DENVER — Powderhorn Mountain Resort is preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary, and as part of the festivities, the resort is planning a major upgrade to its infrastructure. Specifically, it aims to replace the long-standing West End double chairlift with a high-speed detachable quad lift. This move is expected to significantly enhance the guest experience and improve efficiency on the mountain.
The current West End chairlift was first installed in 1972, and it has been a key feature of the resort for decades. However, the resort is now seeking approval from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to replace it with a modern high-speed quad lift. The USFS requires this approval because Powderhorn is located within the Grand Mesa, Uncompaghre, and Gunnison National Forests’ Grand Valley Ranger District.
Public comments are currently being accepted on the proposed lift replacement. Those interested can submit their feedback online. Ryan Schramm, the resort’s general manager, emphasized the significance of this project, stating that it represents a major step forward for Powderhorn. “Installing a high-speed lift on the west side of the resort will feel like opening new terrain,” he said. “The old West End lift was long enough that most people only did a run or two before returning to the Flat Top Flyer. This upgrade marks the next chapter in our commitment to invest in the resort’s future and enhance the guest experience across the mountain.”
The new lift will be a high-speed detachable quad, previously used at Snowmass as the Elk Camp chair. It will undergo a full refurbishment by a manufacturer based in the Grand Junction area. The upgrades include a new electrical drive system, overhauls of the tower sheave trains, replacement of chair grips, and complete renovations of the top and bottom terminals.
One of the key features of the new lift is its slightly shorter length, which will help improve skier flow by relocating the top terminal. Despite this change, the resort assures that no terrain access will be lost. Travel time from the base to the summit will be less than half of what it is currently, making the experience more efficient for visitors.
The new lift will be named the Wild West Express, a nod to the original lift and the character of the terrain on the west side of the mountain. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, with an anticipated opening date in December of the same year.
This project is just the beginning of a larger plan for improvements at Powderhorn. The resort has announced several multi-year initiatives that will start this winter. One of the first changes involves moving the rental shop to the southwest side of the base lodge, while a new restaurant called the Quickdraw Cafe will take its place.
“These projects aren’t just about faster laps or more terrain,” Schramm explained. “They’re about improving the whole Powderhorn experience with more lunch seats for busy powder days and great breakfast views and easier slope access and even simple improvements like more parking.”
The resort is also investing in additional infrastructure, including a new snowcat for slope grooming and expanded parking capacity. These upgrades are intended to accommodate the growing number of skiers and snowboarders while maintaining the traditional welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere that has defined Powderhorn for decades.
As Powderhorn approaches its 60th season, the resort is looking ahead with optimism. “Reaching our 60th season is an incredible milestone – and we’re entering it with momentum to get us started on the next 60 years,” Schramm added.
