Few pieces of infrastructure at Colorado’s Powderhorn Mountain Resort are more woven into the fabric of the mountain than the West End Chairlift, and now you have the chance to own a piece of it.
Opened in the winter of 1972, the historic lift took its final spin this past season. On Sunday, March 15, 2026, locals came out in droves to give it a proper send-off after more than five decades of faithful service.
The West End Chairlift is being replaced this summer by a high-speed detachable quad lift, arriving just in time for Powderhorn’s 60th anniversary season in Winter 2026–27. The future Wild West Express will follow the same alignment as the original West End, but it features a slightly shorter line length and cuts the ride time in half. Formerly known as the Elk Camp chair at Snowmass, this recycled lift is being meticulously refurbished by Leitner-Poma of America right down the road in Grand Junction. Construction kicks off this summer.
It is always bittersweet to see a chairlift you’ve ridden a million times get retired. However, you now have a rare opportunity to own a tangible slice of Colorado ski history. Powderhorn is auctioning off the original chairs from June 1 through June 7.
Find the full auction details below:
Own a Piece of Powderhorn History
Since 1972, the West End Chairlift has carried generations of skiers and snowboarders up the mountain. From first turns and powder days to spring laps, this lift has been a part of countless memories on the Grand Mesa. As Powderhorn looks ahead to the future with the new Wild West Express, we’re offering a limited, one-time opportunity to take home an authentic piece of that history. This auction features original chairs from the retiring West End lift – each with its own story, character, and place in Powderhorn’s legacy.
What You’re Bidding On:
Each winning bidder will receive:
- One (1) authentic West End double chair
- Chairs are offered as-is (original character preserved)
- A numbered West End Certificate of Authenticity
- A commemorative tag identifying your chair as part of this historic lift
No two chairs are alike – signs of wear, weathering, and age are part of their story.
Chair Details:
- Type: Heron-Poma fixed-grip double chair
- Material: Steel frame with original components
- Condition: Used – retired from active service
- Approximate Weight: 250lbs (multiple people or equipment required to move)
Auction Terms:
- All sales are final
- Chairs are sold as-is with no warranties
- Payment is required within the timeframe specified by the auction platform
- By bidding, you agree to all terms and conditions listed here
- All offers must be made through the online auction portalÂ
Supporting Our Community
A portion of West End chairs have also been allocated to local nonprofit partners, extending the impact of this project beyond the mountain.
Place your bid. Take home a piece of Powderhorn’s legacy. Be part of what comes next.
