Fresh powder is on the horizon at Powderhorn Resort as the 72-hour forecast calls for nearly 4 inches of new snow, with an additional 3 inches expected over the next five days. Powderhorn Resort in Colorado, United States is a great destination for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Wind
Humidity
While the current snowpack sits at 14 inches—slightly below average for early December—the cold overnight temperatures (a brisk 9°F) are helping preserve the existing base. With a Snow Water Equivalent of 2.1", the snow remains dry and skiable, ideal for early season carving on groomed runs. Although the official opening day remains TBD, the incoming storm system and recent cold snap may accelerate lift operations as the resort builds toward full winter conditions.
Off the slopes, Powderhorn is making headlines with bold moves: the resort has been acquired by Utah-based Pacific Group Resorts, promising major infrastructure improvements, including a long-anticipated chairlift replacement. The resort's future is looking bright, with plans for unique slopeside tiny homes adding fresh buzz to Colorado’s westernmost ski area. Meanwhile, budget-conscious skiers can rejoice as a new statewide 2-for-1 lift ticket program includes Powderhorn, making it one of Colorado’s most affordable mountain getaways. Keep your gear waxed and your eyes on the weather—Powderhorn is poised for a strong season kickoff.
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 19. northwest wind around 5 mph.
Powderhorn Resort is expected to receive up to 3.82" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Heavy snowfall is expected across northern Colorado in the coming days, especially near Steamboat Springs, where nearby sensors like Dry Lake and Tower forecast up to 22–23 inches over the next 5 days. Elk River and Columbine are also projecting significant snowfall totals (17–23 inches), suggesting Steamboat Resort could see some of the best powder in the state. Ripple Creek ... Read more