Don’t miss our guide to Grand Mesa: Colorado’s hidden gem for winter-loving families.
Nestled on the northern edge of Colorado’s Grand Mesa—the world’s largest flattop mountain—Powderhorn Mountain Resort is the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with skiing in the first place. With breathtaking views overlooking the Plateau Valley below and a commitment to keeping winter sports accessible, this resort is a refreshing alternative to the price-gouging mega-resorts that dominate the ski industry.
I’ve always gravitated toward smaller ski resorts when hitting the slopes with young kids. Years ago, we set out on an ambitious quest—to visit all 34 of Colorado’s ski resorts. Powderhorn, our 30th stop, proved well worth the wait!
To draw in more winter adventurers, the resort offers enticing “ski and stay” packages with budget-friendly lodging in Palisade, just a scenic 30-minute drive away. Even in winter’s hush, Palisade’s historic homes, vineyards, and orchards held their charm, making it an idyllic basecamp. We settled in at Wine Country Inn, one of the many affordable Ski & Stay options, and it couldn’t have been a better home away from home.
BONUS: With the money saved on lodging, be sure to splurge on Pêche restaurant in Palisade, one of our favorite culinary experiences ever. Scroll to the bottom for all the delicious details!
Powderhorn is a Mountain for Everyone
Powderhorn spans over 1,600 acres and receives a generous 250 inches of light, fluffy powder each season. The terrain breakdown caters to all skill levels, with 20% designated for beginners, 50% for intermediates, and 30% for advanced and expert skiers. Whether cruising down meticulously groomed runs, weaving through aspen and pine glades, or tackling the terrain park or volcanic boulder fields (covered in snow, of course), Powderhorn delivers a dynamic skiing experience without overwhelming crowds.
The main quad chairlift, Flat Top Flyer, provides smooth access to the mountain’s core, while the Easy Rider beginner lift and two surface lifts ensure that newcomers have a comfortable space to learn. More advanced skiers can venture west of Dude to the West End lift, where they’ll find steeper runs and hidden powder stashes.
The Powderhorn Experience: Uncrowded Slopes, Great Snow
Our visit coincided with nearly a foot of fresh snowfall in the past 24 hours, making for dreamlike skiing conditions (which included a whole lotta fog before the sun thankfully burned it off). Despite a bustling parking lot, lift lines were minimal, and it never felt congested on the slopes. Powderhorn received even more snow the previous week and its marketing rep said the resort sold out. When I asked when was considered capacity, she laughed and said, “When there’s no parking left.” A charming and telling answer that speaks to Powderhorn’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
We kicked off the morning carving turns off the quad, discovering terrain that struck the perfect balance between fun and challenge. By lunchtime, we refueled with tasty burgers on the sun-soaked deck. I chatted with a few moms chilling out while their 11-year-olds roamed the mountain together. “It’s great,” they said with a smile. “They have some freedom, and we don’t have to worry about them getting lost.”
While many skiers enjoyed the affordably-priced grill fare, glimpses of a bygone era lingered. Nearby, a few kids sat solo, digging into packed lunches from well-worn bags—no parents hovering, just the quiet independence of a different time. Downstairs in the lodge, I stumbled upon a reserved table for (gasp) a homeschool group, its surface completely engulfed by a sea of brown paper bags, exuding the same nostalgic energy as the lunch scenes from my childhood.
After lunch, we ventured over to the West End lift, which, while offering some of our favorite terrain, came with a caveat—the old two-seater chair lacks a safety bar and takes a slow 15-minute ride to the summit. The latest buzz is that Park City-based Pacific Group Resorts, which has managed Powderhorn for the past six years, has now acquired a majority stake in the resort. This could mean exciting upgrades on the horizon (including a much-needed West End lift upgrade). However, for those who love Powderhorn’s welcoming, homegrown feel, rest assured—the Denver-based Gart family will remain minority partners, ensuring that future real estate developments maintain the mountain’s signature charm.
Mission Affordability: Skiing Without the Sticker Shock
Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of Powderhorn is its Mission Affordability initiative. While other resorts continuously hike prices, Powderhorn remains reasonably priced. Adult and teen (13-74) all-mountain passes start at $64 while juniors (6-12) start at just $29. Want to take a lesson? A group two-hour class is just $149. From lift tickets to rentals and dining, this resort is committed to keeping skiing accessible for families who simply want to enjoy the mountain without financial stress.
Skiing in Its Purest Form
I hold an annual pass at a well-known mega-resort and while the variety of terrain is impressive, the experience often feels tainted by the constant upcharges—for parking, for food, for everything. Powderhorn was a breath of fresh air, both figuratively and literally. The focus here isn’t on luxury amenities or corporate profits—it’s on the mountain, the snow, and the camaraderie of fellow skiers who share a love for the sport.
Powderhorn reminded me why I love skiing. It’s about the crisp air, the friendly lift conversations, and the unfiltered joy of carving through fresh powder. Sometimes, the best skiing experiences aren’t about going bigger, but about finding a place that truly feels like home on the slopes.
Crafting Candlelight: A Cozy Evening with Orchard Air
In the summer, Palisade, Colorado, overflows with farmer’s markets and roadside fruit stands, while winter evenings take on a quieter charm, filled with cozy dining and fine wine. After a full day on the slopes, we embraced the slower pace with a candle-making class hosted by Orchard Air at The Ordinary Fellow.
Named after an old English pub, The Ordinary Fellow’s tasting room is a story in itself—once a humble peach packing shed, now a chic and inviting space. Though we’re not wine drinkers, we thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on candle-making experience, a unique monthly event that draws a fun crowd. The night before, the Palisade Historical Society had hosted one of its regular talks on local history, reinforcing The Ordinary Fellow’s role as more than just a tasting room—it’s a true community gathering place.
A Culinary Feast
Pêche in Palisade is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience, a masterclass in creativity and flavor. This hidden gem is as much about the experience as it is about the food. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a cozy, yet elegant ambiance that hints at the culinary delights to come. The menu is a masterful blend of local flavors and international flair, with each dish feeling like a celebration of the region’s bounty.
Butternut ravioli
The freshly baked sourdough’s golden crust crackled under our fingers to reveal a pillowy-soft interior. Then came the butternut sage maple ravioli, a dish so artfully crafted it required instructions: “Eat it in one bite.” We obeyed—and were rewarded with an explosion of flavors, a cloud of sweet and savory perfection that left us momentarily speechless. Easily one of the best bites of our lives.
The Tikka Masala Tour of India transported us across continents, each element—a fragrant mound of saffron rice, puffy naan, a refreshing mint accouterment, and a tangy pickled side—adding layers to the journey. And then, the American Rib-eye, seared tableside on a sizzling hot-rock grill, its aroma mingling with the crisp pommes frites, a show-stopping basil pesto and perfectly charred lettuce.
Just when we thought the theatrics were over, the grand finale arrived: crème brûlée. But Peche doesn’t just torch the sugar—they brand it. A flat, flaming-hot iron pressed into the custard right before our eyes, sending up a caramelized perfume and sealing the night with a crackly, golden crust.
Gracious staff, a casually elegant atmosphere, and dishes that danced between innovation and comfort—it all made for one of the most memorable meals of our lives. Pêche, French for “peach,” lived up to its name in every way. Culinary bliss!
Thank you to Powderhorn and Palisade for hosting our family on this memorable vacation!
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
