Updated posts August 2026
Reed Hastings Invests $100 Million in Powder Mountain, North America’s Largest Ski Resort
The world of skiing just got a tech twist. Netflix billionaire Reed Hastings, the guy who helped create Netflix, has invested a whopping $100 million into Powder Mountain, the biggest ski resort in North America, located in Utah. This is a big deal, since Hastings once ran Netflix and is now calling the shots at this ski paradise.
What Makes Powder Mountain Special
Powder Mountain isn’t your average ski spot. It’s massive, covering 8,464 acres in Utah’s Ogden Valley. There are 54 trails, nine lifts, and two terrain parks, plus the option for cat skiing to explore even more terrain beyond the marked trails. The resort receives tons of that famous Utah powder, more than 500 inches a year. And the best part? It’s not tucked deep in the wilderness, it’s just an hour from Salt Lake City Airport. Powder Mountain is also known for keeping things low key by limiting the number of people allowed on the slopes at once.
For a while, Powder Mountain was in the hands of the Summit Series conference organizers, who wanted to turn it into an eco-friendly resort geared toward tech entrepreneurs, complete with homes, science focused amenities, and more. But things got complicated, and that’s when Reed Hastings stepped in.
What’s Changing Under New Ownership
Hastings wants to make Powder Mountain even better. He’s focused on making it easier to get around, improving the overall property, and preserving that relaxed, uncrowded vibe the resort is known for. Plans include expanding skiable terrain, adding new trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and ensuring everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros, has a great experience on the mountain.
Next winter brings something particularly exciting: the DMI Guided Backcountry Terrain, 500 acres of steep, challenging terrain with jaw dropping views. A guide will be required, since this isn’t a walk in the park.
They’re also adding a new Launch Pad Yurt near the Village chair, serving as the perfect starting point for a range of winter adventures, including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, moonbike tours, and snowmobile tours. And the best news for budget conscious skiers? Night skiing lift tickets will be offered for just $19 every night.
What This Investment Says About Where Luxury Recreation Is Heading
Hastings joining the ranks of tech billionaires investing in ski resorts fits into a broader pattern of Silicon Valley wealth flowing into experiential, community driven real estate rather than purely commercial ventures. Unlike a typical resort acquisition focused on maximizing visitor volume, Powder Mountain’s continued emphasis on limiting crowds suggests Hastings is betting on exclusivity and quality of experience over sheer scale, a strategy that mirrors how many tech leaders approach building products: prioritizing user experience over rapid growth.
So what does this all mean? Thanks to Reed Hastings, Powder Mountain is in for some major changes that promise to make it an even more compelling place to hit the slopes. Ski lovers and newcomers alike are in for a treat.
