Colorado's Scenic Resort In The Rocky Mountains Offers A Stunning Winter Getaway

There seem to be endless opportunities to enjoy Colorado's winter wonderland. The mountainous state is home to dozens of ski resorts — and along with the slopes come exceptional views of snow-capped mountains and fir trees. But nestled to the north of the state's famous flat-topped Grand Mesa is Powderhorn Mountain Resort, which offers gorgeous scenery alongside runs catering to beginner and intermediate skiers.

In all, Powderhorn Mountain Resort stretches more than 1,600 acres twisted within mountainous terrain. Nearly 70% of its trails are classified as beginner or intermediate, meaning that even new and younger skiers can take in the breathtaking scenery from a majority of the trails at the expansive resort.

And don't worry if you find yourself missing those elevated views after your run. Powderhorn Mountain Resort offers five different ski lifts that will get you back to the top as soon as possible. While this might not be the ideal ski village for those looking for a romantic winter wonderland vacation, it's still a great destination for families looking to enjoy the white, wintry powder that coats this part of the United States each winter — about 250 inches of powder, in fact. All of this makes the skiing experience as comfortable as it is beautiful.

Skiing at Powderhorn Mountain Resort is certainly a top draw for many who are looking for a winter getaway. However, there are many other activities available at the resort as well. For starters, more than 10 miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails are available to explore. These maintained trails offer a way to reach the upper rim and take in calm, sweeping views of the Grand Mesa and the surrounding terrain.

The trails are easy to navigate but can reach elevations of up to 1,650 feet, so it's important to pack and dress appropriately for the weather. If you're unsure if skiing or snowshoeing are for you — or if you simply need to learn the basics — the resort offers free lessons during a limited time each winter. That way, guests who have never practiced these sports can take part in a three-day course that includes rental equipment at no extra charge.

When you're not on the slopes — or enjoying the trails' incredible winter views, which rival the best of Colorado's national park stunning mountain scenery — there are numerous events available for guests to partake in. During its Saturday Sounds event at its warm Sunset Bar & Grill, for example, guests can enjoy a variety of live musical performances. Alternatively, if you're interested in seeing more skilled and experienced skiers showcase their skills, schedule your visit during one of the resort's many race days or qualifying weekends, where you can watch alpine ski racers take to the slopes.

Winters at Powderhorn Mountain Resort are beautiful, but they are also undeniably cold. Daytime highs typically reach around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, while nighttime lows dip into the single digits. Fortunately, there are plenty of warm indoor options at the resort for guests to refuel and rest.

When it comes to dining, the Sunset Grill offers a variety of sandwiches and meat plates every day, regardless of whether a band is performing. For breakfast and lunch, most resort guests visit the Quickdraw Café to fuel up before or between ski runs. There is also an outdoor bar that offers adult beverages, alongside a food truck serving quick bites for those who want to spend as little time as possible eating before returning to the snowy slopes.

Overnight accommodations are also plentiful. The resort offers six tiny cabins for rent for those wanting to be near the ski lifts. Across the street from the resort are the Goldenwoods Condos, which are managed by a company other than the resort. Finally, in terms of actually getting there, the closest airport to Powderhorn Mountain Resort is about 45 minutes away in Grand Junction, Colorado. Better yet, the airport offers connections to and from Denver International Airport, which is among the most interesting U.S. airports that help make your layover more fun.