Many choose Colorado for a ski vacation and head to the popular ski resorts of Vail, Aspen, or Breckenridge and often forget about Colorado’s Western Slope. Locals and Colorado natives will tell you some of the best skiing is found near Grand Junction.
Resting along the Grand Mesa, the area around Grand Junction offers spectacular views of rugged cliffs, high-top mesas, and deep canyons that make this one of the more scenic areas in the state. Discover epic powder, fewer crowds, no lift lines, and scenic landscapes with these ski resorts near Grand Junction.
Here are the ski areas near Grand Junction, CO, in order of proximity:
Powderhorn Resort – 40 miles / 45 minutes
Beautifully situated on the edge of the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world, Powderhorn is just as scenic as it is a fun place to hit the slopes. This family-friendly resort features over half of its terrain for beginners and intermediate but also is known to those looking for a challenge as having a reputation for phenomenal tree skiing.
Visitors will enjoy no lift lines, deep powder, uncrowded slopes, and fresh tracks that aren’t hard to come across.
They offer a full-service Ski & Ride center, equipment rental, plus dining, shopping, and lodging at the base area. Beyond lodging options in nearby Grand Junction, Mesa, and Palisade, Powderhorn also provides tiny homes for rent. Located at the base of the ski area, The Tiny Home Project at Powderhorn offers fully-equipped tiny homes that can sleep up to eight people.
Operating since 1966, Powderhorn latest logo was inspired by its original from the 1960s to promote the updates and changes coming to the resort. So, be on the lookout for some modern upgrades and new amenities!
Powderhorn offers 1,600 acres of skiable area, two terrain parks, 63 runs, 5 chair lifts, and all levels of terrain, with 70% of either beginner or intermediate runs. The ski area rests at a base elevation of 8,200 feet (2,499 meters), and its summit elevation touches 9,850 feet (3,002 meters). The annual average snowfall is 250 inches.
48338 Powderhorn Rd, Mesa | 970-268-5700 | powderhorn.com
Sunlight Mountain Resort – 98 miles / 1.75 hours
Located between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale, Sunlight Mountain Resort has been in operation for over 60 years providing visitors with big skiing at an affordable price. A family-friendly ski resort, Sunlight features 50% of its terrain for beginner or intermediate.
Enjoy perks like free parking, easy walk to lifts, no lift lines, and family packages for kids 12 and under who can ski for free. And for those who want to test their skills at cross-country skiing, the resort offers 18 miles of groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails.
All lifts and runs lead back to the base area, where visitors will find the Brettelberg Condominiums for those who want a weekend ski getaway. Plus, lodging options in nearby Glenwood Springs and Carbondale provide those staying a while with many options. Be sure to complete your ski weekend with a relaxing visit to the local area hot springs.
Sunlight offers 730 acres of skiable area, one terrain park, 67 trails, chair lifts, and terrain built for all skill levels. The ski area rests at a base elevation of 7,880 feet (2,402 meters), and its summit elevation reaches 9,895 feet (3,016 meters). The annual average snowfall is 250 inches.
10901 Co Rd 117, Glenwood Springs | 970-945-7491 | sunlightmtn.com
Aspen/Snowmass – 127 miles / 2.25 hours
In about the same mileage and time as Telluride, you could consider the four Aspen/Snowmass ski resorts as well. These include, in order of quickness: Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain.
If you’re willing to put in the drive time, any of these four are between two and two and half hours, (in optimal conditions) from Grand Junction. Aspen boasts some of Colorado’s best downhill terrain with multiple ski resorts including, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.
They each offer their unique vibe and terrain that accommodates all skill levels. Aspen is well worth the day trip from Grand Junction to experience world-class skiing at its best.
Telluride – 127 miles / 2.5 hours
If you’re up for an adventure, check out the historic and charming mountain town of Telluride and the Telluride Ski Resort. Surrounded by massive mountain peaks and a unique scenic landscape that makes it one of the most visited towns in Colorado, not just for its skiing but also its beauty. The Telluride Ski Resort sits above the town with easy access between the two via the free Gondola ride.
Visitors love the resort’s unique history, legendary terrain, stunning mountain views, and all the amenities available at the Telluride Mountain Village. Catering to both beginners and expert skiers and riders, the resort is known for its wide-open runs, well-groomed blues as well as their, glade skiing, deep bowls, and challenging chutes.
565 Mountain Village Blvd, Telluride | 800-778-8581 | tellurideskiresort.com
Uncover your favorite ski destination in Western Colorado. These ski resorts are all within a two-and-a-half drive of Grand Junction. And for those willing to go three hours consider Purgatory Resort, just north of Durango, Colorado.
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