The world’s largest flat top mountain is the Grand Mesa in Grand Junction, Colorado; it’s also a winter sports paradise. With Powderhorn Ski Resort offering $35 lift tickets, plus miles of groomed Nordic trails, two tubing hills, and a network of snowmobiling trails, the Grand Mesa is waiting to be explored. Not only that, but at an elevation of 10,839 feet, snow conditions are ideal now for skinny skiing, tele turns, snowshoeing and more.
Grand Junction, Colo.– January 20, 2012 – In Grand Junction, Colorado, no matter how unseasonably warm it may seem in town, winter is a season that is easily accessible by car. The Grand Mesa, one of the magnificent geologic features that borders the Western Colorado hub to the east, is just 45-60 minutes from downtown. At an elevation well over 10,000 feet, the Grand Mesa receives approximately 300 inches of snow per season. That’s plenty of snow for plenty of fun, all winter long. To take advantage of the prime snow conditions and endless opportunities for winter recreation, put the skis on roof rack, snowshoes in the trunk, or fuel up the sleds and head to Grand Junction’s Grand Mesa today.
Through the month of January, Powderhorn Ski Resort is offering $35 midweek (Monday-Friday) lift tickets for anyone holding a 2011-12 season ski pass from any Colorado ski resort. Even at the regular price of $56 for an adult lift ticket, Powderhorn is always affordable especially for access to over 600 acres of skiable terrain served by four lifts. Two terrain parks keep things interesting and a half pipe gives snowboarders a venue to show off. A hit with families, the tubing hill is served by a new lift opened earlier in the month. Now kids (and adults too) can experience the joy of sliding downhill without the exhausting hike back up. The tubing hill is open daily beginning at10:00 AM, tickets are sold in one-hour increments and include the tube rental. Another popular tubing hill is located 10 miles from Powderhorn on Highway 65, just past the Camp Kiwanis sign. Here at the Old Mesa Ski Hill, sledders will have to bring their gear along and traverse up the hill under their own power, but the thrilling descent will make the effort worthwhile.
“People don’t always associate Colorado’s wine country with ski country. The Nordic and snowmobiling trails alone on the Grand Mesa are among the most extensive in the state of Colorado,” said Barb Bowman, Division Manager for the Grand Junction Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Begin a Nordic skiing excursion on one of the trails groomed and maintained by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council (GMNC). These include Skyway at mile marker 32 and County Line at mile marker 30, both rated easy. Only Skyway is dog-friendly and features a newly installed warming hut with a wood burning stove. The two systems are interconnected and together provide a multitude of skiing options. Both Skyway and County Line feature a groomed skating track. Snowshoers are welcome to use any of the Nordic trails, but are asked to stay off the groomed area reserved for Nordic skating. Both of these trail systems would be magical at night, during a full moon. The Ward Lake system at mile marker 25 is more remote and challenging. Plan to encounter ungroomed portions of trail and greater elevation changes. All the trails are snowmobile-free (except for the groomers), and free of charge but donations are appreciated and help maintain the trails and support the GMNC’s many educational programs.
Snowmobilers have their own extensive labyrinth of trails on which to ride. The S-P (Sunlight to Powderhorn) trail alone is 120 miles long and acts as the backbone of the trail network, with an additional 180 miles of smaller trails intersecting it. The riding options are almost unlimited. Some favorite Grand Mesa trips include rides to Land O’ Lakes Overlook with spectacular views of 16 frozen, snow covered lakes surrounded by stands of evergreens. Be sure to bring binoculars on the Land’s End trail which features breathtaking panoramic views from Aspen past Crested Butte, Lake City, Ouray, Telluride and into Utah. Numerous outfitters offer snowmobiling tours and rentals and can guide visitors to the best views and places to play all within a half day’s ride.
Whether snowmobiling, skiing or snowshoeing, this season has been an excellent one for wildlife viewing. While out on the trail keep an eye out for owls and the rare snowshoe hare, both of which have been spotted in abundance according to the GMNC. More common sightings include mule deer, elk, foxes, coyotes, ermines and weasels.
The Grand Mesa is an easy drive from Grand Junction. Take 1-70 eastbound to Exit 49 at DeBeque Canyon where State Highway 65 begins, a designated National Scenic and Historic Byway. Powderhorn is located 20 miles from I-70 and the Grand Mesa Nordic trails are another ten miles past the ski resort. For more information about snowmobiling tours, outfitters and all the winter recreational opportunities available near Grand Junction, Colorado, please contact the Grand Junction Convention and Visitors Bureau at 970-244-1488 or 800-962-2547, or visit online at http://www.visitgrandjunction.com/.
