As of December 19, 2025, Powderhorn Resort remains closed with no confirmed opening date, as a lean early-season snowpack continues to delay operations. Powderhorn Resort in Colorado, United States is a great destination for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight temperatures hovered just above freezing at 30.6°F, and the mountain is currently sitting on a meager 10-inch snowpack—over 50% below average for this time of year. With only 2.4 inches of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), base conditions remain insufficient for safe skiing. No significant snowfall is forecasted in the immediate future, and snowmaking efforts have been hampered by both above-freezing temperatures and a legal dispute that has temporarily halted new snowmaking infrastructure.
Despite the slow start, there’s optimism in the air. Powderhorn is under new ownership by Utah-based Pacific Group Resorts, which has ambitious plans to revitalize the resort, including the introduction of unique slopeside tiny homes and a long-anticipated chairlift replacement. Although the lifts are silent for now, the improvements signal a transformative era for Colorado's westernmost ski destination. While eager skiers will need to wait a bit longer, the resort is poised for an exciting future once winter finally kicks into gear. Keep your powder skis waxed—there’s still plenty of season ahead.
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.
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.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Powderhorn Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
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 |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 39. west southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Northern Colorado is set to receive the heaviest snowfall in the coming days, with the Tower SNOTEL site near Steamboat Springs forecasting 6 inches over five days and having the deepest snowpack in the state at 31". Nearby, Zirkel and Elk River are also forecasted for 6" with snow depths of 26" and 15", respectively. Steamboat Resort, the closest major ... Read more