Alterra Announces $400 Million Investment Across North American Resorts
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Denver, CO - Alterra Mountain Company announced today it is investing more than $400 million into its resorts for the 2025/26 season, with money going toward terrain expansions, new lifts, upgraded skier services, and employee benefits.
The biggest impact comes out of Utah, where Deer Valley Resort is undergoing one of the largest expansions in the history of ski resorts. The investment will be felt throughout the company's North American portfolio, from Crystal Mountain in Washington to Snowshoe in West Virginia.
“We remain focused on making transformative improvements that will suit the needs of our guests and employees, and allow us to deliver a premium experience for all.”
- Jared Smith, President & CEO of Alterra Mountain Company
Deer Valley Doubles in Size
Coming off last year’s launch of 20 new runs and three new lifts, Deer Valley is poised resort is poised for another massive leap:
- 80 new trails
- Six new lifts plus a 10-passenger gondola linking East Village to Park Peak
- 3,700 acres of new skiable terrain when complete, more than doubling the size of the resort
The expansion also includes base area infrastructure: the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley with 400 rooms and restaurants, skier services like rentals and storage, and a day-skier hub designed to handle the crowds are all opening this season.
When fully furnished, Deer Valley will rank among the largest ski resorts in North America. For a spot historically known for groomers and fine dining than massive scale, the expansion could signal a shift.
Alterra's Improvements Across North America
Alterra is funneling capital into other properties, too:
- Crystal Mountain, WA – The 40-year-old Rainier Express (REX) will be replaced with a detachable quad, increasing uphill capacity by 50% and serving nearly 60% of the resort’s terrain.
- Snowshoe, WV – A brand-new 18,000 sq. ft. Shavers Center with ski school, 220-seat dining, event space, and a large outdoor deck.
- Winter Park, CO – Year two of a snowmaking system rebuild that has already cut energy consumption nearly in half.
- Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, BC – Cabin and lodge renovations for heli-skiers.
- Stratton, Steamboat, and Palisades – New premium lounges with upgraded food and beverage options.
- Mammoth Mountain, CA – The Westin Monache lobby gets a refresh, with a new restaurant, bar, and coffee shop.
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Employee Benefits and Housing
Alterra says it's also investing heavily in its workforce, an area of ongoing friction and criticism in ski towns. Programs include:
- Seasonal healthcare access for more than 14,000 employees in the U.S.
- Wage increases and training programs for patrollers, lift mechanics, and other skilled positions.
- New leadership development tracks to retain long-term employees.
- Housing projects at Deer Valley, Mammoth, Stratton, Crystal, and Palisades, adding hundreds of beds and renovating existing units.
Passholder Perspective
For Ikon Pass holders, the announcement is big news. More terrain at Deer Valley means fresh places to explore, and better facilities is always a welcome bonus.
At Crystal, locals are likely relieved to see the old-faithful REX chair replaced. It has been the backbone of the mountain’s upper-mountain access for decades. At Winter Park, better snowmaking could mean earlier laps. For the sake of mountain employees, we'll just have to wait and see if Alterra's really walking the walk.
Still, the elephant in the room for many passholders remains the same: parking, crowding, and day-to-day operations. $400 million is a massive number, but whether skiers actually feel that investment on a Saturday powder day is something only this season will reveal.
