Powder Mountain, a ski resort in Utah, is transforming its slopes into an art lover's paradise. This innovative concept involves creating a skiable art museum, where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy permanent installations that blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The resort's latest initiative, unveiled ahead of the 2025-2026 season, showcases two remarkable artworks that will captivate visitors.
The first installation is Nancy Holt's 'Starfire,' an awe-inspiring piece that mirrors the Big Dipper constellation and the North Star. When lit before and after sunset, the ground-level fire pits create a mesmerizing display, resembling a terrestrial map of the night sky. This work has a unique history, having been first installed in Alaska and later in Anchorage, before finding its permanent home at Powder Mountain.
The second artwork, 'Phase of Nothingness–Stone Stack,' is a 20-foot-tall sculpture by the late Japanese artist Nobuo Sekine. It consists of eight rounded boulders stacked in perfect balance, creating an alpine cairn that appears frozen at its tipping point. This installation was originally conceived and drawn over 50 years ago but never realized to its full scale until now.
In addition to these permanent works, Powder Mountain has commissioned two contemporary pieces specifically for the resort. EJ Hill's colorful creations adorn the newly upgraded Timberline and Paradise chairlifts, with a glowing neon text piece that reads, 'At the edge of the earth lies a love song.' Kayode Ojo's installation, an immersive faux-crystal chandelier, adds a touch of magic to a forest grove, resembling a necklace thrown into the trees from a nearby chairlift.
The Powder Art Foundation, responsible for these artistic endeavors, aims to provide a year-round art experience in the alpine landscape. By showcasing foundational land art by underrecognized artists and offering opportunities for younger artists, they broaden the story of land art. Skiers and snowboarders can access these artworks with a lift ticket or season pass in the winter, while the public can enjoy them for free during the summer and fall on hiking and biking trails.
Looking ahead, the Powder Art Foundation plans to build a trailside pavilion, housing immersive artworks integrated into its architecture. This includes a 1970s Bruce Nauman installation and James Turrell's 'Apani,' which was originally displayed at the 54th Venice Biennale. Powder Mountain's commitment to art and nature is a unique and captivating experience, offering skiers and visitors a chance to explore the intersection of sports and culture in a truly artistic setting.
