PARK CITY, Utah — Back in 2022, Alterra Mountain Company launched Forward Stance Studio, a platform dedicated to celebrating the cultural richness of its mountain destinations. The initiative, backed by a $1 million investment, supports diverse, local, and sustainability-focused artists in creating public art installations that embody the unique identity of each location.
Inspired by Alterra’s core values—prioritizing people, protecting the planet, investing in community and operating responsibly—Forward Stance Studio aims to highlight transformative experiences within Alterra’s distinct mountain communities across North America. Each destination identifies key community discussions and commissions on-site public art installations to facilitate these conversations, and foster new connections within the community.
“By commissioning diverse, local artists to create unique pieces that express the community and its people, we renew our commitment to cultivate an inclusive culture and invite our guests into moments of meaningful conversation,” said Karen Sanford, chief legal and social responsibility officer at Alterra Mountain Company.
Deer Valley’s installation
In honor of the renowned Burns Chairlift’s legacy, Deer Valley joined forces with five local artists: Anna Moore, Lamont Joseph White, Jessica Repko, Abby Ringquist and Philip Vasquez. Each artist reimagined retired chairlift benches, while embracing the principles of social art practice, and the adorned benches have been placed throughout Deer Valley’s six peaks and four base areas, creating an interactive art experience for guests.
Completed art installations are currently on display at Blue Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Tremblant, Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Solitude, Crystal Mountain, and Deer Valley, with plans for additional installations in the coming months. For more information on each installation and future projects, visit Forward Stance Studio.
