National Park Service Selects POWDR For More Sustainable, Welcoming Stovepipe Wells Village

Today, the National Park Service announced their selection of Destination Death Valley, LLC, a subsidiary of POWDR, the leading adventure lifestyle company, as concessioner for Stovepipe Wells Village in Death Valley National Park. As concessioner, POWDR will renovate facilities with renewable energy sources, improve visitor facilities, and increase overall service levels. The concession contract, awarded through a competitive process, will begin in January 2024 and last 10 years.

“We’re very proud of our record of engaging people in the outdoors and providing outstanding service across our resorts and outdoor experiences,” commented POWDR CEO Justin Sibley. “Death Valley is one of the natural wonders of the world and deserves services that do justice to the incredible and evocative landscape to anyone visiting the park.”

POWDR’s plans include the installation of a large solar array at Stovepipe Wells Village, providing for nearly all electric demand and moving the location toward net zero carbon emissions. In instances where power must be shut off to the park, POWDR offered to provide backup power for park visitors during outages.

POWDR has engaged award-winning landscape architects to enhance the Village with natural features and delineated pathways. The design includes native groundcover, trees and shrubs that don’t require permanent irrigation, and interpretive elements explaining Park Service conservation efforts. POWDR will also focus on improving food service and renovating the Toll Road restaurant. More details of the plans and their execution will be shared as they happen.

“Our approach to rejuvenating Stovepipe Wells comes from our shared value with the Park Service – to be stewards of the community and the land,” said Brian Stewart, President of Parks at POWDR. “We look forward to serving the public in Death Valley National Park by offering an inspiring experience in an amazing location.”

The operation of the Stovepipe Wells Village concession contract will provide a significant portion of the services visitors seek at the park and is critical to providing a positive visitor experience. The new contract was awarded through a competitive selection process.

The NPS released the solicitation for Stovepipe Wells Village concession contract bids in May 2022. The contract was awarded to the highest scoring proposal and the NPS regional director made the final decision.

Destination Death Valley is a subsidiary of POWDR Corp, a long-time ski resort operator with lodging and food service experience. This is the company’s first concession contract with the NPS.

The current concession contractor, Death Valley Lodging Company, has provided services at Stovepipe Wells Village since 2011. That company, a subsidiary of ExplorUS, will continue to operate concessions facilities at Stovepipe Wells until the next contract begins in January 2024. The transition is not expected to impact the visiting public.

Stovepipe Wells Village was the first hotel in Death Valley National Park. Herbert “Bob” Eichbaum opened the hotel in 1926. Most of the current facilities were built in the 1950s and 1960s. Facilities at Stovepipe Wells were purchased by the NPS in 1979, and have been operated by a concession contract since then.

Stovepipe Wells Village is the only hotel in the park operating as a concession under a contract with the National Park Service, which owns the land and facilities. The Oasis at Death Valley and Panamint Springs Resort, though located within the boundaries of the Park, are privately owned.