History of a Beloved Resort

Powderhorn Mountain Resort, nestled on the northern edge of the Grand Mesa and just a quick skip from Delta County, has long been a cherished destination for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts in Western Colorado. The resort has recently been sold to a resort group based in Park City, which plans to expand its infrastructure while maintaining the mountain’s cost-effective integrity. 

The resort’s origins date back to the 1940s when skiing first took hold in the region with a modest rope tow system. By the 1950s, the Mesa Creek Ski Area had introduced its first surface lift, setting the stage for the development of a more expansive ski destination. In 1966, the new Powderhorn Ski Area officially opened, boasting a double chairlift and a surface lift, situated just below the original Mesa Creek site, now known as “Old Powderhorn” or the tubing hill. 

Over the following decades, Powderhorn expanded significantly, adding terrain, upgrading lifts, and improving guest facilities. The 1970s saw the addition of another double chair and an expansion to the western side of the mountain, an area now known as the West End. By the mid-1980s, the resort had changed ownership multiple times, reflecting both its growing potential and the economic challenges facing independent ski areas. A Texas developer took over in 1986, implementing key improvements such as a fixed grip quad chairlift and snowmaking infrastructure, which became essential in maintaining consistent conditions throughout the season. 

Subsequent years saw a series of ownership transitions, each bringing new investments and upgrades. In 1995, the resort was purchased by a local entrepreneur who initiated the development of the Wildwood subdivision. By the late 1990s, additional lodging facilities and dining options were introduced, enhancing the overall visitor experience. The early 2000s brought further expansion with new trails, additional gladed runs, and the introduction of summer activities such as mountain biking and disc golf. 

In 2011, ski industry veteran Andy Daly and the Gart family acquired Powderhorn for $1.4 million. Their tenure as owners was marked by significant enhancements, including the replacement of the main quad lift with a high-speed detachable chair, the Flat Top Flyer, in 2015. Additional investments in snowmaking technology and guest amenities helped attract more visitors and expand the resort’s appeal. In an effort to offer more affordable ski-in, ski-out accommodations, Powderhorn introduced a tiny home village at the base of the mountain in 2019. The community consists of six compact, modern homes available for purchase or nightly rentals, providing an alternative to traditional ski resort lodging.

Powderhorn Changes Hands

In a recent shift, the Gart family and Andy Daly sold a majority stake in Powderhorn to Utah-based Pacific Group Resorts Inc. (PGRI), a company with a portfolio of ski destinations across North America. PGRI has been involved with Powderhorn since 2018, initially managing operations before fully acquiring a controlling interest in the resort. The acquisition reflects a strategic effort to further develop Powderhorn’s infrastructure while maintaining its accessibility to local skiers and visitors.

PGRI has outlined plans for continued investment in Powderhorn’s growth, including expanding snowmaking capabilities and replacing the aging West End double chairlift with a modern high-speed lift. These enhancements aim to improve the skiing experience and bolster Powderhorn’s reputation as a competitive destination. The company has also signaled interest in developing additional lodging options, particularly the expansion of the slopeside tiny home community. The success of the initial tiny home project has prompted discussions about expanding the concept, with the potential for additional units that maintain the affordability and convenience of on-mountain accommodations.

While the change in ownership signals new opportunities, PGRI has reassured the local community that Powderhorn’s core identity will remain intact. At a time when the ever-expanding Vail Resorts is under fire for promoting exorbitant ticket prices while underpaying its employees, the Western Colorado resort’s focus on affordability and accessibility is expected to persist, preserving its appeal to both local and visiting skiers and its workers on the mountain. Powderhorn remains an attractive alternative to larger, more commercialized ski resorts, offering a relaxed atmosphere with high-quality skiing and outdoor recreation. 

As Powderhorn enters this next chapter under PGRI’s leadership, the combination of new investments and longstanding traditions promises to shape its future in ways that balance growth with the character that has defined it for decades. Powderhorn is poised to continue its legacy as a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The next several years will be crucial in determining how the resort evolves, but the foundation for success has been established, ensuring Powderhorn’s place in Colorado’s ski industry for years to come.