Snow Fun for Everyone—Start Here on Colorado's Western Slope

New to winter on the Western Slope? Or just want to try something new this winter? Grand Junction is a great jumping-off point for several winter sports you can enjoy on the Grand Mesa and elsewhere nearby.

Western Colorado delivers all the fun of a mountain getaway—without the crowds or high prices of bigger ski towns. On Grand Mesa, you can learn at your own pace and enjoy snow adventures that fit every comfort level.

Cross-Country Skiing on the Grand Mesa

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The Grand Mesa is one of the best places to cross-country ski anywhere in Western Colorado. If you try it and love it, the season lasts from November to April (depending on the snow). Grand Mesa Nordic Council maintains over 30 miles of trails near the Skyway and County Line trailheads.

Pack up your gear or rent the equipment you need, and you can be cross-country skiing in one hour or less. Beginners will enjoy the Vista Loop and Tower Trails. The snow is deep, dry, and a great place to learn to glide.

Snowmobiling & UTV Adventures

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When the snow starts to pile up, Grand Mesa offers incredible snowmobile routes through the Grand Mesa National Forest. Check with Thunder Mountain Lodge to join a guided tour this winter, and explore a scenic loop to Alexander Lake. Longer rides explore the Land’s End Observatory area. RZR or side-by-sides with snow tracks can really go way out exploring Vega State Park, or follow trails around Mesa Lakes Resort.

Learn to Downhill Ski at Powderhorn

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Checking the snow report and heading for Powderhorn means Grand Junction residents can hit the slopes in less than an hour. Powderhorn Mountain Resort is the best option in Western Colorado for those who love to ski as often as possible.

Want a big five-star ski vacation? Head for Vail. Want to ski multiple times per week without needing a second mortgage? Powderhorn is your mountain. It’s a great place to learn to ski with beginner-friendly terrain, short lines, and budget lesson packages. Take that half-day lesson and you’ll be hooked.

Sledding & Snow Tubing

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Families love sledding at the Old Powderhorn Ski area (a little further up the Mesa past the current Powderhorn location). This sweet sledding spot is near Camp Hope, just past the Plateau Valley Observation Point, and the Grand Mesa National Forest sign. Little ones may prefer the easier slopes found on the hill near Ward Creek Reservoir. If it snows in Grand Junction, the city's Duck Park Pond is another great spot for kids to hit the sled.

Ice Fishing on the Western Slope

From Rifle to the Grand Mesa, Western Colorado is loaded with many frozen lakes to visit during the winter season. Ice fishing is usually best between December and March. Hotspots on the Grand Mesa include Island Lake, Vega Reservoir, and Cottonwood Lake (if you can get there through the snow). Trout action here is usually excellent. Early mornings are best. Use a spud bar before you drill.

Tammy Yeokum

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Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams