FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Powderhorn Mountain Resort Announces West End Chairlift Replacement
Ahead of 60th Anniversary Season
MESA, COLORADO – September 24, 2025 – Subject to approval of the U.S. Forest Service,
Powderhorn Mountain Resort announced it will replace the long-running West End double
chairlift, which was installed in 1972, with a high-speed detachable quad lift in the summer of
2026. This transformative capital improvement will significantly enhance terrain access, guest
flow, and mountain operations ahead of the resort’s 60th anniversary season which occurs in the
winter of 2026-27.
The new lift will be installed in the same alignment as the old lift, meaning disturbance to
the land will be relatively minimal. The plan is to have a slightly shorter length which will
improve skier flow by relocating the top terminal, with no loss of terrain access. Because of the
increased lift speed, travel time from base to summit on the west side of the mountain will be
less than half the current time providing faster access to some of the best parts of Powderhorn’s
1,600 acres of terrain.
“This is a major step forward for Powderhorn,” said Ryan Schramm, the resort’s General
Manager. “Installing a high-speed lift on the west side of the resort will feel like opening new
terrain. 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 high-speed quad, formerly the Elk Camp chair at Snowmass, is being completely
refurbished by Leitner-Poma of America (LPOA), a Grand Junction-based manufacturer. The
refurbishment will include a new electrical drive system, overhauls of the tower sheave trains,
replacement of chair grips, and complete upgrades to the top and bottom terminals.
The new lift will be named the Wild West Express, a nod to the original lift and the
character of the terrain on Powderhorn’s west side. Pending U.S. Forest Service approval,
construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026, and the lift is projected to open to the
public in December 2026. The project is proceeding in close coordination with the United States
Forest Service, whose on-going collaboration supports responsible and sustainable resort
development on public lands. Powderhorn will share project updates via its website and social
media channels, allowing guests and passholders to follow along as progress unfolds.
The lift replacement is part of a broader slate of multi-year improvements. Beginning this
winter, the rental shop will move to the southwest side of the base lodge, and a new restaurant,
the Quickdraw Café, will take its place at the lodge’s northeast corner offering great views of the
Book Cliffs. The resort is also adding a new snowcat for slope grooming and adding new parking
capacity. Collectively, these projects will help Powderhorn accommodate a growing number of
skiers and snowboarders while preserving the resort’s traditional welcoming, family-friendly
atmosphere.
“These projects aren’t just about faster laps or more terrain,” added Schramm. “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. We’re looking to deepen the value we provide for our community, our guests, and our
future generations of visitors. Reaching our 60th season is an incredible milestone – and we’re
entering it with momentum to get us started on the next 60 years.”
About Powderhorn Mountain Resort
Located near the top of the Grand Mesa on the storied Western Slope of Colorado, Powderhorn
celebrates its 59th year as a scenic, family-friendly resort featuring 1,600 acres of terrain suited
to a variety of abilities and preferences. Powderhorn is known for extending exceptional value to
guests, thanks to improvements at the resort and a mountain focused on creating one-of-a-kind,
year-round experiences. Western Colorado is known for its wide-open spaces, distinctive
topography, and friendly locals. To learn more about Powderhorn Mountain Resort, visit
www.powderhorn.com or email [email protected].
About Pacific Group Resort (PGR)
Pacific Group Resorts is an international resort operating company based in Park City, Utah
whose portfolio includes Jay Peak in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Wintergreen Resort in
the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Mt. Washington Alpine Resort in the Beaufort Mountain
Range on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Wisp Resort in the Appalachian Mountains of
western Maryland, and Powderhorn Mountain Resort on the Grand Mesa of western
Colorado. Pacific Group Resorts also manages the mountain operations of Ragged Mountain in
New Hampshire, which is not owned by the resort operator. Combined the company operates
over 4,000 acres of ski terrain serving about 1 million skier visits per year, 99 holes of golf, over
40 food & beverage outlets, over 4,000 pillows, plus tennis, pickleball, pools, a water park,
athletic fields, a whitewater rafting course, numerous retail operations, spas, and a variety of
other amenities. For more information, please visit www.pgri.us.
