November 23, 2021 Update

Update for 2021/22 Winter Season.

Powderhorn continues to take our role in moving beyond the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously and we are committed to being dilligent in our efforts to safeguard the well-being of our guests, employees, and community. We have reviewed our daily policies and practices to make certain we are utilizing the most advanced tools available and rigorously enforcing policies to achieve the highest level of safety and confidence possible.

  • Powderhorn will adhere to all COVID-19 county, state, and federal mandates. Resort policies may change quickly and with little notice based on new or changed mandates. 
  • Masking indoors at the resort is strongly recommended, but not required for those who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
  • Physical distancing is strongly reccomended when indoors.
  • Powderhorn will continue to implement enhanced cleaning procedures in food & beverage locations, Ski & Ride Center and Children's Learning Center, lodging locations, restrooms, and additional areas of the lodge.
  • Guests are encouraged, but not required, to purchase tickets online in advance. Lessons can be purchased by calling ahead. Meals can be purchased online ahead of time using powderhorn.com and/or Powderhorn's mobile application. 
Thank you for your help in keeping our guests, employees, and community as safe as possible. 
November 19, 2020 Update

Season Pass Policy if COVID-19 Closure occurs.

If Powderhorn 
is closed due to Covid-19 for more than 7 days (cumulative) between December 11thand March 28th:

  • Starting on the 8th day of Covid-19 related closure, the Pass Holder will get a 1% credit towards the purchase of next year’s equivalent season pass per day beyond the seven day grace period that Pass Holder’s home resort is closed due to Covid-19, up to a maximum of 100% credit
  • Credits are only applicable in the event of Covid-19 related closures and do not apply to any weather-related closures, pass holder injury, health related absences, or other reasons
  • Closure credits apply only with respect to Pass Holder’s home mountain (e.g. if Wisp had a Covid-related closure, a Wisp Pass Holder would get credits but a Powderhorn buyer would not get any closure credit as a result of Wisp’s closure)
  • Closure credits would apply under the following Covid-19 related circumstances:
    • If a government entity requires closure
    • If a resort closes of its own accord due to Covid related issues
    • If a government entity restricts travel in a way that prevents passage between a Pass Holder’s primary domicile and home resort
    • If a government entity issues a mandatory stay-at-home order covering the Pass Holder’s primary residence
MISSION:FOUR'DABLE Quad Packs Closure procedure: 

If Powderhorn is closed due to Covid-19 related issue between December 11th and March 28th the purchaser of a Mission: Four’dable 4-pack of tickets will receive pro-rated credits towards the purchase of a Mission: Four’dable 4-pack next season per the following:

  • Credits are only applicable in the event of Covid-19 related closures and do not apply to any weather-related closures, pass holder injury, health related absences, or other reasons
  • Closure credits would apply under the following Covid-19 related circumstances:
    • If a government entity requires closure
    • If a resort closes of its own accord due to Covid related issues
    • If a government entity restricts travel in a way that prevents passage between a Pass Holder’s primary domicile and home resort
    • If a government entity issues a mandatory stay-at-home order covering the Pass Holder’s primary residence
  • If closure is 15 to 25 days, purchaser will get credit for unused tickets of up to 25% towards the purchase of Mission: Four’dable for next season
  • If closure is 26 to 50 days, purchaser will get credit for unused tickets of up to 50% towards the purchase of Mission: Four’dable for next season
  • If closure is 51 to 75 days, purchaser will get credit for unused tickets of up to 75% towards the purchase of Mission: Four’dable for next season
  • If closure of 76 or more days, purchaser will get credit for unused tickets of up to 100% towards the purchase of Mission: Four’dable for next season

 By way of example, if an M:4 purchaser had used all four tickets and the resort were to be closed for 30 days, there would be no credit because all the tickets were used.  If only one ticket had been used and the resort was closed for the same 30 days as the previous example, the purchaser would get a 50% credit towards the purchase of an M:4 quad pack next season.  If the resort were closed for 80 days and the purchaser had not had an opportunity to use any of the tickets, the purchaser would receive a 100% credit towards the next year’s M:4, in other words, next year’s 4-pack would be free.

September 14, 2020 Update
A letter from General Manager Ryan Schramm delivered to email subscribers Monday, September 14th, 2020

As someone who has long been committed to an active outdoor lifestyle, particularly as a skier, I can honestly say there has never been a time when I anticipated the arrival of ski season more than this year. The magic of winter - snow silently falling, the sharp bite of winter on the face and the excitement of linking turns on every unique run are always special. This year it’s safe to say “special” could be expanded to include therapeutic. In a sense, we need this ski season for our emotional and physical wellbeing as much as for our enjoyment. We believe recreation is one of the essential food groups - now more than ever.

I want to share Powderhorn Mountain Resort’s plans for the upcoming ski season. There has been so much uncertainty since the COVID 19 pandemic first upended our lives. Among the many lessons learned are the importance of clear and consistent communication, the setting of realistic expectations, and the need for tolerance for unexpected changes.

The embrace of all these lessons is going to be critical to a successful ski season, as is the recognition we’re all in this together. A collective effort must be part of the foundation for success as we strive to balance the safety of our guests, employees and the local communities in which we operate our business.

In addition to following all CDC and local regulations, Powderhorn Mountain Resort will require face coverings, will make the necessary changes to allow for physical distancing, and will closely monitor employee health including requiring employees to stay home if they are sick. Similarly, we encourage guests to not visit if they are not feeling well or have any symptoms of COVID 19. We will implement additional precautions related to ski school, rental equipment, food and beverage, and hospitality as further outlined below.

Powderhorn plans to open for the winter season on November 27th. As always, this depends on the weather, but our summer work prioritized the installation of the new snowmaking system on Bill’s Run and our hope is for an on-time opening.

As you know, capacity restrictions have been one of the tools used to manage the spread of the novel coronavirus. Skiing and riding at Powderhorn takes place on over 1600 acres ensuring the opportunity to safely recreate. Nevertheless, we will adhere to any limitations imposed by State and local authorities. To what extent we might be required to limit on-mountain capacities is still unknown, however, we are confident any restrictions will be on a limited number of days and all guests will have access on the vast majority of days.

Season pass holders will be our highest priority in managing any on-mountain capacity restrictions. It is our intention to allow pass holders to ski any day the resort is open without reservations or other exceptional requirements. Our primary means to control capacity will be done by limiting the sale of daily lift tickets.

It is possible we may need to control the number of skiers, including pass holders, in the event there is limited terrain open. In such case, Powderhorn will implement an online advance reservation system and requirements for reservations will be communicated on the website, via email, and on the resort app. Pass holders are strongly encouraged to download the resort app and enable push notifications. This will be the quickest and most certain way to stay abreast of changes of any kind.

Face coverings will be required to access the mountain, including in the base area, in lift lines and while loading, unloading and riding on chairlifts. Face coverings will be required in every part of our operation including inside all buildings and during all ski and snowboard lessons. We are asking everyone to support these necessary changes and cooperate with resort workers who are in the challenging role of ensuring everyone’s safety. Guests who don’t comply with the guidelines will be asked to leave.

We will do everything possible and practical to allow for physical distancing throughout the resort to help ensure a safe experience. First and foremost, we will manage the number of people on the mountain. Additionally, we will load lifts maintaining social distancing guidelines applicable to each individual lift configuration. We will also manage the number of people entering buildings including base lodges and restaurants in accordance with local guidelines. Currently, the maximum number of people allowed indoors in a gathering space is 50% of normal capacity. This number may change between now and the beginning of ski season or even during the season. We are working to expand areas to comfortably accommodate guests while maintaining distancing requirements and revising menus and service levels that strike a balance between safety, forced capacity limits, and reasonable hospitality. Some of the "new norms" we all have embraced over the summer - online ordering, takeout, grab-and-go and outdoor dining - will be in place for the winter.

Ski school is an important part of every mountain operation because it introduces people to the sport and helps them improve so the sport is more enjoyable. Our teaching professionals are always committed to safety and enjoyment while learning, and this season that will be highlighted more than ever. Ski and snowboard school formats will be revised to accommodate either small groups or individual self-paced learning options. Children’s on-snow programs will be the subject of particular emphasis with small class sizes and minimal exposure to larger group settings. Advance reservations will be required for all lessons and programs.

Equipment rental will be available exclusively online with advance reservations. Pick up and drop off of equipment may be modified to accommodate social distancing and to limit the number of people in confined spaces.

There is no avoiding the fact that navigating your way around the resort will be different this winter. Compared to the alternative of no ski season, I hope you’ll agree the changes are manageable and worth any inconvenience.

Powderhorn.com will be updated regularly with the latest info on restrictions and other important information. The resort app, available for both iOS or Android, will be one of the best ways to stay informed through notifications and current status updates.

Advance planning and online advance purchases will be more important than ever. Most products will only be available online in advance. Knowing what to expect when you arrive will go a long way toward minimizing confusion and frustration.

Finally, for those who purchased a season pass for this year but are still uncertain about their preferences this winter, please remember there is the option to defer the use of that pass until next season:

Anyone who buys a Mission: Affordable season pass for the 2020/2021 season can choose to request to defer the use of the pass until the 2021/2022 season.

The request must be made by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating the request between October 1st and November 25th, 2020, and the request must include the pass holder name.

This is not an offer of a cash refund or any other credit offer and only applies to the one-time deferral of a 2020/2021 season pass in exchange for a 2021/2022 season pass.

The pass will be moved to the 2021/2022 winter season at no charge, regardless of a season pass price increase.

As you can see, we are planning lots of changes with the objective of making us all safer and more comfortable this ski season. While some of the changes will be a little inconvenient, we think it is a small price to accept for safety and the opportunity to have a great season on the slopes. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,
Ryan Schramm
General Manager

Disclaimer Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present. The resort has implemented protocols to prioritize guest health and safety, but we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to COVID-19 during your visit. The risk of being exposed or becoming sick due to COVID-19 cannot be eliminated. Every skier and rider shares the responsibility for a safe and healthy skiing experience. It is your responsibility to read and comply with all instructions and signage posted at the resort and on the resort’s website. Stay home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Wear a face covering in designated areas and maintain at least 6 feet physical distancing from other guests, including in lift lines. Wash and sanitize your hands frequently.
July 16, 2020 Update
By statewide order of the Governor, all guests are required to wear masks in public indoor spaces, including inside the lodge where our bathrooms, rental shop, season pass office, and retail spaces are located. Please come prepared with a mask if you plan to go inside the lodge on your next visit. Thank you.
June 1, 2020 Update
All of us at Powderhorn Mountain Resort are looking forward to a celebratory summer opening as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Recreating in the crisp mountain air on the Grand Mesa remains a healthy way to enjoy the Grand Valley’s wonderful outdoor assets. As the resort reopens, we are renewing our commitment to be a part of the solution to the coronavirus crisis. We’ve implemented several new summer operating policies to reduce the risk of the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

ARRIVAL & PARKING

Please park a minimum of 12 feet from other vehicles in order to maintain proper physical distance from other arriving guests.

In the parking lot and at all times at Powderhorn, please practice social distancing of at least six feet from anyone who has not been in your co-quarantining household and/or wear a cloth facemask when other guests are nearby.

TICKETS AND BIKE RENTAL & REPAIR SHOP

The bike rental, repair, and retail locations will be open with a one-way traffic policy in order to minimize the physical proximity of visitors. All guests should enter through the main front doors of the lodge, proceed into the shop entrance and exit out of the bike shop through the east doors facing the Umbrella Bar and chairlift.

We encourage guests to plan ahead and purchase Bike Park tickets, scenic lift ride tickets, and bike rental equipment online ahead of time. This will allow Powderhorn staff to prepare your order/equipment prior to your arrival for minimal contact pickup.

At all purchase locations, modifications have been implemented for minimal contact transactions.

All Bike Shop surfaces will be regularly wiped down/sanitized.

Rental bikes will be sanitized after each rental use.

Helmets and other protective equipment will not be available for rent. Please be sure to bring your own helmet as they are required while using the bike park. Protective equipment will be available to purchase from the retail store and helmets purchases are discounted when renting a bike.

Powderhorn employees interacting with the public are required to wear face masks.

Please be aware that there may be a limit on number of people in the rental and retail locations at any given time.

RIDING THE CHAIRLIFT

Please only ride the chairlift with those whom you already interact, e.g. family members. Feel free to organize your party accordingly.

Marked intervals in the chairlift line should be observed to maintain appropriate physical distances when waiting for the chairlift.

ON THE TRAILS

Please bring plenty of water, fill your water bottles and hydration packs prior to your arrival. The public drinking fountain will not be available.

We suggest all riders increase the distance between themselves and the rider in front of them to avoid running into the exhaled breath of the leading rider.

When passing someone on the trail, please allow them time to move to the side sufficiently to practice social distancing protocols.

RESTROOMS

The lodge restrooms will be open during normal operating hours. Restrooms will be cleaned/sanitized approximately every 30 minutes. Please be aware that there may be a limit on the number of guests using the restrooms at any given time.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

The Sunset Grill will be open with limited table seating available and no seating at the bar. Along with table seating we will also offer BBQ and Picnic Packs for guests that would prefer to pick up food and drinks from the Sunset Grill and spread out to enjoy Powderhorn’s scenic outdoor vistas. Call ahead seating and reservations will be available and are strongly encouraged. If you are visiting with a larger group, please remember that no more than 10 may be seated together.

At all purchase locations, modifications have been implemented for minimal contact transactions.

The upstairs Sunset Grill will be open for outdoor, socially distanced, seating for dine-in, or take-out options.

The Umbrella Bar will be open to walk-up drink service only.

Powderhorn employees interacting with the public are required to wear face masks.

POST RIDE
A common bike wash station will not be available for use at the resort. Please plan on washing your bikes at home.

Thank you very much for your cooperation. We appreciate your help in making it so everyone can enjoy being up at the mountain in a comfortable environment.
April 25, 2020 Update
As we move past the peak of concerns about the coronavirus, we understand some might still have questions about any potential impact on next ski season. To help make your decision about purchasing a Mission: Affordable season pass easier in every respect than ever before, we have:

Extended the deadline to get the lowest price of the year (Just $299!!!) until May 3rd to provide more time to assess the situation.

Created a new payment plan of four easy payments of only $74.75 to make it even more comfortable for our guests to make a decision about buying a season pass for the 2020/2021 winter season.

Allowed a one-time deferral of usage for a year if a pass holder later becomes concerned about any impacts of the coronavirus on the 2020/2021 season.

Anyone who buys a Mission: Affordable season pass for the 2020/2021 season can choose to request to defer the use of the pass until the 2021/2022 season.

The request must be made by sending an email stating the request between October 1st and November 25th, 2020, and the request must include the pass holder name and the number on the pass.

This is not an offer of a cash refund or any other credit offer and only applies to the one time deferral of a 2020/2021 season pass in exchange for a 2021/2022 season pass.

The pass will be moved to the 2021/2022 winter season at no charge, regardless of a season pass price increase.

We hope the above changes will allow you to make a decision to purchase your Mission: Affordable season pass for the 2020/2021 ski and snowboard season with confidence and comfort. Our mission really is to make skiing and snowboarding as affordable and accessible as possible, and to provide a wonderful atmosphere in which you can enjoy your time in the fresh mountain air while you create memories at Powderhorn Mountain Resort that last a lifetime. Come join us. Accept the Mission!
April 3, 2020 Update
Coronavirus Mission: Affordable 4-Pack Resolution:

The coronavirus has disrupted life for pretty much everyone around the world, and our resorts are among the affected operations. The corona-crisis only impacted a small portion of our season, but it was enough that some of those who purchased our Mission: Four’dable 4-packs (M:4) might not have had a chance to use all of the lift tickets included.

In the past, any unused lift tickets (including Mission: Four’dable) have expired at the end of a ski season but because of the extenuating circumstances involved with the coronavirus, we have decided to allow up to two unredeemed M:4 tickets from this season to be used next season before (or on) Dec 24, 2020. Those qualifying tickets from this year will need to be taken to the ticket office after November 1, 2020, along with your ID and a copy of the email sent to M:4 purchasers, to be exchanged for tickets that will work next season.

Alternatively, because of the unprecedented interruptions caused by the coronavirus, up to two unredeemed M:4 tickets from this season can be appended to a new M:4 purchased for next year and may be used anytime next season. Those tickets qualifying for exchange should be taken to the ticket office after November 1, 2020, along with your ID and a copy of the email sent to M:4 purchasers, to be added to the newly purchased M:4 for the 2020/2021 season.

The 2019/2020 season had some great conditions, and some challenges, but we managed to get in the vast majority of a normal season even with the coronavirus caused shut down. Most importantly, we noticed time and again families, friends, and even those who enjoy being solo on the slopes, enjoying the improvements at Powderhorn and being out in the fresh mountain air more than ever before. It’s unfortunate the coronavirus has been a major disruption for everyone, including the entire ski industry, and we hope this one-time extension of the M:4 program helps ease the inconvenience a bit.

While normally all M:4 tickets strictly expire at the end the season for which they were issued, the corona-crisis is anything but normal. Allowing the extension of up to two of the unused tickets is our way of helping you get the most out of your time on the mountain. We value you as a customer, we appreciate you as a patron, and we look forward to seeing you on the slopes at Powderhorn next season.
March 27, 2020 Update
Guest Service in a Covid 19 World.

The coronavirus has created a number of unique challenges. One of those is how to continue to serve our guests while also helping to protect their health and the health of our wonderful staff. We take both the service of our customers and the coronavirus safety concerns very seriously, so in order to protect our employees, our guests, and our communities, we are following CDC guidelines along with federal and state mandates for non-essential business operations in this most unusual of times.

To meet our dual objectives, while we are not open for normal in-person business transactions at the resort, we are available for business online, by telephone, or by email. We have staff working (from home) who can respond to your needs and assist you with purchases and reservations so you can enjoy the fresh mountain air here in the not-too-distant future. Please check our wesite frequently for the latest updates and answers to your questions, and contact us if we can assist you.

We hope everyone can be safe and healthy as we all follow social distancing and stay-at-home protocols to get through this corona-crisis.



Sincerely,

Ryan Schramm
General Manager
Powderhorn Mountain Resort
March 16, 2020 Update
The unexpected closure of Powderhorn has understandably caused a great number of questions, concerns and uncertainty for individual guests, pass holders, group bookings, weddings and Spring or early Summer operations.

We are evaluating the changing circumstances daily and doing our best to address your questions and concerns. Like every other winter resort we are experiencing heavy call, email and social media volume. We will address every inquiry but it may take some time before we get to your specific inquiry. This web site is your best source for up to date information.


There are a few questions we can answer at this time;

Will there be any adjustment to my season pass as a result of the unexpected closure?
No, season passes are good for the duration of the season regardless of the actual closing date. Opening and closing dates are planned but not guaranteed.

I have a complimentary ticket. Will it be valid next season as a result of the closing?
No, complimentary tickets expire at the end of the season in which they were issued.

I paid for lift ticket(s) on your web site for a day after you closed. Can I get a refund?
Yes, we will refund any day ticket purchased for a day after the closing date. We will process these automatically.

I paid for rentals and/or ski school for a day after you closed. Can I get a refund?
Yes, similar to on line lift ticket purchases rental and ski school purchases for any day after closing will be refunded. These too will be processed automatically.

Will my 2019-2020 Buddy Tickets be valid next year?
No, Buddy Tickets expire at the end of the season for which they were issued.

I have a reservation at your lodging that is after the closing date. Can I get a refund or change the reservation?
Yes, any lodging reservation between now and May 1 can be cancelled or changed with no penalty. We will reassess the situation closer to May 1 as we know more about the COVID 19 situation.

I have unused quad pack tickets. Will they be refunded or extended?
At this time we are evaluating our policies and next steps regarding unused Mission ‘Fourdable Quad Pack tickets. We will communicate with you directly and on this web site soon.

The most important thing we can say is “Thank You!” to the each and every one of our Powderhorn Mountain Resort supporters of which there are thousands. We are enormously grateful for these relationships and look forward to a celebratory reopening.
March 14, 2020 Update
In light of Governor Polis’ Executive Order, Powderhorn Mountain Resort will suspend winter operations effective Sunday March 15, 2020. This is an extraordinary set of circumstances, and while we regret not being able to finish the season as planned, we are committed to being a part of the solution to the coronavirus crisis.

The most important thing we can say is “Thank You!” to the each and every one of our Powderhorn Mountain Resort supporters of which there are thousands. We are enormously grateful for these relationships and look forward to a celebratory reopening.

COVID 19

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22°F N 0mph
Visibility Good
Snowbase 34 in

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