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Ski Grand Junction
Grand Junction's Powderhorn Resort has come a long way since the 1940's
and a tow rope. These days, the Western Slope mountain is spruced up for
prime-time, providing terrain parks, quad lifts, and a wealth of
activities throughout the ski season. Situated between Moab (and the
Arches National Park) of Utah, and the reknown Aspen, Colorado, the
Grand Junction area is able to offer the best of both concepts to its
visitors. Powderhorn Resort itself is just east of Grand Junction, in
Mesa, Colorado.
The slope's base may be at 8200 feet, but the peak at 9850 feet is
actually about 4000 feet above the valley town. Powderhorn provides a
rousing 20 percent of its trails for beginners and 50 percent for
intermediate skiers, and some exciting terrain park features, providing
adrenalin rushes for beginners and experts alike. Pepsi Corporation
continues to sponsor the main terrain park area, continuing the
tradition of thrills. Receiving 250 inches of snow in an average year,
Powderhorn has also been set up with snowmaking equipment, should the
need arise. The ski area itself is a large bowl, with the Black Diamond
runs nearer the top on each of two areas. To the right (as you're facing
the mountain,) you'll find more Blue-Diamond trail, including long runs
like the lowers of Snow Cloud which run into the Lower Dude and on back
to the lifts, and Tenderfoot, which begins at the top and makes its way
around to Lower Snowcloud, a very long trail combination, before ending
up at the other lift. Overall, the mountain's trails are well designed,
perfect for the beginning and intermediate skier to hone his skills
while enjoying the vacation time. As the skills improve, one can easily
progress to more difficult runs.
The school and ski patrol are top-notch, as is the case in most all
Colorado resorts. Powderhorn is proud of their ability to take
first-time skiers and bring them up rapidly and safely towards
intermediate abilities. They walk you through every step of the program
in advance, so you'll know what you're doing from before you even arrive
at the mountain!
The Stay and Save lodgings on the mountain itself may be appealing (who
doesn't want to start the day's skiing right outside the front door?)
but most of the nightlife is going to be happening in town, whether
that's right there in Mesa or in nearby Grand Junction. There you'll
find plenty of live music by some very talented locals, and a variety of
dining choices as well.
Though the elevation is slightly lower than many of the Colorado
resorts, this is still the Rocky Mountains; multiple layers of thin
clothing and a breathable waterproof “powder” jacket are advised. A neck
gator can be a welcome piece of gear as well. Even though you may feel
warmer in Grand Junction, there's still a lot of UV light bouncing off
of the snow, so glasses or goggles are also in order.
Ski safety is emphasized in Colorado. The diversity of terrain at
Powderhorn is an attractive feature, but you'll want to make sure that
the trail you're about to head down is appropriate to your abilities. A
half-day of lessons can prove invaluable, even to the intermediate
skier, unlocking mysteries that may have been holding you back. All in
all, Powderhorn is a great place for a ski vacation for any level of
skier, while providing many exciting opportunities for beginners and
intermediate skiers to advance... and it's a LOT of fun to ski, no
matter where you're at!
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Powderhorn Resort Summit Elevation - 9,850 feet | Base Elevation - 8,200 feet | Vertical Rise - 1,650 feet | Lifts - 4 Total (1 Quad , 2 Doubles , 1 Surface) | Total Ski/Ride Terrain - 510 acres |
