Mesa, Colorado — For years, skiers and riders of Powderhorn were split on their views of the West End terrain pod. While the terrain is great, it was served by a slow fixed-grip double chairlift. Some loved that this type of experience preserved snow quality, while others found the ride up too long. That experience will be very different in the years to come.
This offseason, Powderhorn has been busy with replacing the West End Double with a new high-speed chairlift. The Colorado ski resort acquired the old Elk Camp chairlift from Snowmass. The detachable high-speed quad chairlift has undergone a refurbishment, with some new pieces, including a haul rope. The chairlift will have a ride time of less than half compared to its predecessor. It will be called the Wild West Express, which is interestingly not the only new chairlift that’s called Wild West.
Last week, Powderhorn Mountain Resort shared its latest update on its new-to-them chairlift. Helicopter crews flew in the lift towers, putting them in their future locations. Additionally, the terminals are nearing completion.
Next up are the haul rope and communication line installations, chair installation, and testing. The new chairlift is expected to debut during the 2026-27 season.
About Powderhorn
Near the city of Grand Junction, Powderhorn features 54 trails, 5 lifts, over 1,600 skiable acres, and a 1,650-foot vertical drop. What makes it different from other Colorado ski resorts is its tiny home village, which allows guests to sleep slopeside. In the summer, Powderhorn offers hiking trails and lift-served mountain biking. Powderhorn is a part of Pacific Group Resorts, which also owns/operates Jay Peak, Mt. Washington Alpine Resort, SilverStar, Wintergreen, and Wisp.
Image/Video Credits: Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Colorado Camera
