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Escape the stressful traffic, costly lift tickets, and long lift lines this winter and discover a place that is easy to get to, affordable, and maximizes the number of runs you can fit into a single day. Welcome to Powderhorn Mountain Resort! This resort is refreshingly approachable - you don’t need a Patagonia or North Face label to fit in, Carhartt jackets are welcome! Powderhorn is a scenic leisurely drive just 45 minutes east of Grand Junction, located on the Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain! Opening day is scheduled for early December 2025.
An average of 250 inches of airy powder covers the Grand Mesa each winter, creating a winter playground for downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even ice fishing.
Powderhorn Mountain Resort has three lifts and a catwalk, including a high-speed quad lift. The lifts reach over 1,650 feet of elevation gain and have access to 45 runs with 20 percent green (beginner), 50 percent blue (intermediate) and 30 percent black (advanced/expert). Bear Claw, Mudslide and Cannonball are a few of the locals’ favorite runs. This season is the last opportunity to ride the classic chair lift on West End, as a new high-speed quad lift is being installed Summer 2026.
Powderhorn is uber-affordable! Walk-up day passes range from $54-$109 depending on age and the day of the week. Season passes are only $749 for adults (ages 13-74) and only $429 for juniors (ages 6-12). The Bob Beverly Program offers three free half-day lessons, rentals, and day tickets to first-time skiers. If you’re looking to earn your turns, an uphill ticket is only $19 a day or $59 for the season and requires an uphill ticket and arm band during operating hours (9 am-4 pm). There are many backcountry trails to explore, so it’s worth the effort.
Besides easy access, great snow, and affordability, the other popular attribute that sets Powderhorn apart is the alpine tree skiing. Much of the resort is covered with pine trees and dense aspen groves, making for endless glade runs. Some of the best tree skiing on the mountain is accessed from the West End lift. Be sure to explore the Upper and Lower Thunderbird Glades, Mad Dog Glade and Thunder Mountain Glade for epic tree runs.
Gain some sick style points at the terrain parks, one for beginners and one for experts. You can access the beginner terrain park (Lower Peace Park) by taking the Flat Top Flyer Chair lift or Easy Rider Chair Lift. It’s filled with beginner boxes and rails, which are perfect for those looking to try freestyle out for the first time – no judging here! If you’re confident in your skills, take the Flat Top Flyer lift to access the Upper Peace Park. This terrain park is loaded with advanced boxes and rails as well as a 3-jump line. It’s as fun to watch as it is launching your own perfect jump.
After a long day shredding the gnarr, return back to Grand Junction and freshen up at one of the affordable lodging and hundreds of vacation homes. Then, hit the town and explore Grand Junction’s culinary scene, which features a James Beard-awarded chef and a rooftop view of Colorado National Monument. We promise your palate won’t miss the over-priced options typical of other ski resort towns. With all the money you’ll save, you can afford to stay a few extra days or plan a couple of trips this winter! This is the Colorado you expect and the warm western hospitality you appreciate! One of the most frequent comments guests of the area say about Grand Junction is how friendly the locals are.
Located equidistant from Salt Lake City and Denver, Grand Junction is easily accessible by train, plane, automobile, or Bustang! With Grand Junction Regional Airport being the third largest airport in Colorado, you’ll find convenient flights which will help you avoid the highway gridlock that other Colorado ski areas are known for.
Find more winter skiing and snowboarding activities on page 32 of the Grand Junction Visitor Guide!