How to Go Skiing in Powderhorn, Colorado

Throw up a daffy or hold an iron cross on the snow-covered hills of Powderhorn, Colorado. The mountain has a summit elevation of 9,850 feet, a vertical drop of 1,650 feet and 600 ski-able acres.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Book Your Trip to Powderhorn

1. Choose a suite at the on-site Inn at Wildewood if you want to open your door to the slopes. Rates are inexpensive to moderate. For reservations call [phone].

2. Book accommodations in one of the fully-furnished condos at the Goldenwoods Condominiums at Powderhorn for rooms with a view. Rates are more expensive than at the Inn. Call [phone] or send an email to [e-mail] to make reservations.

3. Book accommodations around Powderhorn online by visiting the Colorado Tourism Office Web site (see Resources below) and following the links to local hotels that appear when you do an accommodations search. You can also call (800) COLORADO.

4. Get a ski-'n-stay deal at a nearby mid-level hotel for an inexpensive lodging and lift tickets package. See the Powderhorn Web site (see Resources below) for a list of participating providers, then call the providers directly.

5. Take Highway 65 into Powderhorn. The mountain is located about half an hour from Grand Junction, Colorado in Mesa.

6. Take a lesson or two with Powderhorn's ski school. Whether it's your first trip or your hundredth, Powderhorn has the class for you. Reserve a spot by calling [phone], extension 2080.

7. Purchase a season pass if you plan to visit Powderhorn, Colorado often. If you are purchasing season passes for a family of eight or more, call [phone].

8. Check out Powderhorn's special programs from the ski school. There are classes for skiers 50 and over, classes only for women, and classes on Nordic downhilling. Log on to the Web site to see all available options. Make reservations at [phone].

See What Powderhorn Has to Offer

9. Log on to the Powderhorn Web site for a snow report and information on the mountain. Note that 80 percent of the courses are intermediate to expert level.

10. Look at trail maps online to get a feel for the area. Powderhorn also offers a terrain park if you want to add tricks and other elements of style to your repertoire.

11. Download and print all of Powderhorn's brochures to take with you on your trip.

Get Ready To Hit the Slopes

12. Purchase your lift tickets at any ticket window. Prices are listed online.

13. Rent ski or snowboard equipment if you do not have your own. A major credit card is required as a deposit.

14. Let Powderhorn's certified technicians tune up your ski or snowboard equipment. Services include scratch repair, waxing and sharpening.

15. Drop off the kids at the Children's Learning Center. Book a ski lesson or just let the kids run around and play. A reservation can be made by calling [phone]. Only children ages 3 to 7 are permitted.

Tips & Warnings

• The Powderhorn Resort offers telephone booking for on-site accommodations but not online booking. The Colorado Tourism Office Web site offers links to accommodations providers but does not allow you to book directly through its site.
• First-time skiers and snowboarders can refer to Powderhorn's Web site for a detailed write-up on what to wear, what to bring and what to expect on your first day out on the slopes.
• Book online through a major travel engine to research the widest range of accommodations options.