Powderhorn Mountain Resort is only 45 minutes from Grand Junction and averages 250 inches of snow during the winter months. With over 1,600 acres of mountain terrain, 70% of which cater to beginners or intermediate skiers, the resort is an ideal destination for any family of skiers or snowboarders. 1 high-speed quad chair and 2 doubles provide access to easy groomers, steeps, bumps, trees, terrain parks and more. For those just getting their feet under them, Powderhorn offers 1 surface lift and a magic carpet.

Powderhorn Mountain Resort 48338 Powderhorn Rd Mesa, CO, 81643 970.268.5700

Cross country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing are largely made possible by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council (GMNC), which maintains 31 miles of groomed trails on top of the Grand Mesa.

The high elevation of GMNC’s Nordic areas provide for one of the longest ski seasons in the U.S. The groomed ski trails run through the wilderness of Grand Mesa National Forest at three locations: Skyway, County Line and Ward. These trailheads are located on Colorado Highway 65 (Scenic Byway), 45 miles from Grand Junction via I-70/CO Highway 65.

All trails are easy to moderate with a few short climbs with a maximum elevation change of 50 ft. Trails are well marked and pass through high timber, frozen lakes and some open space. Two overlooks offer skiers spectacular 100-miles views of the West Elk and San Juan Mountains to the south, and Battlements to the north. 

With an abundance of snow, wooded areas and cliffs, the Grand Mesa makes for perfect backcountry skiing and snowboarding. The now defunct Mesa Creek Ski Area, located in a clefted valley on the northern edge of the Grand Mesa, is arguably the most popular destination as it is conveniently located a few short miles past Powderhorn Mountain Resort on Highway 65.

Known for its abundant snowfall, great trails and off-trail riding that covers more than 800 square miles, The Grand Mesa is a snowmobiler’s paradise.

Most of the groomed trails are at 9,000 feet and see an average of 35’ of snow fall. The main section of the trail on the flat-top is called the “SP” for Sunlight to Powderhorn. The rest of the snowmobile trails are numbered according to the mile marker at which they intersect the SP. The other four trails to ride on include Bonham, Bull Creek, Cold Sore, and Vega. All offer something special from experienced to beginner riders; from easy rolling hills and meadows to steep hill climbs.

Please remember to share the trail. Four of the five trails in the area are multi-use and are shared with cross-country skiers. Riders should heed crossings and stay on the trail. Cross-country paths are marked with blue and should not be used by snowmobiles.