Colorado Ski Season Is Coming: Powderhorn Tickets Now Available

Recent Grand Mesa snowfall has Western Slope skiers thinking about opening day at Powderhorn Mountain Resort. It will be here before we know it, scheduled for Friday, November 20.

Snowfall on October 13 and 14 has some in Grand Junction ready to hit the slopes right now, but the question is whether temperatures and snowfall will cooperate as the mountain prepares to welcome skiers back. Here's what the opening plans tell us so far.

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When Can Western Colorado Skiers Hit the Slopes?

Powderhorn Ski Tickets Are on Sale Ahead of Colorado Winter

Read More: Colorado's Massive New Chairlift Is Changing Powderhorn

Powderhorn Resort offers more than 1,600 acres of terrain, with 70% of the runs perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. These stats are part of the reason Grand Junction loves to ski at Powderhorn. The Grand Valley will be watching the weather closely ahead of November 20. The resort describes the date as tentative, and its official website provides webcams, trail reports, and operational updates. The resort is already offering 2026–27 lift tickets and passes.

What Powderhorn Has Announced for the New Season

Powderhorn faithful are excited to see the new Wild West Express High-Speed Quad Chairlift, which will replace the old West End double chairlift, in operation since 1972. Construction was progressing in August, and the plan is to have the lift open in December, a few weeks after Powderhorn’s tentative November 20 season opener. The new lift is being refurbished from Snowmass and is part of Powderhorn’s broader investment in the mountain experience.

How Much Does the Dry Summer Matter?

Powderhorn Ski Tickets Are on Sale Ahead of Colorado Winter

Read More: The Mountains Locals Love When Colorado’s Big Resorts Jam Up

According to Drought.gov, 100% of Mesa County has been reporting drought conditions from January through September 2026. It’s been the 15^th driest stretch in the last 132 years. Resort conditions depend on factors including snowfall, temperatures, and snowmaking opportunities. The Colorado snow survey provides ongoing mountain snowpack and water data as winter develops and is a great resource leading up to opening day on the mountain.