Powderhorn Mountain Resort

Grand Mesa skiing above Palisade’s wine country.

Powderhorn sits on the north rim of the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-topped mountain, 45 minutes from Grand Junction. It has big views over the desert valley, mostly intermediate glades and groomers, and low prices. 2026-27 is its 60th season, and the new Wild West Express high-speed chair replaces the old West End double.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,650 ft

Summit

9,850 ft

Skiable terrain

1,600 acres

Trails

56

Lifts

5

Average snowfall

250″ a year

Longest run

1.8 mi

Snowmaking

3% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 20%
• Intermediate 50%
• Advanced 30%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Kids programs
• Snowmobiling
• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasDec 21–Jan 1

  12 Days of Christmas

  Holiday-week events on the mountain through New Year’s Day.

• New Year’sDec 31, 4–6 pm

  New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade

  Annual torchlight parades and a fireworks show, early enough for families.

• Opening dayNov 20 (tentative)

  Opening Day

  Tentative start of Powderhorn’s 60th season.

• FestivalDec 5–6

  Powderhorn’s 60th Birthday Party

  Weekend party for the resort’s 60th anniversary.

• EventDec 18

  Wild West Express ribbon cutting

  Opening ceremony for the new high-speed chair to the west side.

• EventFeb 20, 2027

  Tele Ski Day

  A day for telemark skiers on the mountain.

Where to stay

• hotelSpoke & Vine Motel

  Reworked minimalist motel in Palisade, walkable to wineries and restaurants, dog-friendly, with ski-and-stay deals.

  30 min drive
• condoGoldenwoods Condos

  On-site condos at the base, the only true slopeside beds.

  Slopeside$229 / night · 1-bedroom, regular winter dates; holidays higher
• innWine Country Inn

  Comfortable inn among the Palisade vineyards, also part of the ski-and-stay packages.

  30 min drive
• cabinTiny Homes at Powderhorn

  Six small, fully equipped homes sleeping four to eight, right below the Flat Top Flyer lift, with a shared fire pit.

  Slopeside
• cabinMesa Lakes Lodge

  Cabins and bungalows higher up on the Grand Mesa.

  15 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Thunder Mountain Lodge snowmobile tours · Grand Mesa

  Two- or three-hour guided snowmobile tours across the Grand Mesa, plus cabin rentals.

• Grand Mesa nordic trails · 30 min drive

  Groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails on top of the mesa, kept up by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council.

• Peach Street Distillers · 30 min drive

  One of Colorado’s first craft distilleries, grain to glass, in Palisade.

• Palisade Brewing Company · 30 min drive

  Brewery in the middle of wine country, with a taproom.

Après and nightlife

• Sunset Grill & Bar

  Upstairs in the base lodge, with house-smoked meats, local beer and a sunset deck over the Flat Top Flyer.

• Umbrella Bar

  Outdoor bar pouring Palisade beers, Talon wines and Peach Street spirits.

• Palisade Brewing Company

  A beer in Palisade on the way back to Grand Junction.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Grand Junction Regional (GJT) · about 45 min drive
• Denver · about 4.5 hr
• Salt Lake City · about 5 hr

Directions in Google Maps