Adventure Passport Resort Challenge #16: Watch out for that Powdersaurus!

Powderhorn Resort

Summit Elevation 9,850 feet
Vertical Drop 1,650 feet
Average Annual Snowfall 250 inches

Date Skied/Logged: February 25, 2006
New Snow: 0”
Weather: Sunny
Snow Conditions: packed powder

Watch out for that Powdersaurus!

Passport to Ski Areas of Colorado describes Powderhorn as “where desert meets mountain”, and how true it is. This ski resort is deceiving as you approach via a scenic byway immersed in canyons, red rocks, and views of Grand Mesa. Do not let thoughts of petroglyphs or golf deter you! You are about to unearth a snowy ski resort hidden amongst this ancient sunshine. Not the biggest, but one of the very best.

A discovery we would not have made had it not been for our Passport; this is one of the most well accommodated mountains that we’ve visited. Without exception, every single person we came in contact with was friendly and welcoming. This ski resort lying on the face of a mesa is cloaked in mystery for those of us living in Denver: it is closer than any of us might think—merely a three and a half hour drive on I-70—making it easier to access than a lot of the other resorts of similar driving distance.

We were extremely fortunate to meet up with Media Director Kathy Dirks, the hostess with the mostest, and a 23-year employee of Powderhorn. We toured facilities that rival many big-name resorts yet embrace the local crowd. Consider the “picnic area,” a modern dining area including lockers, tables and access to an indoor ticket window, specifically designed to accommodate those who bring their own eats. Upstairs we found one of the cleanest and nicest day lodge areas we’ve seen, with stunning views of the surrounding terrain.

We also found Brian at Guest Services who told us he’s been at the resort for nearly 20 years. He tickled us by thinking we were some kind of Celebrities! That tells you how well Kathy was treating us. There’s good reason that these folks have stuck around for such a long time. This is a charming year-round facility that stays booked all summer and provides a perfect backdrop for weddings. The resort even has a top notch gift shop (yes, we shopped) and conference room facilities.

But, you ask, is there skiing here? You bet there is. Kathy Dirks gave us the local’s secret as she whispered, “follow the sun….” Great advice! We began our day on West End lift where we found sun-softened snow and steep winding trails. The lift takes some time to get to the top but unusual views and tranquility make time stand still. Jeff, a friendly Ski Patroller who seemed happy to see someone new, greeted us at the top, and provided some good pointers on finding powder stashes. Powderhorn has excellent tree skiing. We made our way to Mad Dog Glade, and it delivered as expected.

In years of skiing we have both seen a marked decline in the presence of Ski Patrol so it was with great pleasure that we ran into Jeff again just above the glade. We saw a Patroller nearly every run. It was refreshing and comforting.

Continuing our journey, we worked our way across the mountain finding something terrific on every trail: boulder fields to navigate, an occasional spot of Aspens calling my name, and varieties of SnowboardCross styled runs that just don’t end. Powderhorn is simply a smaller more peaceful version of the ski resort experience. I could get into this habit.

By the Book

• Green?Peacemaker: This huge open run can be accessed by dropping off midway on the quad lift up to the top.
• Blue?Maverick: A gateway to several outstanding blues that run all the way to the base with unbelievable views of Grand Mesa and the valley below.
• Blue—Freestyle Terrain Park: Under Take Four lift, this thing rocks with serious rails and tabletops. We watched fearless boarders and freestylers grind some frighteningly high features. There is a second, more negotiable park to stick your trick before moving to the big one.
• Black—West End Lift: We loved this area side with access to Mad Dog Glade and Thunder Moutain Glade. Redeye is a must.
• Black?Wonderbump: A victim of a windstorm just prior to our arrival, it was too exposed for us. No worries, we detoured just slightly and found Racer’s Edge and Racer’s Glade. There is a great line waiting for you around every corner here.

Local Favorites

• Tree Skiing: Who knew? Tree skiing in the desert? It’s just crazy.
• Follow the Sun: West End lift in the morning and Take Four lift in the afternoon
• Bill’s Run: Named after the original owner—his children and grandchildren still ski the area.

We finished our day with an early dinner on the deck of the Wildewood Restaurant, overlooking the action in the Terrain Park and the Day Lodge base area. Skiing almost seemed ancillary as we slipped deeply into relaxation mode. I contemplated calling in sick to the day job as I daydreamed of spending the evening at the Inn and doing it all again tomorrow. Even the food and drink seemed somehow better here. While Powderhorn Resort may not be “World Class” it is absolutely “First Class” in our book.

For more information about the Passport to Ski Areas of Colorado, or to purchase your own copy please visit www.adventurepassports.com