Colorado's Low-Key Mountain Resort Boasts Friendly Staff, Fast Lifts, And Idyllic Scenery

Known for having the absolute best skiing in the U.S., Colorado beckons travelers each winter to its snowy slopes. While many skiers beeline to legendary Rocky Mountain resorts such as Aspen or Vail, a Colorado destination that is less crowded for skiers is found on the northwestern face of Grand Mesa, the sprawling flattop mountain with a plateau of over 500 square miles. Powderhorn Mountain Resort, which was founded in 1966, offers about 1,600 skiable acres and runs that range from easy green cruisers to challenging double black diamonds. At the summit of nearly 10,000 feet, stunning vistas of the surrounding Grand Mesa abound, as well as trails lined with beautiful aspen trees, which are native to Colorado.

Powderhorn Ski Resort's size makes it easy to navigate for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, with added amenities such as ski and snowboarding lessons and facilities like terrain parks. At the base of the mountain, visitors can stay at the Goldenwoods Condos or in Powderhorn's unique tiny homes. There are also a few restaurants and gear shops nearby. After the snow melts, Powderhorn continues to draw visitors with its 15 miles of nature trails, which can be traversed on foot or by mountain bike.

Powderhorn's remote location keeps it blissfully under the radar. The nearest airport is in Grand Junction, Western Colorado's largest city, about a 45-minute drive away. This drive, along the Grand Mesa National Scenic Byway, is exceptionally beautiful year-round, with mesa views, forested groves, and glittering lakes. The best time to visit Powderhorn is either during ski season, which generally runs from late November to early April, or between late June and late September for hiking and mountain biking.

Each winter, Powderhorn receives an average of 250 inches of snow, and its light, powdery nature, due to the Mesa's unique geography, earned it the Powderhorn name. Five lifts whisk skiers to Powderhorn's 42 ski runs. New updates are on the horizon for the resort with the Wild West Express Chairlift, which is planned to be operational by December 2026. This speedy lift will shuttle skiers to Powderhorn's summit in less than seven minutes, cutting the current journey in half. Besides the trails, Powderhorn also has two terrain parks, where skiers and snowboarders can try out advanced freestyle moves.

Powderhorn is a friendly and welcoming place for beginners to learn to ski. The resort is renowned for its unique Bob Beverly Free Learn to Ski or Ride program, which grants visitors over the age of 8 who have never skied or snowboarded before three days of free group lessons with rentals and tickets included. "The instructors that I had were very friendly and informative when teaching me the techniques and were very patient," wrote a Tripadvisor reviewer of the Bob Beverly program. "I would definitely recommend this to anyone that is on a budget or even wanting to learn something new." For those with some experience who want to sharpen their skills, Powderhorn also offers private and group lessons. 

During the summer months, Powderhorn transforms into a mountain biking paradise, with 10 biking trails accessible by the lifts. From easy Mutton Buster to adrenaline-pumping Pinball Alley, these aspen-lined trails promise gorgeous Mesa vistas. Beginners can also take mountain biking lessons at Powderhorn, and bike rentals are available.

Right at the base of Powderhorn are the Goldenwoods Condominiums, which offer one, two, and three-bedroom apartments that are accessible and affordable. From this prime location, guests can be the first on the slopes in the winter and on the bike trails come summer. Another ideal option is Powderhorn's unique Tiny Homes, which are six darling cottages with kitchen facilities. Dotting the base of the mountain, the Tiny Homes can sleep between four and eight guests in cozy interiors. More intrepid travelers can camp during the warmer months (May 1 through October 31) with sites costing $10 per day or $70 weekly.

As for dining at Powderhorn, you can begin the day at Quickdraw Cafe for a steaming cup of coffee, pastries, and beloved breakfast favorites to fuel mountain adventures. After a few hours on the slopes, grab a hearty lunch at Powderhorn's Sunset Grill and Bar. The menu features classic ski lodge fare, such as chili, burgers, pizza, and hot sandwiches. For lighter bites, stop by the Thunderbird Taco Truck or sip an après-ski drink at the Umbrella Bar. Outside of these eateries, those staying overnight should bring proper provisions to cook in their accommodations or make the 10-minute drive to Mesa, where the Wagon Wheel Restaurant is a local stalwart. Further afield, about a 45-minute drive south of Powderhorn, the town of Cedaredge, Colorado's "Southern Gateway to the Grand Mesa," with wineries, activities, and mesa views, is worth a visit.