Escape from the traffic and the lift lines this winter and discover some of the best tree skiing in Colorado at Powderhorn Mountain Resort. Just 45 minutes east of Grand Junction, Powderhorn is located on the Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain. Don't let that fool you though, the top might be flat, but the slopes are steep.
Grand Junction is between Denver and Salt Lake City, so you can access the destination by train, plane, automobile, or Bustang! With Grand Junction Regional Airport being the fourth largest airport in Colorado, you’ll find convenient and affordable flights that help you avoid the gridlock the other Colorado ski areas are known for.
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Not only are the slopes steep and fun, but the Mesa is also a wonderland for snow. Every year an average of 250 inches of white fluffy snow powders the mountain. The name Powderhorn surely has something to do with that. New snow-making equipment was installed in the summer of 2020, so there is even more pow in the forecast
The mountain has three lifts and a catwalk, including a new high-speed quad lift. The lift covers over 1,600 feet of elevation gain and accesses over 60 runs with 20 percent green, 50 percent blue, and 30 percent black. Bear Claw, Mudslide, and Cannonball are a few favorites. From the top of the mountain, you can access an abundance of backcountry runs. The uphill ticket is $5 a day or $29 for the season and requires an online reservation ahead of time.
Besides the great snow, affordability, and easy access, the other attribute that sets Powderhorn apart is the 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.
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Most skiers stay in nearby Grand Junction which offers 38 affordable hotels and hundreds of vacation homes both downtown and near I-70, where you can hop on the highway within two minutes of your hotel to get to Powderhorn - just 45 short minutes away with no traffic jams.
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Come visit Grand Junction to discover another side of skiing in Snow's Perfect State. From James Beard awarded chefs to the hippest taco joint in Colorado, we promise your pallet won’t miss the over-priced options at the other ski resort towns. If burgers are your speed, we’ve got that too! With all the money you’ll save, you can stay a few days longer or plan a few trips this winter! This is the Colorado you expect and the warm western hospitality you appreciate! One of the most frequent comments new visitors to the area say about Grand Junction is how friendly the locals are.
For the most up-to-date COVID protocols and information, check out Powderhorn's page here.
Find more winter skiing and snowboarding activities on page 28 of the Grand Junction Visitor Guide!
