feel, but when it comes to on-mountain lodging, the options are more modern than what you’ll find at most resorts. The vacation rentals booked through Powder Mountain’s lodging partners typically have full kitchens and living spaces, and those on the mountain have ski-in, ski-out access. (You don’t have to worry about the treacherous drive up Highway 158 when you stay on-mountain.)

Edelweiss Bed & Breakfast

This cozy bed-and-breakfast is located in the tiny community of Nordic Valley, just east of Eden, Utah. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Pow Mow, but the distance is perfect for those looking for a quieter escape and a taste of local life. The family-owned inn has suites with private entrances, full kitchens, and private outdoor spaces. 

Wolf Creek Resort

Wolf Creek Rentals manages a series of vacation rentals within Wolf Creek Resort, a community you’ll pass on the drive up Highway 158 to Powder Mountain—it takes about 15 minutes to drive to the ski area from Wolf Creek. The units are well-equipped, with full kitchens and spacious living areas; some have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.

Where to Eat

Powder Keg

According to Kohn, “Powder Keg is the go-to spot on Powder, a time machine of a restaurant and bar that serves ramen, chicken wings, and healthy options as well.” This is also the spot for après-ski, with live music weekly. Note that you’ll need to be seated at a table to order food and drinks.

Hidden Lake Cantina

In addition to a menu of tacos, Hidden Lake Cantina, inside Powder Mountain’s Hidden Lake Lodge, boasts some of the best views on the mountain. Get your tacos to go and search out an outdoor table where you can enjoy the lodge’s renowned views. On a clear day, it’s rumored that you can peer into four states. 

Mad Moose Café

Get energized for the slopes with a cup of the house-roasted coffee at Mad Moose Café in Eden, about a 15-minute drive from the mountain. When you need to refuel after a ski session, hit the all-day local favorite for a wide range of burgers and hot and cold sandwiches (including a few vegetarian options). You’ll see the popular sweet potato fries on nearly every table.

Where to Après-ski

Lucky Slice Pizza

OK, OK, so technically this isn’t a proper après-ski spot, but because it’s at the base of the Sundown Lift, home to Powder Mountain’s night skiing, I had to include it in the lineup. The pizza is hot and fresh and everything you’d want after a few chilly laps under the lights.

Shooting Star Saloon

Off-mountain, Kohn recommended the Shooting Star Saloon in Huntsville (30 minutes from Pow Mow). She said it’s “one of the oldest bars this side of the Mississippi” with a simple menu of classic hamburgers and beer.

Carlos & Harley’s Fresh-Mex Cantina

This modern Tex-Mex cantina in Eden’s revamped 19th-century general store is a family-friendly après-ski choice. In addition to an extensive list of craft beers (bottled, canned, and on tap), hard kombuchas, and margaritas, it has nonalcoholic options like Mexican sodas and smoothies. The food menu spans everything from Mexican-inspired apps to hearty burritos, with gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Off-mountain Activities

If riding Powder Mountain just isn’t enough, visit the neighboring Nordic Valley Ski Resort, which is small but mighty, with plentiful night skiing, lift tickets that start under $20, and free skiing for kids under 12. Nordic Valley is also home to Wasatch Parc Snow Tubing, where you can rent a tube and enjoy the ride up before tubing down the snow on the park’s curved lanes.

Finish your last run early enough and you can visit the New World Distillery in Eden (it closes at 5 p.m.). Sample spirits, including bourbon, gin, and vodka, in the on-site store or take a tour to see how they’re made.

How to Ride 

Lift Tickets

Powder Mountain isn’t part of the Epic or Ikon pass, so you’ll need to buy your lift ticket directly from the resort. Like many ski areas these days, Pow Mow uses a dynamic ticketing system that rewards you for booking early. Adult daily lift tickets start at $109. Night skiing is just $24 for all ages over four.

Ski and Snowboard Rentals

You’ll find a full range of ski and snowboard equipment in the rental shops in Timberline and Sundown Center. Rental rates start at $44 for a night skiing package and $54 for day skiing; book online to get the best price.

Skiing and Snowboarding Info

Powder Mountain currently has just five public lifts servicing 5,000 acres of terrain, but guides can take people off the main thoroughfares and into the mountain’s sidecountry, providing the full mountain experience.

Back in the main part of the resort, there are 163 named runs that break down to 15 percent green (beginner), 29 percent blue (intermediate), and 56 percent black (advanced).

Programming

The resort offers group lessons and private, one-on-one lessons for all ages, though children five years old or younger must be accompanied by a parent. There’s also a four-week women’s ski and board program that’s taught by female coaches.

If you want to go beyond the marked ski runs, you can sign up for one of the backcountry tours or clinics. As long as conditions are suitable, local guides will take you into the mountain’s rarely touched terrain.