With a few of its mountain properties extending operations into May, winter is still going strong across many Mountain Capital Partners (MCP) Southwest ski resorts. The 2024/2025 season has already delivered standout moments, from record-setting season lengths and historic early openings to national accolades. MCP is building on that success with more than $15 million in capital improvements planned across its resort properties.

Need more? Read more: Snowbowl ski lessons: How I learned to ski as an adult (and loved it!)

Resort investments reflect commitment to affordable skiing

Mountain Capital Partners is the third-largest ski resort company in the U.S. by resort count, managing 17 properties across North and South America and generating more than $500 million in economic impacts to its resort communities.

“We’re proud of what our teams and communities accomplished this season, and these $15 million in projects reflect our ongoing commitment to improving the ski experience while making it more accessible for everyone,” says James Coleman, managing partner of Mountain Capital Partners.

Adds Coleman, “Since 2015, we’ve reinvested more than $125 million into our resorts. With lift tickets starting at just $9 and no price increase to the Power Pass for the third year in a row, we’re reinforcing our commitment to affordable skiing and to the mountain communities we proudly serve.”

Mountain-by-mountain 2024 wins and Southwest ski season extensions

Purgatory Resort | Durango, CO
As Purgatory approaches its 60th anniversary in the 2025/2026 season, the resort is marking the milestone with a $6.4 million investment — its most significant expansion in more than a decade. Recently named the No. 1 ski area for beginners in North America by OnTheSnow.com, Purgatory is now enhancing its advanced offerings with the construction of a new Gelande area triple chairlift.

The project will add up to five new frontside trails and connectors, expanding expert and advanced terrain while improving access to the upper mountain and to Purgatory’s backside without routing through the Columbine or Village base areas. This expansion reflects Purgatory’s long-standing commitment to thoughtful terrain development and a seamless guest experience, setting the stage for a historic anniversary season.

Arizona Snowbowl | Flagstaff, AZ
Arizona Snowbowl opened on November 8, 2024 — its earliest opening on record — and, thanks to enhanced snowmaking operations and dedicated grooming throughout the winter, the resort is extending its season into May. This year marked the debut of the new Aspen Chairlift, which increased uphill capacity and improved access to popular beginner terrain.

Continued investment and strong late-season conditions enable Snowbowl to earn recognition for one of the longest-running seasons in the U.S., further establishing its place as a go-to mountain for Southwest skiers and riders.

Brian Head Resort | Brian Head, UT
Brian Head Resort will wrap up its longest season in 60 years in May, logging an impressive 178 skiable days, surpassing its previous record of 174 set just last year. The resort opened on November 8 and was the first in Utah to open for daily operations during the 2024/2025 season. Fueled by strong visitation and continued guest enthusiasm, Brian Head has announced over $1 million in planned improvements, including expanded snowmaking, an RFID ticket system and additional novice glading.

Along with Brian Head’s 360” of average snowfall, these upgrades will improve terrain access and operational reliability, reinforcing the resort’s growing reputation for early openings and season longevity.

Lee Canyon | Las Vegas, NV
Following one of the most successful seasons in resort history, Lee Canyon continues its on-mountain evolution with the expansion of West Bowl, introducing new novice and intermediate terrain for the 2025/2026 season. The resort will also add a new surface lift in the Rabbit beginner area — its third new lift since MCP began operating the resort in 2023 — alongside upgrades to snowmaking infrastructure and terrain park improvements.

Since 2019, Lee Canyon has invested more than $17 million in capital projects, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for Southern Nevada’s growing ski and snowboard community.

Pajarito Mountain Ski Area | Los Alamos, NM
November 9, 2024, marked a historic start to Pajarito’s ski season: 41 inches of fresh powder and nearly all trails open set the stage for the resort’s earliest opening in decades, and the earliest in New Mexico for the 2024/2025 season. Despite receiving just 73 inches of snow in total, Pajarito still logged its third-longest season ever. Looking ahead, the resort is launching a transformative pipeline project to significantly expand snowmaking and deliver more reliable operations in the winters to come.

Sandia Peak Ski Area | Albuquerque, NM
Since Mountain Capital Partners assumed operations in 2024, Sandia Peak has reestablished itself as a vital part of New Mexico’s ski scene, successfully opening for both the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 seasons, including a surprise bonus day on April 6, 2025. This winter, the resort celebrated its earliest opening in known history (48 days ahead of projections) thanks in part to the successful revival of Chair 4, which improved access to beginner terrain and sustained operations during low-snow periods. 

Heading into the summer, resort teams will focus their attention on snowmaking system upgrades and lift maintenance, including work on Chair 2 restoration, a double chair that provides access to the upper mountain.

Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort | Taos, NM
Sipapu, New Mexico’s most family-friendly ski area, continued its legacy of accessibility and value this season, offering lift tickets as low as $15 for generations of families who call Sipapu their home mountain. Long recognized as the first to open and one of the last to close in the state, Sipapu made significant upgrades to its snowmaking system last year and will continue investing in lift improvements and glade enhancements to support that tradition.

Nordic Valley Ski Area | Ogden, UT
After a challenging 2023/2024 season marked by a base area fire and the closure of the Apollo chairlift (one of Utah’s most historic lifts), Nordic Valley returned stronger than ever this winter. The fully overhauled Apollo lift reopened for the 2024/2025 season, restoring access to key terrain and improving reliability through upgraded systems and refurbished chairs.

With strong community support and a rebound in visitation, the season represented a powerful comeback, and work will continue this summer to further enhance operations for the seasons ahead.

Spider Mountain Bike Park | Lake Burnet, TX
Spider Mountain — the country’s only year-round, lift-served bike park —- is becoming even more accessible with the debut of Daddy Long Legs, a new trail designed to welcome riders of all levels. Paired with upgraded guest amenities, including the new Spider Bites’ food truck and expanded resort-wide Wi-Fi, these additions make the park more approachable for families and first-timers while enhancing its already diverse terrain.

How to secure a 2025/2026 Power Pass (deadline: April 25)

Continued Improvements Extend to the 2025/2026 Power Pass
As Mountain Capital Partners continues to invest in the future of skiing, the 2025/2026 Power Pass offers skiers and riders a meaningful way to be part of that progress. With no price increase, expanded perks, and the most extensive Chile access of any U.S. season pass, the Power Pass continues to set the standard for value, access and all-season adventure. Guests can lock in the lowest pricing of the year through Friday, April 25. Key improvements over last year include:

• 10 FREE days at Valle Nevado & La Parva (Chile)
• Two FREE rounds of golf in Arizona
• 0% interest payment plans extended through January 2026
• Access to 11 resorts across the Southwest, PNW, and South America
• Power Kids Pass is still 100% FREE for kids 12 & under

Learn more at thepowerpass.ski.