Happy New Year

Happy New Year from all of us at Powderhorn!

Pow-Pow-POWDER DAY!

We are stoked to welcome some REAL winter weather [finally!!!] We've gotten 9" of the famous fluffy white stuff in the last 24 hours and it's been coming down hard all day long! The pow is piling up perfectly since we've had no wind all day so Powderhorn is the place to be this New Year's weekend! All of the runs are open with the exception of Bear Claw and upper Wonderbump. There is powder to be shredded however you do it best... get your skis or board and get here! Get it while it's light and fluffy! Above is a shot taken from the West End lift early this morning.

12.28 Update

Here's the podcast for this week...

Come to Papa

Come to Papa you big blue blob!





4-8" expected today and another 4-8" tonight. Schedule yourself a powder day tomorrow!

Wild Card

The first of two rounds of tryouts were held Sunday for the New Year's Eve Rail Jam competition here at Powderhorn. Fourteen skiers and riders had about 15 minutes to show the judges what they've got. They had as many chances as they could to jib the log natural down-flat-down rail and metal down-flat rail. Though two contestants had to be eliminated, the element of camaraderie is key at our locals-oriented mountain. The 6 skiers who made the cut were: Jeremy Cocouz, Pat Flynn, Nick Stubler, C.J. Gonzales, Greg Houska, and Spencer Rugland. The snowboarders who will be competing on New Year's Eve are: Jesse Cocouz, Micah Hoogeven, Adam Edwards, Dillon Sullivan, Levi Garoutte, and Bryan Marz.

One more rider and one more skier will be chosen Thursday. The Wild Card round will take place at 1 pm at the Top Cut Terrain Park. There is no entry fee for qualifying rounds.

Maverick's Picks

Maverick is back this year as our expert on all things Powderhorn. He's submitted his favorite things for this week:

Run: Powderkeg is skiing so well right now and should only get better with all the snow in the forecast!

Food: The Philly Cheesestake sandwich at the Skier's Union Cafe & Bar. You may want to plan ahead by wearing pants with elastic in the waist....just sayin'.

Gear: All winter hats at the Alpine Trader are 25% off right now. I even found one that fits around my antlers.

Apres: The Pint Club is back again at the Sunset Bar. I'm a card-carrying member again for the 2010-11 season! $8 to join, gets you the Powderhorn glass and $1 off domestic beers and wine.

New Year's Eve

Now that we've all finally gotten used to writing '2010' we're entering another new year. We're skiing in 2011 with tons of events here at Powderhorn. Here's what you can expect this Friday:

Pasta Dinner at the Sunset Grille & Bar
4-8pm
$9.95 adults, $5.95 kids 12 & under

Powderhorn Film Premiere
Free, 7pm at the Sunset Bar

New Year's Eve Rail Jam
5pm
Watch the top skiers and riders compete on a unique feature right next to the Base Lodge
Here's the gang in their qualifier...

Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Show
The ski patrol and ski & ride instructors will snake down the mountain with torches and jump through the ring of fire as the fireworks blast above.
Show begins at 6:30pm

With powder in the forecast, it looks to be the perfect New Year's Eve!

Dress Like a Rockstar

I hope you're not all partied out because we're looking for some rockstars!

Rockstar presents the Dress Like a Rockstar costume contest. Winners receive $50 worth of Rockstar Energy Drink and a large pizza from the Sunset Grille. Show yourself at the Pepsi/Rockstar booth tomorrow (Sunday) at 12:30pm.

You also may want to warm up your vocal cords...the Sing Like a Rockstar karaoke contest is on Tuesday from 4-6pm in the Sunset Grille & Bar.

Merry Christmas!

From everyone at Powderhorn we'd like to wish your family a very Merry Christmas! Thanks for sharing your holiday with us.

They must be on the nice list

Opening Day

A crazy thing happened today. We opened for the season!

A big thanks to all of you for hanging in there, praying and dancing for snow. And a huge thanks to all the Powderhorn employees for riding the roller coaster of the last week and getting things done.

These guys got the first chair of the season and busted through our banner

The employees were just as happy

These girls give conditions their approval

Opening Day Details

A group of us just took a run from the top of the Take Four Quad to the bottom of the West End via Maverick, Dude and Lower Snowcloud. The mountain is skiing so well! It is raining very lightly at the base area right now but snowing pretty hard on the top half of the mountain.

Here is what we expect to open tomorrow:

Bill's Run
Maverick
Equalizer
Yoohoo
Powderkeg
Lower Showdown
Racer's Edge
Lower Wonderbump
Peacemaker
Looky Looky
EZ
Bottom's Up
Boardwalk
Dude & Lower Dude
Snowcloud
Tenderfoot
Redeye
Hooker
Upper Sweet Misery
Cow Camp

Terrain park features will be out on Saturday. Look for 5-7 features in the Top Cut Park.

Lift tickets will be regular price tomorrow. You can pick up tickets in town at Gene Taylor's, Board & Buckle, Traz Snow & Skate, Home Loan State Bank or Sports Authority.

The bus will be running tomorrow and every day throughout the school break except Christmas Day. For schedule and info click here.

More snow is expected tonight! Check our snow report at www.powderhorn.com or by calling 970-268-5300. It will be posted by 6am.

Finishing Touches

It feels good to be in forward motion. We're really looking forward to having you all here tomorrow. In the last 24 hours we've had 8" of snow and our base (near the top) is at 30".

This patroller gives his stamp of approval

The groomers are working their magic

And here is the podcast for this week:

Who wants to ski?

Preparations are now taking place to open this Thursday the 23rd at 9am. As you have seen, we've been dealing with some abnormal weather patterns the last couple days. We do have a chance again tomorrow of seeing rain/heavy sleet here at the mountain. That is the only factor that could jeopardize the Thursday plan.

We'll have more information early afternoon tomorrow. This has been a decision filled with so many variables and difficult factors, but we want to get this mountain open. We're all ready to ski and ride!

Tuesday Update

The temperatures have dropped a few degrees from what we had yesterday which is very positive. It's been snowing...sideways...all morning with wind gusts up to 35mph. We've received 5" on top in the last 24 hours.

A snowcat is going out on the hill at noon to see if the lower half is firm enough to work the snow. That will tell us a lot of what we need to know right away. Our next meeting is at 1pm so look for another update this afternoon.

Monday Update

We're looking at some interesting conditions today. The 6-10 inches forecast last night did not exactly materialize. It did snow, and is currently snowing on top of the mountain. The lower portion though....it's another story. Right now we have a very wet sleet falling at the base area. Temperatures are around 37 degrees. At this time we do not have the accumulations needed to open tomorrow.

Everything we can provide to be ready has been done except grooming. We will groom the slopes the day/night before we open. However to put a snowcat on the mountain right now would cause some extensive damage to the lower half of the mountain. So what we're looking for now is colder temps. The moisture is certainly there.

So maybe now we all do the temperature dance rather than snow dance! Thanks for hanging in there. You guys are great!

Sunday Update

I just spoke with our mountain manager this morning for a status report. The news just keeps getting better and better!

It did not snow overnight but has started snowing early this morning. There are impressive snow totals being forecast for Powderhorn and the Grand Mesa today and tonight. Snow is expected for several days. The challenge: the low tonight could be as warm as 33 degrees which means we're flirting with rain. Right now the snow/rain line is literally just a couple hundred feet below the base. There is wind with all this snow which will actually be helpful to lower the temperature.

Our patrol director is out on the mountain now taking a look at conditions. They will determine what time today/tonight the grooming crew should come in and finish prepping the mountain. Temperature is very important here. And if it should be raining, forget it. Putting a cat on the mountain would do more damage than good.

But full lift operations and ski patrol crews are coming in tomorrow to set up the entire mountain- finish the lift ramps, put up the pop fence, set toboggans, etc. We're hoping for a powder day Tuesday opening!

Saturday Update

This storm is looking good. We've received 4" of snow overnight and temps have been nice and cold allowing us to make snow the last two nights. The forecast is calling for 2-4" today, a little overnight, and 3-5" tomorrow. Looks like we're going to do this a little at a time. Baby steps...to opening day.



Our grooming crew is coming in today to pack everything out. I'll have more updates tomorrow. Thanks for the snow dances!

Is that a threat?

Our CEO posted this on the door of the Administration offices today.

Update 12.15

Podcast for the week...

Opening Day Postponed

With the temperatures above normal and low early-season snowfall, we have made the decision to postpone opening day from this Thursday. Ski patrol and mountain operations staff assessed the mountain early this morning and determined conditions to be below the standards set forth by management.

The most important thing to us is that we open with a safe, quality product. We all want to be out there making turns right now! But unfortunately that's not in the best interest.

We're watching a storm system moving into the area Wednesday night with possible snowfall through the weekend. As soon as conditions permit we will open, even within 24 hours of the decision!

Stay tuned...

Oh The Luck

One of our snowboard instructors found this:
(click to enlarge)




It certainly feels like what's happening to us now. But we know the weather service would never mess with us. They're skiers too.
Get on the snow dances people!

Lift Operations Training

The Lift Operations team is training all week on operations and safety procedures on all the lifts at Powderhorn. Today they're working with Ski Patrol to learn the lift evacuation procedure.



Our chief operating officer went out to watch the training and get a better idea of what this team does. So what did they do? Use her for practice.

Waiting and Watching

We're in the waiting game now. Waiting for another great storm...and even cooler temps so we can fire up the snow guns again. I (Sarah- marketing) took a run today while filming some small shots for a TV spot. The top half of the mountain isn't looking bad at all. But the lower half is where it really gets thin. There are several places with a lot of weeds coming through.

So we'll just watch the forecast and keep praying for snow! Colder temps and a chance for snow look to be on the way. We'll keep you posted!

New Park Feature

This is a new natural feature just finished in the Top Cut terrain park. It was tested and approved yesterday. Looks good to go!

Give Adventure

Powderhorn is your ingredient for winter adventure. What's the best thing you can give to a friend or family member? That's right, it's powder.

Here are some gift ideas for winter adventure:

Learn to Ride
This program is for first timers, new to the sport of skiing or snowboarding. Our fun and knowledgeable instructors will teach your friend or family member to ski or ride in three sessions. This way they're out there having fun learning something new, not struggling and frustrated. And you have a new ski buddy. By attending all three sessions they'll get a FREE season pass for the rest of the season! The gift that keeps giving.

Details:
Intensive Series- January 1, 2, 3
Weekend Series- January 8, 15, 22
Cost- $350 includes lessons, rental and lift ticket
Sign them up by calling the ski & ride center at 970-268-5700 ext. 2080

Deca Card
This is great for a couple or even a whole family. It's $150 for the card and allows them to purchase up to 10 half-price lift tickets. There are no blackouts and multiple people can use the card on the same day. Order online at http://www.powderhorn.com/

Stay & Play Package
Want some friends to come visit so you can show them your mountain? Get them our new Stay & Play package. For $209 they'll get a night stay at the Inn at Wildewood, dinner for two at the Skiers Union Cafe and lift tickets for two. Call 970-268-5170 for info and reservations.

Lift Tickets
Want to treat someone to a day on the slopes? Powderhorn lift tickets will be available by the end of this week to purchase at: Traz Snow & Skate, Sports Authority- Mesa Mall and Montrose, Board & Buckle, Gene Taylor's Sporting Goods, and Canyonland Outdoor Sports- Moab.

Alpine Trader
Our store has brands and styles you won't find in Grand Junction. There's something for every snow lover. The Alpine Trader will be open daily once the season begins.
or...

Call us for gift cards! We can load a Powderhorn gift card in any amount. Gift cards are valid for all Powderhorn goods & services. Call 970-268-5700 to order.

Forecasting for Powder Addicts

Yesterday's storm brought 15-18" of snow to the mountain. A very welcome site indeed! Unfortunately the forecast is now showing a warming trend coming our way with a high temp of 39 degrees on Friday. Not ideal at all.

The few weeks before opening, we're all checking the forecast rather obsessively. We watch the forecasted temperatures to help plan our snowmaking operations. Dew points are also extremely helpful in snowmaking. And of course, we're always looking for that 100% chance of snow prediction. The thing is, forecasting is not a perfect science. While the crew at NOAA are incredibly good at their jobs, the weather will just do what it will do.

If you, like many skiers & riders, enjoy picking through the forecast to spot the next powder day here are the sources we use:

National Weather Service- Grand Junction
This is the point forecast for our location on the Grand Mesa. Within this web page there is a great depth of useful information. Click on the satellite images on the lower right of the page. This is what we watch to see what's coming our way and what is building out in the Pacific.

The Forecast Discussion at the bottom of the page gives you a more detailed weekly outlook.

The Colorado Powder Forecast is written by a skiing meteorologist who tends to keep the terminology to a reasonably understandable level.

The gang at the Grand Junction NOAA office held a meeting recently providing interesting information. According to what they're seeing, this should be a La Nina year. They presented this map to help explain what that means for us.
(Click to enlarge)


Baker- National Weather Service, Boulder, CO


Looks favorable for our area!

Our team is working diligently to open this mountain as soon as possible. What's most important to us is that we open with a safe, quality product. While receiving 15" of snow is very helpful, once it's packed with the snow cats (as we did last night), it's compressed to a few inches. Another storm and continued cool temperatures would be ideal. We'll keep you posted!

Here Comes the Powder

The storm we've been looking for came overnight last night. At least a foot of wonderful soft powder has fallen at the base area. We'll be getting a reading from the snow stake on top later today but an educated guess would say 16" or more.

While nothing official can be determined at all yet, this will certainly help us push to open early!





Just one more good storm like this would be great!

Happy Thanksgiving

We're thankful for the recent snow and cold temperatures. And most of all, we're thankful for all of you!

Happy Thanksgiving from the entire Powderhorn family. We'll see you soon!

Contributing to Mother Nature

Our team of highly skilled snow scientists are busy these days. Temperatures have dropped below the magic number (25) allowing us to make snow beginning around 5pm each night.

Here's a little video our buddy Pablo of the Rental Shop put together

Training Day

Our Ski Patrol have been busy training and going through refresher courses in preparation for season. Yesterday I saw them repelling off the bridge at the lodge. Other days it's looked like a mini-triage center in the base lodge.

Today, patrol is meeting with the great folks of the St. Mary's Flight for Life crew. We hope of course, that this is the only time we see them.

The heli coming in this morning

There's the seat you don't ever want to occupy

Winter Sports Expo

The Powderhorn team will be at the Montrose Winter Sports Expo this Friday and Saturday. We're excited to visit you folks on the other side of the mesa.

Montrose County Fairgrounds
Friday: 12-8pm
Saturday: 9am-3pm

Stop by our booth for season passes and discount cards. Or just chat with us about how stoked you are for the season. We like to geek out about skiing and riding with everyone.

Busy Bees

Our whole team is busy preparing for season. We want to make sure that we're ready to open early on December 9th if we have the snow. Our snomaking crews begin making snow around the base area today. The terrain park crew is building new natural features. The Alpine Trader crew is unpacking a fortress of boxes full of new gear. And mother nature is doing her part dropping snow.

This past weekend, the Ski Patrol had their lift evacuation training. A reporter from KREX Channel 5 was here documenting and acting as a test dummy. He did a great job. Click here for the story.

Winter Weather Warning

Those words are like music to our ears. The word 'warning' is to be taken seriously as a caution for travelers and residents in the area. But a winter weather warning to us is just a warning to make sure your skis are waxed and ready!

Our first winter warning came yesterday and produced about 4" of snow on the mountain. We're looking for another round tonight and tomorrow. Here are a few pictures taken yesterday.

PRC Snow Ball 2010

The Powderhorn Racing Club is hosting a very cool event this Saturday. The Snow Ball 2010 will honor pioneers of Grand Mesa Skiing: Bill Foster, Bob Beverly, Shirley Woodard, Gene Taylor, Bob Sisac, Dort Spooner and Tom Garner. These folks have helped make your turns at Powderhorn possible!

Special guest is 5 time Olympian and Winter X Games Gold Medalist Casey Puckett!

It all begins at 6pm in the Mesa State College Center Ballroom this Saturday, November 13. Tickets are $40 adult, $15 ages 14 & under. Dinner is included. Get your tickets now at Gene Taylors or Board & Buckle. Charge by phone at 243-TIXS. Make sure you get your tickets by November 10th!

History Lesson

As we all wait as patiently as possible to ski the Grand Mesa, why not get a little education? Powderhorn has existed since 1966 but skiing on the Grand Mesa has been going on since the 1930s.

The story of those powder lovers before us is a great one. We wrote about it a few years back in honor of our 40th anniversary. Here are the posts again for your reading pleasure. There will be a test...

History of Skiing on the Grand Mesa
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Quick Update- Cannonball

Brush cutting on Cannonball is complete! That run will ski so much differently. We'll also be able to open it earlier. Looking forward to skiing it!

First Snow

It has arrived! The first snow of the 2010-11 winter season hit Powderhorn on Friday and continued intermittently through this morning.

The first snow is always a welcome sight for sore eyes of the skiers and snowboarders out there. With this storm, the snow line fell to around 8,000 feet and provided Powderhorn with 2-3 inches.

Hopefully now it will stay fairly cold and we'll able to start snowmaking on time (mid-November). We'll keep you posted!

Here are a few pics from the weekend...

It's Coming

Winter is working it's way closer, which means we are working hard to be ready.

Snowfall is forecast for the Grand Mesa this weekend. Our snowmaking crew has been busy preparing snow guns, water lines, hydrants etc.



As discussed in the previous post, our brush cutters have begun work on Cannonball.
(Click to enlarge)



We open in 50 days or less!

Mountain Update

Imagine hiking up black runs with a heavy brush cutter strapped to your body. We're not talking weed-wackers here...these things are serious.

Our mountain team has been busy brush cutting the whole mountain to make it even more fun this season. The teams systematically cut away aspen shoots and other brush allowing us to open the runs with less snow. You'll see the biggest impact in the gladed runs. Brush cutting has been completed on Racer's, Mad Dog and Thunder Mountain Glades.

Tony Martin, our mountain manager, told me, "all our cutters are skiers and riders here so they've each had a good idea of how to improve this mountain. People are going to see a huge difference."

Providing we have good weather, our cutters are scheduled to spend a week on their last objective: Cannonball. It's such a fantastic run, it just needs a little love. Let's hope we can get'er done!

Forecasting

Yea yeah, the only job where you can be right only some of the time and not get fired. I bet those guys have heard that joke at every party, dinner and doctor visit they've ever been to.

This time of year, powder hungry skiers like us are starting to ask, "what's gonna happen this season." And we expect answers. Well everyone has a prediction. Yet no one knows anything with any certainty. That doesn't change year after year.

For those interested in another point of view, check out the Colorado Powder Forecast. This post should be a little encouraging for you.

Powder Hungry

You don't realize how much you've missed powder until you see something like this. Here's a short video of a few guys enjoying Racer's Edge last season.

Finally Fall

Is it finally fall? Above normal temperatures have extended summer in much of the western United States. It's nice to have the bike and clubs out longer than usual...but we're ready for winter!

The temps have prompted some people to fear a dry winter. This week last year, Loveland opened for the ski season. However this was the earliest opening in decades.

So we're here to remind you, don't fear! Winter is coming and we'll be ready. Opening day is scheduled for December 16th, however if we have enough snow we'll open on the 9th.

It's never too early to start the snow dances!

Color Sunday Pics

Thanks everyone who came out for Color Sunday! We had record numbers celebrating the incredible colors of the Grand Mesa. Here are a few pictures from the event.

Have photos you want to share? Send them to us! ski@powderhorn.com

Warren Miller's Wintervention

The trailer for this year's Warren Miller film is out! The film will be hitting Grand Junction on November 6th. Time and place are still to be determined.

In the meantime, check out the trailer. Pre-season is here!

Official Wintervention Trailer from Warren Miller Entertainment on Vimeo.

Flat Top Pics

The Flat Top Festival last Sunday was a perfect day! Temperatures in the 70s, a cool breeze and beautiful colors. Here are a few pics from the event:

Kid's Art Corral

The colors are going to be perfect for Color Sunday! We'll have lift rides again from 10am-3pm plus live music, activities for the kids, sales at the Alpine Trader, food & drink specials and season pass photos. See you here!

What's New?

I'm estimating we have about 127 meetings during the summer as we plan the next season. Can you imagine how much coffee that amounts to? We brainstorm, run numbers, debate and eventually land on exciting new products and programs. Here is the complete list of all things new at Powderhorn for the 2010-11 season:

Partial Day Lift Tickets
With Grand Junction just 45 minutes away, many of us can scoot up for some skiing after work or classes. So we developed rates for partial days rather than having the standard half day rates.
9am-12pm $30
12pm-4pm $40
2-4pm $20

New Passes
First of all, we wanted to give a little more love to our active duty military members and their families. With a military ID, you can get a full season pass for just $299. This price is available anytime.

We also opened up our doors to all college students. While we always support Mesa State College, now ALL college students can get a full season pass for just $299. The price never goes up, so order it whenever that paycheck comes in. Just show college ID and current class schedule.

Our brand new Nordic Pass is already extremely popular. Many people love skinning and snowshoeing up our runs and using the West Bench trail system. Now you can buy the Nordic Pass for $75 and get 1 roundtrip lift ride per day. Skin up, take the lift down. Ride up, play, ride the lift down. Whatever you wanna do.

Special Programs
We have new clinics this season! The Bumps Clinics will teach you to ski & ride the moguls without frustration and curse words. Our Powder Clinics will hit the slopes any day we have 6" or more in the 24 hour snow report. Learn the awesome feeling of floating in the powder. It's unlike any other. Get the details on these clinics here.

Deals
The new Stay & Play package is already taking off and we haven't seen a speck of snow. For just $209 you get a night stay for two, lift tickets for two and dinner for two. No blackouts. Call the Inn at Wildewood to get in on this 970-268-5170.

We've planned out tons of deals and promotions throughout the season. While I can't share the details yet, you'll see: ticket specials, gear deals at the Alpine Trader, specials from the Rental Shop, and some tempting deals from the Sunset Grille & Bar. Sign up for our e-news letter (which comes out every Friday) so you're in the loop. Just go to www.powderhorn.com and click on the E-Weekly Updates sign up on top of the homepage. You can also sign up for text alerts by texting 'Powderhorn' to 69302. We'll shoot you a text to let you know when it's a powder day and when there's a sweet deal.

On-Mountain
Look for new natural features in all three terrain parks. Park master and creator of some seriously creative stuff, Joe Pope, will get underway in just a few weeks. Photos to come!

Any questions? Just leave a comment or email us at ski@powderhorn.com

Fall Beauty Festivals

The colors are changing! It's your chance to get the awesome view on September 19th and 26th.

The Flat Top Festival and Color Sunday both offer lift rides, live music, bump-n-jump, airbrush body art, kid’s art corral, jewelry by SR Designs, hiking, and season pass photos. The Sunset Grille & Bar will be open offering breakfast items and BBQ lunch. The Alpine Trader will have sales on summer merchandise and demos by Loki outerwear.

On Color Sunday, attendees of the Colorado Mtn. Winefest can bring their wristband to the mountain for a free lift ride. The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway will have events from Mesa to Cedaredge.

FESTIVAL DETAILS

Sunset Grille & Bar
Open 9am-5pm
BBQ Lunch

Alpine Trader & Cafe
Open 9am-4pm
Pre-season super sale
Loki Outerwear demos and sale
Free tasting by Zesty Moose on September 26th

Lift Rides
10am-3pm
$10 Adults, $5 kids 12 & Under

Live Music
Flat Top Reed- September 19th, 1-4pm
Desert Moon Band- September 26th, 12-4pm

Today's Visitor

This little gal came by the office for a visit today

And had a snack

Text Us

We have a new service to receive powder alerts, updates and special deals right on your phone. Just text the word 'Powderhorn' to 69302. You can opt out anytime. Standard text message rates do apply.

Don't worry, we won't be texting you every day. Who has the time for that? You'll only hear from us when there's new snow or a new text deal for you to take advantage!

Colorful Display

With all these monsoons coming through it's been an entertaining few weeks. There's nothing better than watching a storm roll over Palisade point and through Plateau Valley.

This rainbow was putting on a show Saturday morning

High Atop the Towers

Our lift maintenance guys are working hard to make sure everything is up-to-date and safe for our guests come winter. Check out the view from his office...

Torture Time

It's always referred to as "trailer time" when the trailers for the new ski movies start coming out. But it can be a little like torture to watch people ripping through deep powder while it's 90 degrees outside.

Though it may be torture, it is the most pleasant form. Here's a few trailers for this year's flicks.

Absinthe Films- "NowHere"




Poor Boyz Productions- "Revolver"



TGR- "Light the Wick"

Guess the Run

Tried to make it a little tougher this week...

Season Pass Sale

Can you believe it's already here? Season passes go on sale August 1st! We encourage you to buy during August as the prices are lowest. For the complete list of rates, click here.

It's all about options this year. Full season passes or Mid-Week passes (valid Monday-Fridays all season). College and Military discount passes. The new Nordic Pass if you like to glide the West Bench system and want a ride to the top.

You even have more options on where to ski! Check out Durango Mtn. for the first time...or Monarch...or Ski Cooper...or Crested Butte....or take a family road trip down to New Mexico for Sipapu Resort. You can do it all for FREE! Crested Butte offers us unlimited half-price daily lift tickets. But if you stay in one of their lodging properties, you get up to 3 FREE tickets for the next day!

If you have any questions or issues with your order, you have another million options on how to reach us:
970-268-5700
ski@powderhorn.com
www.facebook.com/skipowderhorn
www.twitter.com/skipowderhorn
Or leave us a comment here on the blog

Guess the Run

Recognize it?

Summer Projects

Things are really picking up for us here at the mountain. Season passes go on sale August 1st which, in our minds, means it's officially pre-season.

If you've purchased a season pass in the last two years, you should see a postcard from us in your mailbox next week. It has all the rates, benefits and ordering info. Stick it on your fridge as a reminder to buy in August for the best price! This year, you do not have to enter your customer number when ordering. We've done away with it. Instead, when you enter your birth date it should pull up your information. Make sure to check that it is correct! If you've moved in the last few years we could have your old address.

In case you didn't hear, we've added Ski Cooper as a resort partner. Both full season and mid-week passholders will receive 3 free days (no blackouts). Many of you have asked about Crested Butte. Still working on it, don't worry!

We're also working on a new website that will include even easier navigation and tools that provide you with current information up front. You'll see what's new and the latest deals right on the home page.

The guys are also busy on the mountain. The lift maintenance crew just installed new state of the art electric drives on the Take Four quad and the EZ Rider to ensure reliability. The slope maintenance crews are busy keeping the mountain in shape, conducting forest service compliance projects and getting ready for mowing operations. That's right, we mow the lawn every summer. It actually helps us open earlier in the winter season.

Everything we do right now is focused on having another great ski season. See you on the slopes in December!

2010 Thigunawat 10k

Have you been training? Good. Because the 2010 Thigunawat 10k is coming up! This year the race is part of the 2010 TrailRunner Trophy Series.

August 7th at Powderhorn

Race begins 9:30am

Check out the website for early registration and more info.

Here is the course map (click to enlarge)

Exploring the Mesa

Last week a group of us were lucky enough to get a free guided ATV tour from the nice folks at Thunder Mountain Lodge (formerly Spruce Lodge). I tend to forget just how much space there is on the Grand Mesa. The views were incredible. And riding through aspens never gets old.

Big fluffy clouds building over the mesa

The gang taking a break on Green Mountain

What a view! You can see over to Crested Butte and the San Juans down by Ouray.

A big thanks to Mark at Thunder Mtn. Lodge for a great day!

Guess the Run

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! And still has all of their fingers...and eyebrows.

Here's this week's Guess the Run. Good luck!

(we're also playing the game over on our Facebook page if you prefer)

Project America Run

"On May 1st 2010, Mike Ehredt, a retired Postal Clerk and Army Veteran, touched the wheel of his jogger stroller in the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, OR and began an epic 4514 mile journey across the country to Honor and Remember Service Members lost in Iraq. He is currently placing flags that hold a yellow ribbon bearing the Name, Rank, Service, Age and Hometown of those whose dreams and ambitions were taken so quickly from us. The flags are being placed each mile along the roads he is traveling in reverse chronological order by date of death, till the very last flag is placed on the shores of the Atlantic in Rockland, Maine."
- From the Project America Run website.

This week Mike's journey brought him through our area. You may have seen his story on KKCO 11 News. Our business services director put Mike up for the night and got to hear amazing stories of the people he's met so far on his journey.

After a well deserved snack, Mike was off and running to Paonia.

Good luck Mike!