Netflix Billionaire Sparks Fury Over Private Ski Resort.
Reed Hastings’ Exclusive Vision for Powder Mountain Raises Concerns.
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings has ignited controversy with his ambitious plan to transform Utah’s Powder Mountain into an ultra-exclusive ski community. The billionaire acquired a controlling interest in the mountain in 2023 and aims to turn it into a private haven for the wealthy, with lots starting at $2 million and annual memberships costing $25,000. While Hastings envisions a “mindful community” focused on luxury and connection, locals and outdoor enthusiasts worry that his plans will restrict public access to one of Utah’s last hidden-gem ski areas.
Reed Hastings unveiled plans to create an exclusive ski community on Powder Mountain in Utah after acquiring a controlling stake in 2023.
Privatizing Powder Mountain: A Billionaire’s Playground
Powder Mountain, located 60 miles north of Salt Lake City, spans an impressive 8,000 acres, with 4,200 acres of lift-serviced skiing and 3,800 acres of backcountry terrain. Hastings’ plan seeks to privatize a third of this land for homeowners, effectively creating a members-only ski area. His private community, Powder Haven, has already sold 80 lots, with 44 homes completed and more under construction. Critics argue that this shift caters to the ultra-wealthy while pushing out longtime visitors who have enjoyed the mountain for decades.
Hastings' project came with significant risk, as he assumed $100 million in debt from the previous owners.
From Failing Ski Resort to Elite Enclave
Before Hastings took control, Powder Mountain was struggling financially, with incomplete developments, aging infrastructure, and dwindling real estate sales. He took on $100 million in debt to acquire the mountain and has already spent another $100 million on improvements, including upgrading ski lifts. Now, he plans to invest an additional $200 million, focusing on making Powder Haven a premier private ski destination. However, many locals view the move as yet another example of billionaires pricing out regular skiers and turning public spaces into playgrounds for the rich.
The area currently boasts 44 completed homes, 24 under construction, 14 awaiting architectural approval, and 80 sold lots yet to be built on.
Balancing Public Access with Exclusive Luxury
Hastings insists that his vision includes maintaining some level of public access, with membership fees helping to support shared infrastructure. However, with a third of the mountain being privatized, many worry that Powder Mountain is heading down the same path as other elite resorts, where exclusivity trumps accessibility. One current resident, Lara Cumberland, expressed relief that some public access will remain, saying, “I like its local history and wouldn’t have wanted to give that up.” Yet, concerns persist over whether the project will truly benefit the wider community.
Since Hastings' takeover, three homes on the mountain have been sold, with one currently listed for $2.85 million.
The Future of Powder Mountain: A Luxury Resort or a Divided Community?
As Hastings moves forward with his plans, the future of Powder Mountain hangs in the balance. Will it remain a beloved ski destination with open access, or will it become yet another ultra-wealthy enclave, shutting out everyday skiers? While Hastings' investment promises high-end amenities and modernized infrastructure, the backlash highlights a growing concern over the privatization of natural spaces. As property prices continue to rise and memberships become more expensive, only time will tell whether Powder Mountain will retain its local charm or become just another billionaire’s retreat.
Before Hastings took control, it was one of the largest ski areas in the U.S. by acreage, but had just six lifts and three lodges from the '70s and '80s. Six residential neighborhoods were under development, with less than 10% of the planned units completed.
Netflix Expands HDR10+ Support Amidst Ski Resort Backlash
Meanwhile, Netflix has announced a significant update for its subscribers. The streaming giant is adding support for HDR10+, an advanced HDR format that competes with Dolby Vision. This upgrade will benefit users with Samsung, Panasonic, Hisense, and TCL TVs, as these brands do not support Dolby Vision. However, access to HDR10+ content will require a Netflix Premium subscription, and initially, only 50% of "eligible viewing hours" will support the format.
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Netflix plans to expand HDR10+ to all HDR titles by the end of the year, a move that could improve picture quality for millions of viewers. This is particularly beneficial for Samsung TV owners, whose devices lack Dolby Vision support. While some experts argue that Dolby Vision remains the superior HDR format, HDR10+ adoption has grown, with platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV+ already supporting it. This latest upgrade from Netflix ensures that more users can enjoy enhanced contrast, richer colors, and improved scene-by-scene tone mapping—making the best Netflix movies and TV shows look even better.
