Powderhorn Resort Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: January 11, 2026
A chilly overnight low of 14°F greeted Powderhorn Resort this morning, as skiers and boarders gear up for a weekend of fresh turns on the Grand Mesa. Powderhorn Resort in Colorado, United States is a great destination for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Humidity
Summary
The snowpack sits at 19 inches—significantly below average for this time of year, down 40% compared to historical norms. Despite the lean base, groomed runs remain rideable thanks to strategic snow management across open terrain. A storm system is expected to deliver 6-12 inches of fresh snow by weekend’s end, a much-needed boost following a dry spell that has left most Colorado resorts struggling for consistent coverage. With 3.9 inches of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), conditions are firm but improving.
In key developments, Powderhorn has made headlines with the announcement of a long-anticipated chairlift replacement, a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing uphill capacity. However, the resort’s snowmaking efforts have hit a legal snag, with a judge recently halting plans to expand artificial coverage. Ownership changes are also making waves—Powderhorn was recently sold to Utah-based Pacific Group Resorts, signaling a new era for Colorado’s westernmost ski destination. While some terrain remains closed and opening day was delayed earlier in the season, excitement is building as snow returns and the resort sets sights on long-term growth.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Mesa Lakes.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Mesa Lakes
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Powderhorn Resort.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Powderhorn Resort
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Powderhorn Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Powderhorn Resort is located in the Grand Mesa region of Colorado and is surrounded by several mountain ranges and prominent peaks. The resort itself sits at the base of the Grand Mesa, which is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. The Grand Mesa is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Other nearby mountain ranges include the West Elk Mountains to the south, the San Juan Mountains to the southwest, and the Rocky Mountains to the east. These ranges provide stunning views and diverse terrain for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Some of the notable peaks in the area include Mount Gunnison, Mount Sneffels, and Mount Wilson. These peaks offer challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders, as well as opportunities for backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
Overall, Powderhorn Resort offers a unique mountain experience with access to a variety of terrain and stunning mountain vistas.
The resort boasts 1,600 acres of ski terrain with over 40 trails. The best trails are considered to be Lower Dude, a long and winding blue run, and Bill's Run, which is a favorite of the locals. An interesting fact about Powderhorn is that it is one of the oldest ski resorts in Colorado, dating back to 1966. For beginner skiers, the resort has an excellent ski school which offers private and group lessons. As for après ski, the Powderhorn Pub is a popular spot for drinks and food, with a cozy atmosphere and great views of the mountain.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 4 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 4370 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2499 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 1600 Acres |
Established | 1966 |
Run Count | 29 Trails |
Powderhorn Resort FAQ
How much snow did Powderhorn Resort receive over the past day?
The ski area received -1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Powderhorn Resort today?
Weather today, patchy fog before 7am. otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 31. northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
What are ski area conditions in Colorado like right now?
Colorado ski conditions are relatively stable with minimal new snowfall reported across the state. The past 24 hours saw modest accumulation at a few sites: Hayden Pass (2"), El Diente Peak (1"), Elk River (1"), and Jones Pass (1"). Cumbres Trestle also picked up 1" and maintains a solid 34" snowpack. The deepest current snowpack is at Tower near Steamboat ... Read more
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